Date: April 30, 2025

Time: 5:00 PM

Presented by:
Gabe Ringley
2025 Virginia 4-H Civic Engagement Youth-in-Action Winner

Description:
This session will empower 4-H adult volunteers with the knowledge and tools to create welcoming environments for Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth and families. Learn practical communication strategies, accessibility tips, and cultural awareness to support full participation in 4-H programs. Whether you’re meeting someone who signs for the first time or seeking ways to adapt activities, this session offers hands-on guidance to help all youth thrive in 4-H. 

Date:  May 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM

Presented by:
Joseph Y. Cho, Anna Glenn, Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins, Arnelle Quashie, Kai Huang, Jessica Milton

University of Maryland - Maryland 4-H

Description:
A training was conducted with an adult audience to describe the significance of cultural competency and define unconscious biases that can impact stakeholder engagement. In a hands-on session, adult learning theories will teach concepts that allow for internal reflection and open programming planning. At the end of the session, participants will leave with strategies and tools that can be used to immediately. If implemented, the tools and best practices gained from this session will impact Extension across the country. This session will help to dismantle the adage that Extension is the “best kept secret”. Educators who leave this session will be better equipped to share the message widely to many audiences regardless of geographic location. 

Date:  May 4, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM

Presented by:
Christina Galardi, Data Integration Specialist
Virginia Cooperative Extension - Virginia Tech

Description:
Hosting events, implementing projects, or teaching new skills--a good plan is key to reaching any of these goals. Backwards planning is one strategy for getting organizing, staying on top of the details, and avoiding 'crunch time' situations. This interactive workshop will cover the basics of backwards planning and share tips and tricks for using it with your 4-H program activities. After this session, you could even coach teen leaders in these skills too! 

Date: May 5, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM

Presented by:
Mandi Dolan, Extension Agent
Virginia Cooperative Extension - Virginia Tech

Description:
Dive into the True Colors Personality Assessment to learn about who you are, what qualities make you unique, and how recognizing your personality strengths can positively influence the productivity and effectiveness of the groups with which you work. 

Personality Quiz:
Participants will want to have access to the True Colors Personality Quiz during the session.

Date: May 6, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM

Presented by:
Christina Ruszczyk-Murray, Volunteer Engagement Specialist
Virginia Cooperative Extension - Virginia Tech

Description:
In this workshop, we'll explore how to effectively communicate the value of your volunteer work and better understand the communication styles. We'll dive into: • Simple ways to tell your story of impact • Different communication styles • And listening! 

Date: May 6, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM

Presented by:
Amy Lang & Anna Glenn, 4-H Youth Development Educators
University of Maryland - Maryland 4-H

Description:
The session will begin move participants through a series of activities that have been developed and piloted in Maryland to help youth facilitators move beyond the theory of the 4-H Thriving Model to practical ways to ensure that it is embedded within their programs. As the Thriving Champions for the State of Maryland, the facilitators have created and piloted a number of resources to help volunteers ensure that their program is helping youth Thrive. We have a planning tool called “Signs of a Great Club Meeting” that breaks down the key developmental context elements and prompts facilitators to consider if they’ve incorporated the elements of the 4-H Thriving Model in their program. We also have a resource called “Fun Ways to Foster Belonging in your Club” with quick, easy tips to ensure that all youth enjoy the vital sense of belonging critical to youth thriving. Finally, we have a resource that helps facilitators consider how competitive teams and events align with the 4-H Thriving Model. Join us for a discussion of how to move from theory to practical application as we tour the resources, and how they can be used. 

Date: May 7, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM

Presented by:
Tara Brent & Karen Baker, 4-H Extension Agents
Virginia Cooperative Extension - Virginia Tech

Description:
No matter what project or program a volunteer is leading in 4-H, positive youth development principles should be at the core. These principles include developing life skills, leadership, understanding ages and stages of youth development, empowerment of others, practicing youth-adult partnerships, ability to motivate and encourage youth and appreciating diversity. Come to this session to learn more about positive youth development, engage in interactive lessons, and increase your impact on the youth you serve! 

Date: May 8, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM

Presented by:
Alyssa Walden, Associate Specialist & Deputy State 4-H Leader
Virginia Cooperative Extension - Virginia Tech

Description:
Volunteers are the heart of Virginia 4-H, creating meaningful experiences that help young people grow into confident, capable leaders. But what makes a truly high-quality 4-H experience? This interactive session will introduce volunteers to the Virginia 4-H Principles of Program Quality, providing a clear framework for creating engaging and impactful programs. Through real-life examples and hands-on activities, participants will explore key principles such as positive youth-adult partnerships, experiential learning, and intentional program design. We’ll discuss practical ways to bring these principles to life in club meetings, camps, and special events—ensuring every young person feels a sense of belonging and purpose. Whether you’re a new volunteer looking for guidance or a seasoned leader seeking fresh ideas, this session will equip you with strategies to enhance your 4-H programming and empower youth to thrive. Join us and discover how you can help create transformative 4-H experiences that inspire and engage the next generation!

Date: May 13, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM

Presented by:
Lisa Ingram & Jodi Smith, Extension 4-H Associate Professors
West Virginia University

Description:
As a 4-H volunteer, you are more than just a project leader—you are a mentor, a guide, and a catalyst for growth. You help shape not only what young people learn, but who they become. This session is designed to equip you with the tools, strategies, and inspiration to more intentionally support youth as they prepare for life beyond 4-H. This training focuses on positive youth development through the cultivation of essential soft skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills—often called “real-world readiness” or “essential” skills—are vital in today’s workforce and are increasingly recognized by employers and educators as key to long-term success. Yet, they are not always taught directly in schools. That’s where 4-H comes in—and where you come in. This session will introduce you to hands-on skill-building stations that simulate real-world activities you can implement with youth. You’ll walk away from this training with ready-to-use strategies, a toolkit of hands-on activities, and a deeper understanding of your unique role in helping youth bridge the gap between club experiences and future readiness.