Sonoma 4-H Program

The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence. The order went into effect on March 19, 2020 and is in place until further notice.

What this means for 4-H
The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE), the home organization for 4-H, has cancelled, postponed, or moved to a webinar platform for in-person educational programs and events at least through May 10, 2020. Leaders and event planners should assess meetings, events, gatherings that are scheduled for May 11-31, 2020 and plan for the possibility that there may be extension of this directive, requiring additional cancellations. During this time, staff, 4-H volunteers, and youth members also may not represent U.C. or 4-H at in-person meetings/events/gatherings.

UCCE Sonoma 4-H Office is closed to the public through April 7. UC Cooperative Extension staff are working remotely and supporting 4-H volunteers through teleconference platforms and providing service through telephone and email. We appreciate your flexibility and patience in contributing to the broader community effort to safeguard everyone’s health.

4-H meetings and events going virtual, being canceled, or postponed at least through May 10
We are encouraging 4-H volunteer club leaders and project leaders to provide individual activities or try virtual 4-H meetings. We also encourage 4-H volunteer leaders to keep in touch with their 4-H members. The most essential component of youth development is when young people have positive, sustained, and trusting relationships with a caring, competent, and committed adult.

Status of 4-H meetings
Please check with your 4-H club or project leader for the status of your local 4-H club. For 4-H countywide meetings, most will be held virtually; Fashion Revues in Sonoma and Marin are still deciding on options. We will provide updates regarding summer events, including fairs or 4-H summer camps, as information is made available.

For more information on UC ANRs response, please visit http://ucanr.edu/covid19

To explore virtual meeting options, please contact us to discuss. You might consider Skype, Google Hangouts, or ZOOM. UCCE has a zoom.us account and we can setup individual meeting rooms. Contact Diego Mariscal at damariscal@ucanr.edu; or Michelle Nozzari at mnozzari@ucanr.edu.

What is 4-H?

The Sonoma County 4-H program, established in 1926, helps young people, ages 5-19, reach their fullest potential as competent, confident individuals who contribute to and are connected with their communities.

In 4-H programs, youth serve in leadership roles where they set goals, develop plans, complete projects, and reflect on their experiences. Youth are encouraged to discover their passions, adopt a growth mindset, practice self-reflection and set goals. 4-H projects and programs are focused around citizenship, healthy living, and STEM.

Using an experiential educational model, 4-H helps youth develop essential skills that they will use throughout their lives, such as identifying and nurturing interests, desiring knowledge, setting goals, self-reflection, adapting to new situations, communicating, and responding to the needs of others.