2023 Virtual Conference Recorded Content

4-H Military Partners Conference
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Anyone working with military-connected youth in 4-H programming is invited to view the recordings from the 2023 conference. The conference, hosted by the 4-H Military Partnership and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture,​ through a grant agreement with North Carolina State University is at no cost for participants.

At registration, participants receive a unique registration code and access to the conference recording platform. Session recordings and supporting information from the presenters are available for viewing through July 1, 2024.
Shannon McKain
Creating a RALLY Mentality
​Missouri 4-H alum, Shannon McKain joined 4-H at the insistence of her mom, also a 4-H alum. Living in Kansas City, she took her cat to show at the county fair and hasn't looked back since. Whether 4-H project work, living on a raft in the Everglades or kayaking a river for miles, Shannon rallies to meet a challenge. This RALLY mentality is adaptable and one for us to adopt and share with our military-connected youth and families.  Shannon shares her five-step method to figuring out where you are, what hurdles are blocking your way, and how to effectively overcome them to achieve your personal and professional goals. To learn more about Shannon, visit her website.
Generations Working Together
​With up to five generations working side-by-side in many workplaces, it’s imperative for employees and management to understand how different generations think and act on the job, and on the client side. Shannon McKain explores how to build bridges rather than barriers working together. Focusing particularly on technology and our changes in communication, Shannon will share ideas to help us work with those who approach technology differently. She will help us consider are we connected or connecting? And how would we like to change our approaches to build a stronger connection.

Dan Faill

Free to Fail: Unlocking the Secret to
​Successful Leadership​
What if there was a way to successfully fail? Imagine how that could change the perception of "failure" in your life or work life. Dan Faill guides us through the concept Phases of Failure so we can see how to effectively shift our mindset so we want to embrace the concept of failure as a cornerstone to success. During his workshop, participants gain a better understanding of how vulnerability and failure play into the overall concept of what it means to lead successfully. Whether working currently leading others or working directing with youth, Dan's secrets help guide us all to be better at the work we do.

How to Be More Willing to Fail (WTF)
Let's take some time to dig a little deeper into how we can incorporate more failure moments into our lives and organizations. Dn Faill brings the opportunity to discuss opportunities to fail in our programs and helps us identify specific ways to implement the Phases of Failure into our teams and organizations using the Phases of Failure workbook. Think about what is possible when anything is possible and failure is an option for learning, this session brings together ideas from the Wednesday session as well as adding to skills we can use not only with our coworkers and teams but also with our youth as we build their strengths and resilience.

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​Emily Golinsky

Say This, Not That
If you've ever found yourself lost for words in a situation, or worse, you've said something that you realize immediately after fanned the flames, don't worry! You're in very good company; we've ALL been there feeling unprepared, at a loss, or put on the spot. Having a repertoire of go-to responses that are guaranteed to work in certain situations is a gift you can give yourself right now! You'll leave this session with simple, specific phrases added to your toolbox so you can feel confident walking into - and getting out of - difficult conversations and complicated situations.. They're applicable to behavior management, addressing bullying, staff supervision, customer service, and even that family member who is driving you nuts on holidays! 
When Kids Can't Relax
Over the past several years we have seen a marked increase in participants who are experiencing anxiety symptoms, panic attacks, and related mental health challenges during youth programs. Emily developed this session with guidance from an LICSW and designed it specifically for those of us who work in youth programs Discover  anxiety signs & symptoms and learn about how those symptoms present in youth (which differs from what we see in adults). The session covers signs of a panic attack and how to provide on-the-spot help to a person who is experiencing one along with specific strategies  to support youth in your programs who present with anxiety-based needs.   
From Our Teens: Town Hall Meetings​

Earlier this year, military-connected youth helped the adults who work with them to better understand their concerns and struggles while engaging them in civic discourse through our town hall meetings, Lead with Voice.  During the session, Jason and Lauren will share the results from the town halls and have discussions to use the information to promote youth voice in programming  Furthermore, session attendees will learn about hosting similar town hall meetings of their own and be provided with an informational DIY Youth Town Hall Kit.


Jason Estep & Lauren Healey

​Keri Hobbs & Laura Goss

Healthy Living and Food Security Programming
The Georgia 4-H VISTA AmeriCorps Summer Associates seek to engage an additional 50 youth through the Georgia 4-H Summer Health Squad lessons and to support the local community with food security initiatives. Summer VISTA Associates attend state coordinated training to learn preselected healthy living and food security lessons to take back to their counties. Associates then teach and engage community members with hands-on learning initiatives around topics like hand washing, food access, food insecurity and how to address food insecurity, mindfulness and healthy eating, and other unique topics relevant to their area. Participants in today's session will learn about AmeriCorps VISTA project, lgoals and management, and receive examples of how to implement a similar project.
Charlene Sanchez
Connecting You to Your Best MilLife
Working with military-connected youth and families, we often are the connector to additional resources. We, too, can find these helpful for our learning and understanding to support our audience better. Learn how Military OneSource helps the military community thrive by connecting service members and families to the resources they need to live their best MilLife: when, where, and how they need it.  We'll explore what and who is available to help support and have the opportunity to ask questions and find options for both our families and ourselves.

​Voices from Our Programs
Hosted by Dr. Casey Mull, Indiana 4-H State Leader and the 4-H Military Partnership Liaison for the 4-H PLWG, Emmalee P, Ainsley C., Xavien G, and Cade V, share their stories. Our youth are our strong asset. We can't plan for them, without them and our panelists share their experiences and ideas for making the best better in youth programs.  Each young person has had a very different 4-H experience and through these we are able to see how we might engage, connect, and build programming to make the best better for your teens.

Micro- Learning Short Videos

The 4-H Military Partnership

For more than 25 years, 4-H and the military have partnered to make the best better. Hear from members of the 4-H Military Partnership including leaders, youth, and families and learn more about the opportunities in the 4-H Military Partnership from those who have a strong history and experience. 
Maria Beaulieu
Youth Adult Partnerships
Harnessing the power of teens is an important element of successful youth programs. Creating an environment where teens and adults work together is even more powerful. Maria shares best practices and strategies for working with youth to create great programs and grow great leaders.
Beverley Cash
Building Communication Across Generations
Programs run across multiple generations from the youth we serve through senior professionals and volunteers. How do you effectively communicate your message across the great divides? Here are some tried and true tips from a professional who juggles multi-generational communication issues.
Ainsley Carpenter
Creating 4-H Programs where Military Youth Connect
Sharing her experiences as a 4-H military-connected youth, Ainsley shares ideas to connect with military-connected families. Infused in the presentation are results from the National 4-H Conference and the youth engaged in the military partnership challenge question.
Justin Bower
Thriving: Teens & Camp
It's exciting to have a national youth development model that brings the 4-H system together, like the Thriving Model. Learn how Ohio 4-H led a teen leadership camp for military-connected youth focusing on the Thriving Model and how youth can apply it directly to their life and being a leader.
Niki Crawsen
Peaceful Rest for the Restless
There is nothing worse than a sleepless night, tossing and turning, hiding under the covers as the rising sun appears to start the day. It leaves one struggling, snapping at your friend, miserably watching the clock for the day to end, only to find sleep eludes you once again at bedtime. Learn about mindful rest and the various healthy techniques to aid in sleep, such as deep breathing exercises and aromatherapy

For Conference Presenters

Information and the presenter portal are available for presenters.