By the looks of the enrollments coming into the office, it appears that clubs are off to a good start for the year. Remember that all livestock/horse enrollments must be turned in to the office by 4:30 on January 5th. Encourage your members that are 15-18 to enroll in a Clover Challenge project. Members must have Clover Challenge Agreement completed and to the office by Jan. 5th. They will also need to meet with me to discuss their plans for the project.

Super Saturday is shaping up nicely. If you have any suggestions for topics, there are still a few slots that need filled.

In the Nov/Dec Clover Courier, two 4-Hers names were hidden in the newsletter. Those 4-Hers must contact me by Dec. 1st to claim their prize. Two more members will be selected at random and listed in the Jan/Feb edition.

Please encourage members and parents to keep their email address updated at the office. Email enables me to get information to everyone quickly and affordably. Please note that all important information will still be mailed to a members house. Anyone that would like to stop receiving a paper copy of the Members Newsletter can contact the Quincy Office and an electronic version will be emailed to them.

FEBRUARY LEADERS' MEETING will be Tuesday February 24 at 6:30 in the basement of the Quincy Office. Please RSVP by Friday Feb. 20th.

As always, if you need anything, please contact me at 223-8380, 773-3013, or cmorey@illinois.edu.

Christine Morey

4-H Program Coordinator

· New Member Contest ends January 5th. Winning club receives $25 towards a pizza party.

· New Member Party—Wednesday, Feb. 4th from 6:30 to 8 pm in the U of I Extension office basement. All new members and their parents are invited to attend. RSVP by Jan 23rd.

· Culture Kit from Croatia will be available in December. The Poland kit will be available in April. Call the Quincy office to reserve a kit for your club. They are available on a first come first- served basis, so call early.

· The 12-14 Conference has been canceled for 2009, due to issues with lodging.

· Please remember to turn in your completed 4-H Survey found in the last Leaders' Edition of the Clover Courier.

The role of the adult leader is crucial to the success of the Youth Leader. The adult leader is a guide, supporter, and helper for the Youth Leader.

Steps in Supporting Youth Leaders:

Meet with potential Youth Leaders. Talk about club goals, the member's interests and skills, and ideas about leadership that they want to develop. Share the "Youth Leader Responsibilities" and the "Youth Leadership Survey" with the youth.

Together decide what specific responsibilities the potential Youth Leader would like to assume. Have youth discuss this with their parents as well.

Help the Youth Leader set goals for his/her role as a Youth Leader. Share the activity/event-planning sheet if appropriate. Encourage the Youth Leader to enroll in the Leadership: Skills You Never Outgrow project or other leadership projects.

Set some dates to check with the Youth Leader on his/her progress toward goals established. Check with the Youth Leader at the times agreed upon during the planning time.

See if the Youth Leader needs help in getting phone numbers, equipment, supplies, etc. Ask questions to see how progress is being made rather than telling him/her the steps to proceed.

Ask if the Youth Leader would like to practice with you before actually doing the responsibility (call a person, teach, make a draft schedule, etc.)

Be at the activity/event/responsibility that the Youth Leader conducts to offer support and guidance.

Meet with the Youth Leader to go over the responsibilities that he/she completed. Help him/her reflect on the experience, what could be improved, what went well, what would he/she like to do the next time.

Provide recognition to the Youth Leader (thanks in front of club, certificate, note in club newsletter, etc.) Let the parents know how much you appreciate the Youth Leader's efforts.

Don't forget entries are do soon!

Guidelines are:

*Design should not exceed 8"x8"

*Entries must be black and white on white paper

*Entries can be computer generated or by hand and must include only the name, age, and club name of the 4-H member.

Entries are due in either office by January 16th

Prizes awarded to the 4-H member of the winning entry!

Fairbooks will be available for leaders to pick up at the February Leaders' Meeting.

** Remember the proper use of the 4-H Clover guidelines

The U of I Extension Adams/Brown Unit will host PQA Plus Training for youth on Monday, March 30th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. 4-Hers wishing to exhibit swine at the 2009 Illinois State Fair must have a current certification in order to show. Members must RSVP by March 25th. Individuals needing the training, but unable to attend on March 30th must contact Christine by March 25th, so that other arrangements can be made. This will be the only opportunity for PQA Plus Training in the Adams/Brown Unit.

A sewing workshop will be hosted at Simply Sewing, 2400 N 24th St, Quincy on January 3rd from 10 am to 2 pm. Participants will try a new embroidery machine and work on pattern layout for their 4-H project. Youth should bring their pattern, fabric, and basic sewing kit. This workshop is limited to 15 participants. Call 223-8380 by December 19th to reserve your spot.

"We Are Illinois 4-H" is the theme for the 2009 Junior Leadership Conference. This event is open to 4-H members in the 7th or 8th grade. This years JLC will be held Saturday, February 21 through Sunday, February 22 at the Lake Williamson Camp & Retreat Center near Carlinville.

This year they are offering an Early Bird Discount Registration Fee of $88.00 for delegates and adults who register no later than Dec. 31, 2008 Individuals who register Jan. 1 or later will pay the full registration fee of $95.00. Registration will only be accepted via the on-line registration form at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=2162.

Activities include 5 workshops, a community service project, fun, fun, and more fun. The retreat center offers an indoor pool and gym that can be utilized during free time.

Scholarships are available for 4-H members that are attending JLC for the first time.

4-Hers from across Illinois are invited to converge in Springfield to debate bills and learn about the legislative process. It is open for all high school age U of I Extension 4-H youth development program participants, Friday/Saturday, February 13-14, 2009. Come debate real bills in the chambers of the Illinois House of Representatives. In addition to all of the work, participants will meet new people and have fun at the dance Friday night. For more information and to register, contact the office.

During the two-day event, youth will meet and work with state legislators and lobbyists. They will also have the opportunity to experience the passage of bills through the legislative system.