4-H Computer Corps General Information

Computers have become essential to business and are close to becoming a household appliance. As 4-H trains the next generation of our country's workforce, it needs to add a stronger focus on the use of computer technology. Computer projects exist in some clubs, but there is no up-to-date curriculum on 4-H computer activities. We need to increase the use and teaching of computer technology in the California 4-H Youth Development Program.  The goal of the California 4-H Computer Corps is to increase the use of computer technology in the California 4-H program.

Kevin Wentzel, Steven Worker, and Mark Mahacek after the 1998 National 4-H Conference decided to start the "California 4-H Technology Corps" modeled after the "National 4-H Youth Technology Corps" to keep the California 4-H Website updated - at the time, the site had not been updated for five months.  After getting the State 4-H Office support and recruiting two other members, Andrew Bosworth and Kent Worker, they began.

Vision

That all youth in California

• have access to information technology through their 4-H YD program
• are provided opportunities to become skilled in the safe and effective use of information technology and its applications
• develop the ability to apply their technical skill and knowledge as a tool to enhance their education, career opportunities, contributions to community, and personal life.

Mission

The 4-H Computer Corps increases the use and awareness of computer technology in the California 4-H Youth Development Program.

Goals

1. Act as an advisory body to the State 4-H Office in analyzing and recommending computer technology use in the 4-H Youth Development Program.
2. Maintain the State 4-H YD website (http://www.ca4h.org)
3. Provide assistance for 4-H Clubs/Units in hosting and developing their own 4-H websites
4. Train 4-H members and volunteers in computer technology

• Youth and Adults have equal responsibilities – there is no difference between youth and adults with work tasks, anyone can volunteer to help.
• The CA 4-H Comp Corps is organized on a self-initiative principle. Members may propose projects that the entire team will discuss and decide if they want to devote their time and group resources.
• Deciding of issues is done by group consensus, with the staff coordinator providing information about 4-H policies, financial consideration and youth development research.
• Meetings are facilitated by a team member. Parliamentary procedure is not used.

Membership Information

• Membership is a one-year commitment with an optional second year. If a member wishes to continue on the California 4-H Computer Corps after the second year, he or she must reapply.
• The selection committee is composed of the entire current team, minus those reapplying for another term.
• There is a maximum of fifteen members on the California 4-H Computer Corps each year.
• Applicant must be 15 years of age or older as of January 1 of the year applying.

Member Responsibilities, Expectations, and Accountability

• Check and respond to email and the online bulletin board on a regular basis
• Have daily access to a computer with internet and email
• Participate in team meetings, face-to-face on the weekends and online meetings on weeknights
• Help provide trainings throughout the year
• Complete assignments on-time
• Adhere to all local, state, and federal laws and UC Policies
• Role-model positive conflict resolution techniques and teamwork skills

Membership Benefits

• Members serve in a statewide 4-H YD leadership role and are accorded the respect appropriate to this position.
• Members have all 4-H Computer Corps related travel costs reimbursed
• Members learn skills in different areas of computer technology, and participate in the process of increasing computer technology use in the 4-H Youth Development Program.
• Members earn a 4-H Computer Corps lapel pin