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Plant Shed

Resources for

New 4-H Staff

Welcome!

 

Welcome to New York State 4-H! We’re looking forward to working with you! Here are some suggestions to help you in your journey to learn your new job and connect with our network.

 

Keep developing connections and supportive relationships as you grow in this community. Reflect back on previous activities in this journey, go back to them as needed, and plan to keep engaging with questions and learning opportunities.

JOIN NYS 4-H EDUCATORS LISTSERV

 

Send an email message to: cce-staff-youth-l-request@cornell.edu 

 

For the Subject of your message, type the single word: Join

Getting Started

Clarify expectations and logistics of your job

  • Review your job description, expectations, and responsibilities with your supervisor. 

    • Get clarification on work schedule expectations, including your typical office hours and how to adjust your schedule if needed.

    • Set a plan with your supervisor on responsibilities for your 1st week, 2nd week, 1st month, 2nd month, etc.

  • Meet with your HR representative to take care of benefits paperwork and ensure you are familiar with how to report time. Explore resources in Workday.

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Connect with colleagues

 

Learn more about 4-H and Cooperative Extension

Welcome
Getting Started

The First Month

Connect with colleagues

 

Learn more about 4-H and Cooperative Extension

 

Explore resources online and in your Association

  • Spend time on the NYS 4-H  and CCE websites.  Try to get a feel for programming offered and staff roles.

  • Find out what technology resources are available to support your work (locally and across the state), for example Cornell IT resources, Zoom Resources at Cornell, and the CCE Business Systems Launchpad.

  • Explore learning resources: 4-H, CCE, online and in your office. What practices and resources are currently used in projects you are involved in?  

 

Get ready for programming

  • Start learning about your Association’s programs and events calendar. Review event planning basics and CCE resources.

  • Review CCE risk management (especially FORM Code 1501), Volunteer Involvement and Policy, and youth protection policies and where to find them. Review specific responsibilities in this area for your role.

  • Start exploring enrollment systems like 4-H Online. Learn how to find contact information for the youth and families in your program.

 

Plan for your learning and development 

  • Use this onboarding self-assessment to reflect on your abilities, knowledge, and skills and help chart your path as a NYS 4-H Youth Development professional. Set professional development goals for the year.

  • Work with your supervisor to take advantage of CCE and 4-H professional development (upcoming or recorded) activities to help plan for programs (volunteer management, risk management, time management, positive youth development, etc).

  • Reflect on your preferred work/life balance. Check out resources like these self-care practices or those available with Cornell’s Mental Health and Cornell Wellness programs.

  • Plan to join the Northeast 4-H Clover Academy. The Clover Academy is an online learning experience covering a different topic each quarter. Look for announcements about upcoming opportunities in the 4-H staff news.

    • 4-H Volunteer Development 101 (December)

    • 4-H Program Design, Delivery, and Curriculum (March)

    • Engaging with the 4-H Thriving Model of PYD (June)

    • Trauma Informed Practices (September)

The First 6 Months

Connect with colleagues

  • Check in with your supervisor regularly to get feedback and clarification on top priorities. 

  • Get to know Educators around the state. Look for colleagues leading similar programs or doing similar work to you.

  • Connect with key local community partners.

  • Learn about Cornell and LGU connections for current local programs such as PRYDE (Program for Research on Youth Development and Engagement), CCE Campus Program Connections and Program Work Teams. 

 

Get ready for programming 

 

Plan for your learning and development 

  • Take part in advertised online and in-person trainings as applicable to job duties.  Ask supervisor for feedback on trainings to attend. 

  • Find out when the 4-H In-Service, PRYDE Youth Development Research Update, and NYSACCE4HE Conference will be and plan to attend, if able. Explore other conferences, too. 

  • Check out resources available through LinkedIn Learning.

  • Develop plan to maintain work/life balance in consultation with your supervisor. Schedule vacation time.

The First Year

Connect with colleagues and community partners 

 

Get ready for programming 

  • Analyze and develop understanding of overall county demographics, local resources, youth-serving organizations and opportunities. Check out CCE Program Planning resources.

  • Explore NYS 4-H marketing efforts and get connect to resources like Canva.

  • Set goals for continued learning around community clubs and volunteer development 

 

Plan for your learning and development 

  • Return to your reflections in the onboarding self-assessment. How have you progressed towards your professional development goals? What are you proud of? What future support would be helpful?

  • Annual review of job description and expectations with supervisor. Check in with your supervisor to get feedback and clarification on top priorities. 

  • Set professional development goals for the upcoming year. Look ahead for webinars, conferences, and other professional development opportunities to attend.

  • Develop plan to maintain work/life balance in consultation with your supervisor. Schedule vacation time.

Ongoing Leadership Development

As you progress in your career, keep seeking out mentors and ways to grow your positive youth development and leadership practice.

 

Here are some more ways to continue your adventure:

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