Mission and vision focus

Experiences in 4-H and with Extension programs vary and most individuals have their favorite area of activity. Sometimes one can become so wrapped up in their favorite Extension or 4-H activity that they forget about the other areas of entire program. In other situations, individuals may want the program to have objectives that align well with mission and vision statements while other times individuals may have personal objectives that do not align with program mission and vision statements. Both Purdue Extension and Indiana 4-H have their own mission and vision statements. Let’s take a look at these statements:

Indiana 4-H Mission: The Indiana 4-H Youth Development mission is to provide real-life educational opportunities that develop young people who will have a positive impact in their communities and the world.

Indiana 4-H Vision: Indiana 4-H Youth Development s?trives to be the premier, community-based program empowering young people to reach their full potential.

Purdue Extension Mission: We deliver practical, research-based information that enhances lives and livelihoods.

Purdue Extension Vision: We will be a leader in providing relevant, high-impact educational programs that transform the lives and livelihoods of individuals and communities in Indiana and the world.

As we enter the summer time period with exhibit competitions, keep these statements in mind. The real-life educational experiences for youth working on projects and activities will be memorable for them if they are allowed to take ownership and be engaged. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives, it is fine to help give ideas to youth who seek guidance but please don’t do the project and take this great learning opportunity away from the youth.

In the adult exhibitions, you will have opportunities to use practical and research-based information you have learned from Extension programs and other life experiences to demonstrate how your life and livelihood has been advanced. Regardless of youth or adult demonstrations or exhibitions, what you learned is what matters most. Always remember that a placing is no more than ONE judges opinion on that one given day.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Upcoming Events

June 13 – Cake Decorating 4-H Workshop, 4-7 pm, Harris Hall, Fairgrounds

June 19 – Extension Office Closed for county Juneteenth Holiday

June 20 – Indiana 4-H Quality Assurance Program, 6 pm, York Bldg Fairgrounds

June 21 – Electricity 4-H Workshop, 5-7 pm, York Bldg, Fairgrounds

June 22 – Indiana 4-H Quality Assurance Program, 1:30 pm, York Bldg Fairgrounds

June 23 – Electricity 4-H Workshop, 1-3 pm, York Bldg, Fairgrounds

June 27 – ServSafe Food Handler Course and Exam, 1-5pm, register at https://cvent.me/qd97XM

June 28 – “Men’s Health Month” Bite by Bite podcast episode airs, listen at https://anchor.fm/bitebybite

June 28 – Getting Flowers Ready, 6:30 pm, York Bldg., Fairgrounds

June 29 – Public Speaking and Summer Judging Contest, 5-8 pm, York Bldg, Fairgrounds

July 1 – Last day to sign up for state fair livestock exhibition at least entry cost

July 4 – Extension Office Closed for Independence Day Holiday

July 12 – Canning Workshop, Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, 11am-4pm, registration required at 765-653-8411