Importance of Effective Communication

Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Objectives• Defining communication• Annual Livestock Show Catalog• Newsletter• Email List Serve• Communicate with the Local Ag. Science

Teacher• Keep Club Managers Informed• Major Show Entry Night Meeting• Develop Information Flyer for Local Feed Stores• Summary

Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Communication

• Communication is essential when working with 4-H families.

• Most problems arise when there is a lack of communication between agent and families

Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Defining Communication

• Communication - is defined as a process by which we assign and convey meaning in an attempt to create shared understanding.

• Sender and receiver must be actively involved in a communication system.

• County Extension Agent must clearly articulate their message.

• Message needs to be heard by the listener• Must use multiple methods to convey message

Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Annual Livestock Show Catalog

• All 4-H livestock exhibitors/families should receive a handbook or information sheet in October or early November providing: – major show web sites– rule changes– Schedules– entry information– weight breaks– and other pertinent information.

Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Newsletter

• Important dates and deadlines should be provided in the monthly newsletter

• Important to bold and highlight important dates and deadlines

• Not a bad idea to reiterate those important dates and deadlines more than once

Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Email List Serve

• Developing an email list can be an easy way to get information to parents participating in 4-H

• Important items such as state validation dates, county ownership deadlines, county wide project clinics, and county livestock show rules should be sent.

Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Keep Club Managers Informed• Keeping club managers is a must.

• They are the conduit for most 4-H families

• It is not required that a County Extension Agent attend every club meeting

• Should make attempt to attend some.

• Develop summary sheet of things Club managers may need.

Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Major Show Entry Night Meeting

• Sometimes held in November before major show entry deadlines

• Share new rule and regulation changes

• May also develop one pager outlining any announcements and send via email or mail.

Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Develop Information Flyer for Local Feed Stores

• Fliers are an excellent way to disseminate information to the public about upcoming events

• Feed stores are an excellent location for fliers if allowed

• Establishing relationships with feed store owners are critical so fliers may be posted

Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Summary• No one perfect way to communicate

information to 4-H families

• Key is to have multiple strategies

• Perfectly acceptable and more impactful to repeat information with multiple sources to increase chances of everyone receiving the needed and pertinent information

Texas 4-H and Youth Development