Ecology Days in the Florida Panhandle

Florida 4-H: Jefferson County 4‑H & Madison County 4‑H

Ecology Days are where the natural world becomes a hands-on classroom for youth across the Florida Panhandle. Jefferson County 4‑H and Madison County 4‑H are giving students an unforgettable opportunity to explore Florida’s ecosystems, discover real‑world science, and experience the outdoors in a fun, exciting, and meaningful way.

Throughout the event, youth step into the role of ecologists, wildlife biologists, environmental scientists, and conservation leaders. They investigate,observe, study, test, and learn how human actions shape the environment around them. Each activity is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help young people see themselves in future STEM and environmental careers.

Ecology Day blends learning with adventure. Students don’t just hear about science they “do” science. Ecology Days reflects the heart of 4‑H: youth discovering their strengths, connecting with their community, and building skills that last a lifetime. Jefferson and Madison County 4‑H are proud to offer this immersive experience that inspires the next generation of environmental stewards.

Stress-Free Saturday: Building Connection, Confidence, and Community Through 4‑H

Crystalgale Hunter, FAMU 4‑H Extension

Stress-Free Saturday is more than a program, it’s a movement toward inclusion, creativity, and community healing. Designed to expand participation in Gadsden County 4‑H, this initiative creates a welcoming space where youth and families can learn by doing, free from academic pressure and social barriers.

Supporting Youth Engagement in Expanded Learning Partnerships

Co-Authors: Stepha Velednitsky, Matthew R. Rodriguez, Grace Belt, Steven Worker, Marianne Bird, Nicole Marshall-Wheeler, Ally Lemmer, and Kimberly Holmes

In this blog post series, we discussed how collaborating with out-of-school-time education programs can help 4-H programs reach more youth. We’ve shared ideas for how 4-H staff can go about establishing effective and supportive working relationships with community partners. For community partners, one major benefit of working with 4-H is that we bring a research-informed approach to our programming. In this final blog post, we discuss how to ensure that these partnerships support inclusive, inquiry-driven, hands-on learning for all youth participants.

NAE4-HYDP Conference Region Directors Welcome Event

The 2026 NAE4-HYDP Conference will begin with an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and take part in a favorite association tradition.

Join us on Monday, October 26, from 5:00–6:30 p.m., immediately following the 1st Timer Conference Orientation, for the Region Director Welcome event. This gathering will help set the tone for the conference as members come together to reconnect with colleagues, meet new friends, and celebrate the strength of our national 4-H youth development community.

This year’s welcome event will feature a special Pin Exchange. Each state is encouraged to bring a state-specific pin to trade with colleagues from across the association. The exchange is a fun way to showcase state pride, spark conversations, and build connections with professionals from across the country.

As an added welcome, Regional Directors will present a custom-made commemorative pin to the first 250 attendees. These limited-edition pins will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan to arrive early.

Start your conference experience by joining fellow NAE4-HYDP members for this memorable welcome event. Bring your state pin, come ready to trade, and help us kick off the 2026 conference with connection, tradition, and association pride.

2026 NAE4-HYDP CONFERENCE

October 27-29, 2026 - Kansas City, MO

Tara Brent: Vice President of Professional Development and Education

My name is Tara Brent and I am proud to be in my second year as the Vice President of Professional Development and Education on the NAE4-HYDP board. In this role, I provide leadership to the conference proposal process, from promotion to review and session scheduling. Along with the Educational Programs and Professional Development committee chairs, we provide guidance and support to our working groups, encouraging member professional development throughout the year. I also work with the Research and Evaluation committee chair.

Marketing & Communications Working Group

This working group supports everyone who communicates on behalf of 4-H, recognizing that communication is part of every role. Our purpose is to make promoting and uplifting the 4-H experience easier and more consistent by providing shared tools, resources, and a space for collaboration. By connecting educators, specialists, program leaders, and volunteers, we help members feel confident and equipped to tell the 4-H story while strengthening 4-H’s overall visibility and impact.

 Our key initiatives focus on improving how resources and information are shared across states. This includes launching a cross-state marketing asset platform to reduce duplication and save time, as well as creating clearer, more predictable communication pathways between National 4-H and state teams so members can easily access and use campaign materials.

 We are also prioritizing accessibility and professional development through a four-part virtual training series focused on practical, inclusive communication strategies. This effort will build confidence, improve accessibility practices, and culminate in a presentation at NAE4-HYDP 2026.

NAE4-HYDP Shooting Sports Working Group

The NAE4-HYDP Shooting Sports Working Group exists to advance and grow the 4-H Shooting Sports Program through the lens of positive youth development. Comprised of 4-H Youth Development Faculty and Extension personnel from across the country, the group serves as a direct bridge between the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee and the broader volunteer-based delivery system that brings these programs to life for young people. By maintaining a strong, collaborative relationship with the National Committee, the Working Group helps ensure that shooting sports programming remains grounded in evidence-based youth development practices.

Celebration of Life Reminder

State Association Leadership: Honoring Our Colleagues

Maintaining the legacy of those who have served our association is a collective responsibility. When a colleague passes, it is the duty of each State Association Leadership team to ensure their memory is appropriately honored within our professional community.

By sharing these tributes, we ensure that their contributions, dedication, and impact are remembered and celebrated by the entire association.

Submission Details

To submit a tribute:

Action: Fill out the official form to report a colleague's passing.

Link: NAE4-HYDP Celebration of Life Page

Conference Rewind Sessions - Recordings

Virtual Professional Development Working Group

Jenny Murray, Jenny.Murray@mail.wvu.edu

 Thank you to everyone who presented and attended the Conference Rewind sessions at the beginning of March. 

- Recordings are available on the NAE4-HYDP YouTube channel: RECORDINGS

- Resources like slide decks and handouts are being added into our working group’s Google site: RESOURCES

The Pulse is brought to you by the NAE4-HYDP Board of Directors. The Pulse Publication Team welcomes submissions of articles, especially those featuring program highlights and promising practices in youth development. Submissions can be of any length, though they are unlikely to be accepted if they are longer than 500 words. Submissions are due by the 20th of each month for inclusion in the upcoming month’s edition of The Pulse. 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EXTENSION 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS

701 EXPOSITION PLACE, SUITE 206 | RALEIGH, NC 27615 | T: (919) 232-0112 | E: contact@nae4hydp.org

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NAE4-HYDP Membership Update: Dues Increase for 2027

Reminder from April’s edition:  As NAE4-HYDP continues to evolve and grow, we remain committed to providing our members with the high-quality resources, professional development, and advocacy needed to lead in youth development. To ensure the long-term sustainability and value of the association, the NAE4-HYDP Board has approved an increase to membership dues.

Organizational Stewardship Office Hours

Thank you to those who tuned into our April 2^nd NAE4-HYDP 1-2-3 session that provided guidance on how to become a candidate for a Board position. The link for this session will be placed on our website for all to view at their convenience. A gentle reminder of what positions we are seeking candidates to be elected to our Board of Trustees in the fall of this year:

 President Elect

VP Conferences and Events

VP of Professional Development and Education

1890 Institution Regional Director

North Central Regional Director of Communications

Northeast Regional Director of Finance

Western Regional Director of Finance

Southern Regional Director of The Pulse

Please feel free to follow this link to a promotional piece for members.  This message is from Lacey Taylor, our 23-25 Vice President of Member Services covering the value and worth of serving on the Board. 

You can review this Best Practices document regarding elected leadership roles. It may assist candidates when creating their bio/declaration of running and videos.

Candidate application materials are due June 1, 2026.  The Organizational Stewardship Committee (OSC) will be having open office hours to answer questions and help guide any members with questions about submitting materials and/or getting involved in the leadership of NAE4-HYDP.  Feel free to link in with one of our OSC members at any of the following times:

 Eastern Standard Times

Friday, May 1^st 11 AM to 1 PM

Friday, May 8^th 11 AM to 1 PM

Friday, May 15^th 11 AM to 1 PM

Friday, May 22^nd 11 AM to 1 PM

Friday, May 29^th 11 AM to 1 PM

AT THIS LINK

You’re Invited!

Matthew R. Rodriguez, Grace Belt, Stepha Velednitsky, Steven Worker, Marianne Bird, Nicole K Marshall-Wheeler, Ally Lemmer, and Kimberly Holmes

In our previous post, we discussed the importance of assessing staff capacity. Assessing the after school staff’s capacity is an important consideration when discussing a partnership. Also, understanding your 4-H staff’s capacity can also help ensure that your partnership will have the resources needed to be successful. 

Celebration of Life Reminder

State Association Leadership: Honoring Our Colleagues

Maintaining the legacy of those who have served our association is a collective responsibility. When a colleague passes, it is the duty of each State Association Leadership team to ensure their memory is appropriately honored within our professional community.

By sharing these tributes, we ensure that their contributions, dedication, and impact are remembered and celebrated by the entire association.

Submission Details

To submit a tribute:

Action: Fill out the official form to report a colleague's passing.

Link: NAE4-HYDP Celebration of Life Page

NAE4-HYDP Conference Region Directors Welcome Event

Where: NAE4-HYDP Conference

When: Monday, October 26th, 5-6:30 p.m. following 1st Timer Conference Orientation

Join us as we kick off the 2026 NAE4-HYDP Conference with the Region Director Welcome event, featuring a special Pin Exchange! We are calling on each state to bring a state-specific pin to trade and participate in this unique tradition.

As a special welcome, Regional Directors will present a custom-made commemorative pin to the first 250 attendees. Be sure to arrive early to secure your limited-edition pin and start connecting with colleagues from across the association!

Board Member Highlight

Jessica Rockey: North Central Regional Director of Communications

I have worked within Ohio State University Extension since 2002, serving as the 4-H Educator for Perry County since 2005.  Perry County is a small, rural county in southeast Ohio with a strong club-based program serving over 900 youth each year.   Programmatically, I specialize in teen leadership development at the county and state levels, with longtime service to Ohio’s Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement design team. I especially enjoy working with teen 4-H Camp Counselors and Jr. Fair Board members.  I have been a past state president for NAE4-HA, past regional member recognition contact for NAE4-HYDP, attendee and presenter at multiple national conferences, and am now serving as the North Central Region Director for Communications.  This role has been a great opportunity to make connections with state association leadership in my region, to learn from them and share how the association can benefit them.  Even more so it has been an opportunity to make great friends with colleagues from around the country who are serving on the board and our state relations team!

 Personally, I am a proud Ohio 4-H alum having spent 10+ years as a member in a neighboring county, where I focused on raising rabbits (primarily Dutch) and taking a variety of special interest projects.  I also served as a 4-H Camp Counselor, Jr. Fair Board member, and Junior Leader, and spent my summers during college working as a student assistant in our county Extension Office.  I can truly say ‘I got my start in 4-H!’  Today, I am married to my husband Shane and we enjoy the daily challenge of raising 2 teenage girls – Stella (16) and Sophia (13)!  I have especially enjoyed the role of 4-H mom and having the chance to encourage them to ‘Make the Best Better’ as 4^th generation 4-H’ers. 

Recordings Now Available

from the

Conference Rewind Sessions

Virtual Professional Development Working Group

Jenny Murray, Jenny.Murray@mail.wvu.edu

 Thank you to everyone who presented and attended the Conference Rewind sessions at the beginning of March. 

- Recordings are available on the NAE4-HYDP YouTube channel: RECORDINGS

- Resources like slide decks and handouts are being added into our working group’s Google site: RESOURCES

Communication & Expressive Arts

NAE4-HYDP National Working Group – Communication & Expressive Arts

- Please contact our Chair below to be added to our roster! We meet on the 2^nd week of each month (alternating Monday and Tuesdays) at 12:00 pm Noon (EST)

- Chair – Effie Campbell, 4-H Educator DeKalb County, IN, campb314@purdue.edu

Team Definition/Purpose:

- To expand awareness of the importance of the arts and communication in 4-H Youth Development programming.

- To create 4-H Communications and Expressive Arts (CEA) resources that involve one or more National 4-H Mission Mandates (STEAM, Health, and Civic Engagement).

- To introduce innovative CEA ideas to Extension professionals.

Upcoming Virtual P.D. from NAE4-HDYP Working Groups

Creating a Healthier You Working Group

Point of Contact: Michelle Harman, mharman2@umd.edu

Fair Is a four-letter word: How to survive and thrive!

May 4, 2026

3:00 to 4:00 pm ET

Description: Fair season brings some of our most meaningful moments with youth and communities—but it can also bring stress, long days, and unique challenges for 4‑H staff. This session creates a safe, supportive space for honest conversation about the realities of fair. Together, we’ll share frustrations, swap practical strategies, celebrate what works, and brainstorm healthier, more sustainable approaches to surviving (and thriving during!) fair season. Come ready to connect, reflect, laugh, vent, and leave with renewed energy and ideas for navigating the year ahead.

Excellence in Extension Engagement Award

This Excellence in Extension Engagement Award recognizes high-quality, evidence-based Extension work that has documented outstanding outcomes and impacts with clientele and strengthens the Extension profession. The selection committee considers individual or team applicants that documents an engagement program that is local needs-driven, grounded in scholarly practice, has adequate program evaluation, adoption beyond the initial audience, strengthens professionals within or across states, and shows innovation that brings something new to Extension professionals. First place receives: a $750 award, must present a presentation at ELC, and ELC registration is waived. Honorable mention receives: a $250 award and ELC registration is waived. 

Application Guidelines are Linked Here. Applications are due May 31 and must include the following: 

The Pulse is brought to you by the NAE4-HYDP Board of Directors. The Pulse Publication Team welcomes submissions of articles, especially those featuring program highlights and promising practices in youth development. Submissions can be of any length, though they are unlikely to be accepted if they are longer than 500 words. Submissions are due by the 20th of each month for inclusion in the upcoming month’s edition of The Pulse. 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EXTENSION 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS

701 EXPOSITION PLACE, SUITE 206 | RALEIGH, NC 27615 | T: (919) 232-0112 | E: contact@nae4hydp.org

We wanted to remind you that your username is @@username@@. Make sure to login to the site to view the rest of @@primary_group@@.

If you wish to stop receiving emails to @@email@@ from NAE4-HA, you can simply remove yourself by visiting: @@unsubscribe_url@@ 

2027 NAE4-HYDP Membership Dues Will Increase to $100

Submitted By: Kasey Bozeman, NAE4-HYDP President

We are writing to share an important update about our association’s membership

dues … one that was thoughtfully considered and carefully timed. Beginning with

the 2027 membership drive, active member dues will increase to $100 per year.

We recognize that any dues change deserves a clear explanation, and we want to

be fully transparent with you about why this decision was made, how it was

reached, and what it means for the association.

Board Member Highlight

Joe Yedlik: Committee Chair, Life Members 

I served as the County Extension Education Director for Jones County, Iowa from 1994  until my retirement in 2015. Prior to my career with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, I was a high school agricultural education instructor/FFA Advisor for 24 years. I spent my entire professional career promoting positive youth development.

As a sidebar to my professional career, I’m a self-proclaimed “Fair-aholic”!  I graduated from the Institute of Fair Management (IFMG) and completed certification in volunteer fair management (CVFM) through the International Association of Fair and Expos. I currently serve as the chief compliance officer for the Great Jones County Fair, and I’ve served as a departmental superintendent at the Iowa State Fair for over 45 years (FFA breeding beef and 4-H horticulture). 

Since retirement from Extension, I’ve remained active with the NAE4-HYDP on the state and national levels. I currently serve on the NAE4-HYDP Board of Trustees and Member Services Team as the Life Member committee chairman. I am committed to promoting Life Member involvement and participation in our association. That process begins with emphasizing up-to-date Life Member rosters at the state level. Responsibilities throughout the year include maintaining communication with Life Members through a quarterly newsletter and chairing the zoom meetings of Life Member Leadership Team. I have a major role in the coordination and promotion of all Life Member activities during NAE4-HYDP Annual Conference.

Partnering with Expanded Learning Organizations: Assessing Staff Capacities and Support

Grace Belt, Stepha Velednitsky, Matthew R. Rodriguez, Steven Worker, Marianne Bird, Nicole Marshall-Wheeler, Ally Lemmer, and Kimberly Holmes

Partnerships between 4-H and expanded learning sites are a great way to provide high quality programming to youth. When 4-H partners with expanded learning programs (e.g. schools, Boys and Girls clubs, YMCAs), youth who may not otherwise participate in 4-H are able to have high quality experiences that promote positive youth development (Junge et al., 2025). Additionally, expanded learning partnerships are an excellent way to meet 4-H’s Beyond Ready Goal of reaching 10 million youth by 2030 (4-H PLWG Standing Committee, 2025). 

Recordings Now Available from the Conference Rewind Sessions

Virtual Professional Development Working Group

Jenny Murray, Jenny.Murray@mail.wvu.edu

Thank you to everyone who presented and attended the Conference Rewind sessions at the beginning of March. 

Communication & Expressive Arts

NAE4-HYDP National Working Group – Communication & Expressive Arts

Team Definition/Purpose:

Upcoming Virtual P.D. from NAE4-HDYP Working Groups

Creating a Healthier You Working Group

Point of Contact: Michelle Harman, mharman2@umd.edu

Fair Is a four-letter word: How to survive and thrive!

May 4, 2026

3:00 to 4:00 pm ET

Description: Fair season brings some of our most meaningful moments with youth and communities—but it can also bring stress, long days, and unique challenges for 4‑H staff. This session creates a safe, supportive space for honest conversation about the realities of fair. Together, we’ll share frustrations, swap practical strategies, celebrate what works, and brainstorm healthier, more sustainable approaches to surviving (and thriving during!) fair season. Come ready to connect, reflect, laugh, vent, and leave with renewed energy and ideas for navigating the year ahead.

Excellence in Extension Engagement Award

This Excellence in Extension Engagement Award recognizes high-quality, evidence-based Extension work that has documented outstanding outcomes and impacts with clientele and strengthens the Extension profession.

The selection committee considers individual or team applicants that document an engagement program that is local needs-driven, grounded in scholarly practice, has adequate program evaluation, adoption beyond the initial audience, strengthens professionals within or across states, and shows innovation that brings something new to Extension professionals.

First place receives: a $750 award, must present a presentation at ELC, and ELC registration is waived. Honorable mention receives: a $250 award and ELC registration is waived.

Application Guidelines are Linked Here. Applications are due May 31 and must  include the following. 

Letter of application by the individual or nominator

Two letters of support from a client, peer, supervisor, or director

The application topic needs to have some currency, but is not limited to any recent timeframe and may have started many years in the past with recently documented successes, impacts, or culmination of the effort.

Public Issues Leadership Development Conference 

Advocacy in Action: The Intersection of Innovation and Impact

April 20-22, 2026 - Bethesda, MD

As a NAE4-HYDP member, you are also a member of the Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP). Each spring, JCEP hosts two conferences, and registration is now open for the PILD Conference. We hope to see you there! Register here.

The Pulse is brought to you by the NAE4-HYDP Board of Directors. The Pulse Publication Team welcomes submissions of articles, especially those featuring program highlights and promising practices in youth development. Submissions can be of any length, though they are unlikely to be accepted if they are longer than 500 words. Submissions are due by the 20th of each month for inclusion in the upcoming month’s edition of The Pulse. 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EXTENSION 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS

701 EXPOSITION PLACE, SUITE 206 | RALEIGH, NC 27615 | T: (919) 232-0112 | E: contact@nae4hydp.org

We wanted to remind you that your username is @@username@@. Make sure to login to the site to view the rest of @@primary_group@@.

If you wish to stop receiving emails to @@email@@ from NAE4-HA, you can simply remove yourself by visiting: @@unsubscribe_url@@ 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

NAE4-HYDP President Kasey Bozeman reflects on all the things that make December a fun and festive time in this month’s edition of The Pulse.  Enjoy her video … and perhaps some Claxton fruitcake!

Join the PYD Academy Beyond Ready Series!

We’re excited to share an opportunity for 4-H professionals across the system to deepen their youth development practice and engage with the national Beyond Ready initiative.

The 2026 PYD Academy Conference & Immersion Series, Research to REALity: Practical Applications for Beyond Ready, is now open for registration. The series includes:

Research to Practice Conference

February 3–5, 2026, from 12:00-3:30 PM ET

Three virtual days of inspiring keynotes from leading researchers and interactive reflection sessions to turn insights into action.

Immersion Days

February 18, March 4, March 18, 2026, from 12:00-3:30 PM ET

Across these sessions, participants will gain research-backed insights and practical tools on challenge and discovery, youth goal management, and promoting caring connections that support youth thriving.

The entire series—conference plus all three immersions—is just $50 thanks to support from National 4-H Council and Bayer. If you or your colleagues have participated in PYD Academy events, you know how impactful and energizing these experiences can be. If not, this is the perfect opportunity to join us. 

Register for the full series here: https://events.4-h.org/beyondready26 

Let’s help our teams prepare the youth we serve to be Beyond Ready!

Virtual Professional Development Working Group to offer Conference Rewind: Second Take Sessions in March

Coordinated by Jenny Murray, Chair of Virtual Professional Development Working Group, Associate State 4-H Program Leader, West Virginia University Extension

March 3 & 5, 2026 | 12:30–3:00 p.m. EST | Virtual

The NAE4-HYDP Virtual Professional Development Working Group is excited to announce a two-day virtual retreat designed to bring the best of the 2025 NAE4-HYDP Conference back to YOU!

Why Attend?

This retreat is more than a replay. It’s a chance to unlock professional development opportunities year-round.

Mark your calendars now! Registration details coming soon.

You’re Invited!

Submitted by Brittney Muschetto-DePati, New Professionals Working Group Committee Chair, University of Illinois Extension

Have you ever wondered how to apply for Association Awards? Does hosting a conference workshop or presenting a poster sound scary? Maybe you need a scholarship to attend the Conference?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then this webinar is for you!

The New Professionals Working Group is inviting you to their “Awards, Posters, Workshops, Conference…OH MY!” Webinar, on January 20th, 2026, at 1:30 pm CST. In this webinar, we will be discussing how to apply for awards, complete workshop and poster proposals, scholarships available, and conference tips! We hope to see you there!

Please register at: go.illinois.edu/NAE4-HYDPAPWCOHMY

Starting Fresh: Managing Stress and Setting Intentional Goals in the New Year

Prudence Caskey and Lori Swanson

A new year often brings renewed energy, fresh ideas, and big plans, but it can also bring pressure. For Extension professionals, January doesn’t always mean a slower pace. New programming cycles, community events, and the push to launch initiatives can make the start of the year feel just as hectic as the end of it. Between managing workloads, planning for the year ahead, and trying to maintain personal well-being, it’s easy for stress to take the driver’s seat.

The beginning of the year, however, offers a valuable opportunity to pause, literally, and take a breath. By grounding ourselves in mindfulness, self-compassion, and realistic goal-setting, we can enter the new year with clarity rather than chaos.

New Jersey 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors Ring the NASDAQ Opening Bell

Melissa Bright

On December 15, 2025, the New Jersey 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors Lead to Change Project grant winners, Sam, Sawyer, Julie, Maddy, and Megan, joined Tractor Supply Company and National 4-H Council at the NASDAQ opening bell-ringing ceremony in Times Square, New York City. This momentous occasion celebrated the long-standing partnership between Tractor Supply Company and 4-H and highlighted their shared commitment to investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Join us at JCEP Extension Leadership Conference (ELC) 2026!

Submitted by Tara Brent and Jamie Mullins, NAE4-HYDP Representatives on the JCEP ELC Planning Committee

Registration is now open for the 2026 JCEP ELC Conference, Visionary Leadership in a Connected World in Savannah, GA, February 4-5, 2026. 

Join extension colleagues from around the nation at this leadership development event. This conference is perfect for those in state association leadership roles, as well as those looking to build their leadership skills. Several general session speakers are planned on topics including “Exploring AI Futures in the Land Grant System” and “Ten Leadership Principles I learned from a Coffee Bean”.  

The schedule includes 20 minutes and 50 minute workshop sessions, as well as a poster session. Your NAE4-HYDP regional directors are planning an engaging association meeting, as well as an association night out dinner.  

The early bird registration rate is $515 if you register by January 9, 2026. Details and registration link can be found at https://www.jcep.org/elc.  

Looking forward to seeing many of you in Savannah in February!

Request for Proposals Now Available!

Concurrent Presentations, Posters, and Ignite Talks

Conference Dates: April 20-22, 2026

Location: Bethesda, MD

Proposal Deadline: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Theme: Advocacy in Action: The Intersection of Innovation and Impact

The Pulse is brought to you by the NAE4-HYDP Board of Directors. The Pulse Publication Team welcomes submissions of articles, especially those featuring program highlights and promising practices in youth development. Submissions can be of any length, though they are unlikely to be accepted if they are longer than 500 words. Submissions are due by the 20th of each month for inclusion in the upcoming month’s edition of The Pulse. 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EXTENSION 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS

701 EXPOSITION PLACE, SUITE 206 | RALEIGH, NC 27615 | T: (919) 232-0112 | E: contact@nae4hydp.org

We wanted to remind you that your username is @@username@@. Make sure to login to the site to view the rest of @@primary_group@@.

If you wish to stop receiving emails to @@email@@ from NAE4-HA, you can simply remove yourself by visiting: @@unsubscribe_url@@ 

October 2025

IN THIS ISSUE

“One last time…”

President’s Message – October

As my term as President of NAE4-HYDP comes to a close, I couldn’t help but find inspiration in Hamilton. There’s a moment in the musical when George Washington prepares to step aside and says he wants to serve “one last time.” That scene captures so well what this moment feels like for me. Leadership is never about holding onto a title. It’s about serving fully, preparing the way for others, and then passing the pen so the next verse of the story can be written.

This year, we worked hard to strengthen our association for the future. We completed an internal audit to evaluate our processes and help set the stage for a new strategic plan. We initiated a full financial audit by a third party, which will soon be available to ensure transparency and accountability. These steps may not feel flashy, but they are essential. They make sure that NAE4-HYDP is strong, healthy, and ready for what comes next.

What stands out even more to me, though, is the team we have built together. Over the past year, we grew into more than colleagues. We became a family. We modeled the values of 4-H in the way we supported one another, celebrated each other, and kept our eyes on the greater good.

I am humbled to have been entrusted with this role, and while my time as President is ending, my service to NAE4-HYDP is not. Like Washington in Hamilton, I step aside with gratitude and confidence, knowing the future is in strong hands. I look forward to contributing in whatever ways I can, title or no title, as together we write the next chapter of our story.

With gratitude,

Alyssa Walden

NAE4-HYDP President

Introducing… The New 4-H Regalia Making Guides

Come learn more about the new peer-reviewed, award-winning 4-H curriculum on how to make Regalia for powwow dancing! When: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 4:00-4:45 PM CT (5:00-5:45 PM ET | 2:00-2:45 PM PT) Location: Zoom Registration Link (https://uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/oT-loz-sQBGMZ-6TFlqIKQ)

Joint Council of Extension Professionals – JCEP

 Did you know you are a member of JCEP?  One more benefit of being a member of NAE4-HYDP!  Check out the short video that explains what JCEP is and mark your calendars for the 2026 Extension Leadership Conference (ELC) in Savannah, Georgia on February 4^th and 5^th and the Public Issues Leadership Conference in Bethesda / Washington D.C. area April 21^st and 22^nd.  There are details in this issue on submitting proposals to present at ELC. Check the link for a quick overview of JCEP - https://share.synthesia.io/7e89636b-6b16-4df9-8392-996e4de75442.   

UPCOMING EVENTS

2025 NAE4-HYDP Conference

October 28-30, 2025 - Atlanta, GA

JOIN US

    The conference in Atlanta is just two weeks away.

We still have room for you!

REGISTER NOW

JCEP -  2026 ELC

The 2026 ELC Planning Committee is pleased to announce the Call for Proposals for oral and/or poster presentations at the 2026 Extension Leadership Conference, scheduled for February 4–5, 2026, at The DeSoto Savannah in Savannah, Georgia.

Complete details and submission instructions are included in the attached Call for Proposals document, which contains the Oxford Abstracts submission link.

Submission information is also available on the JCEP website at www.jcep.org/elc.

Submission Deadline: October 17, 2025

The Pulse is brought to you by the NAE4-HYDP Board of Directors.

The Pulse welcomes submissions of articles. Submissions can be of any length, though they are unlikely to be accepted if they are longer than 500 words. Submissions are due by the 8th of each month for inclusion in that month's issue of The Pulse. 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EXTENSION 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS

701 EXPOSITION PLACE, SUITE 206 | RALEIGH, NC 27615 | T: (919) 232-0112 | E: contact@nae4hydp.org

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September 2025

IN THIS ISSUE

As summer winds down, the energy of a new school year is all around us. Whether you’re helping youth ease into new routines, supporting colleagues with fresh programming, or sending your own children off with oversized backpacks and big dreams, this time of year is full of possibility.

Back-to-school season reminds us why our work matters. It's about creating environments where young people feel seen, supported, and inspired to learn and grow. It’s also a good time to reflect on how we, as professionals, continue learning and growing too.

That’s why I’m especially looking forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming conference in Atlanta, October 28–30. This year’s conference will center us on connection, innovation, and professional growth, and the schedule is shaping up to deliver on all three. From inspiring keynote speakers to hands-on workshops and thoughtful networking opportunities, there’s something for everyone.

If you haven’t registered yet, I encourage you to do so and to invite a colleague or two to join you. Whether you’re a long-time member or attending for the first time, this is a chance to recharge your professional batteries and return home with ideas you can use right away.

Thank you for everything you’re doing to support youth, families, and your teams during this busy season. I hope to see you in Atlanta, and until then, take care of yourself and each other.

Warmly,
Alyssa Walden
President, NAE4-HYDP

Encouraging Youth with Disabilities in 4-H Programming

Dr. Vanessa Spero, UF/IFAS 4-H, Vspero@ufl.edu

4-H has always been an inherently inclusive program.  We follow positive youth development practices rooted in theory that support all populations.  We provide a safe setting, caring adult, and opportunities for youth to develop and master skills.  Our programming includes essential elements, such as fostering a sense of belonging, to ensure all youth feel like they have a place in 4-H.