AMES, Iowa – Iowans have a new way to talk about 4-H — through the Iowa 4-H Volunteer blog on the Iowa State University Extension Web site, http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/Iowa4hvolunteer.

“We started the blog because we want to answer questions and address concerns that 4-H volunteers may have about ISU Extension’s restructuring and what it means for Iowa’s 4-H program,” said Judy Levings, 4-H volunteer development specialist.

On April 30, ISU Extension administration announced a restructuring plan that eliminates county and area extension education director positions and replaces them with 20 regional director positions. The restructuring plan also includes a merger of the administration of Families and 4-H Youth Development programs, and the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) and Community and Economic Development programs.

Although the blog initially may focus on restructuring issues, volunteers, parents, 4-H’ers and others interested in 4-H youth development can add other comments, ask questions and make suggestions.

“That’s what this blog is about—increasing communication,” Levings said.

4-H is a community of 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. Nearly one in four Iowa school age youth participate in ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development programs. About 11,800 volunteers contribute their time, energy and expertise to help youth learn life skills through 4-H.

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