Speakers

Capture the Spirit

"Until you make a conscious decision to do something different," says Byron Garrett, "your life will never change." Byron should know. He is National 4-H Program Leader and keynote speaker for the 2007 North Central Region Volunteer Forum in Milwaukee. Byron will also lead a "super" educational session after his presentation Friday morning.

Byron is the author of four books and co-author of three others including the popular – The ABC's of Life. A highly sought after speaker, trainer, and leadership consultant, Byron has addressed audiences from 50 to over 50,000. He will focus his talk on "engaging youth and adults as partners," the theme of the 2007 NCRVF. During his super seminar, Byron will present strategies to use to develop youth-adult partnerships.

"It's not that easy being green," says Nancy Zieman. That's "4-H green." And that's the title of her presentation and super seminar Friday afternoon. Nancy joined the Winchester 4-H Club in Wisconsin when she was 10 years old. Her first project was clothing, entering a fringed scarf and a gathered skirt at the county fair. Little did she know that joining her local 4-H club would provide a springboard for a career.

Nancy now hosts and produces Public TV’s “Sewing with Nancy” and is founder and president of Nancy’s Notions direct mail company in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. In 1991 she received the National 4-H Alumni Award. Take a walk down memory lane with Nancy as she recalls the importance of 4-H in her early life – how her participation in 4-H dress revues and demonstration contests, and the guidance of dedicated adult leaders gave her confidence and skills to use throughout her life.

Tim Talen is Wisconsin's multi-talented 4-H Arts and Communications Specialist. Tim has a masters in theatre from the University of Minnesota. He's produced and directed over 25 community elementary and middle school drama programs. With UW-Extension he's been a county 4-H youth development educator, been active in multi-cultural and diversity programming, and coordinates the state 4-H drama, art, and music groups.

At 2007 NCRVF, Tim will talk to Forum delegates Saturday morning. His message? "'Capture the Spirit,' of course," he says. As Tim explains: "4-H is all about 'the spirit.' Webster defines 'spirit' as 'an attitude or principle that inspires, animates, or pervades thought, feeling, or action.' I really like that! 4-H is the attitude that inspires and animates!" Join Tim as he shares his enthusiastic 4-H spirit through stories and song. Yes, song! Be prepared to laugh a little and learn a little too! And don't be surprised if you learn how to make a towel chicken!

If you have any questions or would like to submit information, please contact: Kandi O’Neil, kandi.oneil@ces.uwex.edu, or Sue Pleskac, sue.pleskac@ces.uwex.edu.

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