January 22—28 has been declared South Dakota 4-H Week! Clubs all across the state are challenged to bring 4-H to the attention of their communities with open houses, special events, new member drives, window displays, posters, and classroom visits. The 4-H Youth Council will provide daily themes and challenges for the clubs, along with ideas for helping counties to promote their programs.

The South Dakota 4-H Youth Council members will jumpstart the week with their annual visit to the Legislature in Pierre, and the presentation of their annual report on the state 4-H Community Service project.

During December every club, leader’s association and county office will choose something that they can do to promote 4-H in their community during the big week. Ideas will be shared across the state, and a calendar of public events will be available. The Regional Centers will also get involved with special events determined by the technologies available in late January.

Groups looking for new ideas to promote 4-H might want to consider these:

• Check with local companies to insert a 4-H information sheet in their billing statements.
• Create 4-H door hangers that promote 4-H and distribute them to 4-H’ers, teachers, volunteers, potential members, clubs, etc.
• Fly a 4-H flag on the town square, city or county building.
• Check with local merchants about programming a 4-H message on their cash register / point-of-sale receipts.
• Have a 4-H Carnival.
• Do a service-learning activity or project.
• Say thanks to the media with a note, phone call, or by treating them to lunch.