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University of Minnesota Extension Service


The University of Minnesota Extension Service is a unique partnership of federal, state and county government, which brings together the resources of the University and the communities of Anoka County. Staff and trained volunteers work closely with individuals, families and groups to respond to the needs of Anoka County residents. We offer workshops and clinics, small and large group meetings, printed fact sheets and bulletins, school enrichment programs and phone and individual consultation.

Contact Information:

University of Minnesota Extension Service - Anoka County
Bunker Hills Activities Center
550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW
Andover, MN 55304-4199
Phone: 763-755-1280
Fax: 763-755-6950
E-mail: anoka@extension.umn.edu

You can connect with us during our normal business hours:
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.


Position Opportunity

We are seeking applicants for two Americorps Promise Fellow positions working with 4-H Youth Development. These positions will work in communities and provide 4-H site-based club opportunities to youth in grades 5-8. There are 2 locations seeking Promise Fellows: St. Cloud and Anoka County (Fridley/Spring Lake Park area). Promise Fellows commit to a year of service with the Americorps program and receive benefits as listed below.

Promise Fellow Position Description
Minnesota Americorps Promise Fellow
Position Description for 4-H Program Sites

TITLE:
Promise Fellow- 4‑H Youth Development
Site Based 4-H Club Development
Center for 4-H Youth Development, University of Minnesota Extension Service

2 PLACEMENT SITES:

Fridley/Spring Lake Park
Office Base: Andover Regional Center
550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW
Andover MN 55304

St Cloud
St Cloud Regional Center
3400 First St N, Suite 400
St. Cloud MN 56303

SUPERVISOR:
Anita Walz, St Cloud, Regional Extension Educator, 320-203-6106
Anne Stevenson, Fridley, Regional Extension Educator, 763-767-3883

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide opportunities for youth to experience quality relationships and develop lifelong skills:

a.. Work with community leadership team to design and develop site based 4-H clubs in the St Cloud or Fridley area which are aimed at increasing the quantity and quality of out-of-school-time learning opportunities.

b.. Be a key point of contact for site-based 4-H youth development programs who want to become engaged in the five promises and secure related commitments.

c.. Document key contacts and learning’s from program implementation and related evaluations.

d.. Fulfill requirements and adhere to the provisions of the Minnesota AmeriCorps Promise Fellow Program as specified in related documents that will be provided to the Fellow.

e.. Participate in creating an Individual Development Plan and participate in resulting development activities within AmeriCorps Promise Fellow guidelines and requirements

ELIGIBILITY:
a.. 18 years or older
b.. A U.S. citizen
c.. Able to serve in a full-time position (e.g., not a full-time student or working elsewhere full time)
d.. Interested in serving youth and the community

DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS:
a.. Associate or Bachelor’s degree in community or youth development, education, or a related field.
b.. Strong oral and written communication skills.
c.. Volunteer experience and a desire to develop a strong ethic of service.
d.. Experience working collaboratively with youth.
e.. Commitment to positive youth development.
f.. Able to deal effectively with multiple tasks and competing deadlines.
g.. Self-motivated, capable of effectively working independently without daily supervision.
h.. Has initiative to see and follow through with “next steps” that need to be taken.
i.. Able to present oneself in a highly professional manner and be an ambassador for the program.

We are committed to recruiting and engaging individuals without regard to disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

TERM OF SERVICE:
September 1, 2006-August 31, 2007
Promise Fellow must complete 1700 hours of service over a one year period. This is an average of 34 hours/week.

PROMISE FELLOW WILL RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING:
· Living Allowance - $12,000
· Educational Award upon Successful Completion - $ 4,725
· Health Insurance
· Student Loan/Interest Deferment
· Professional Development/Training in Youth Development, Community Organizing, etc.

To apply, please contact the individuals below for an application. Completed applications should be submitted to them by August 15, 2006.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Anita Walz, St Cloud Regional Center, 320-203-6106 walzx061@umn.edu
Anne Stevenson, Andover Regional Center, 763-767-3883, steve020@umn.edu 

More Information about Americorps Promise Fellows and on-line application can be obtained at the Americorps website: www.americorps.org. Look under the heading “For Individuals” for a searchable database of opportunities and application information.


List of Services:

Youth, Individuals and Families:

  • Youth in K-12th grades can explore a variety of interests, develop life skills, and belong to a group through 4-H community clubs.
  • Simply Good Eating is a program that teaches families about food safety, nutritious snacks and the food guide pyramid.
  • The Alcohol/Tobacco Decisions program involves teenagers in teaching younger students about the consequences of alcohol/tobacco use and peer pressure.

Adults:
Financial management, transferring non-titled property, healthy eating, and protecting the home and neighborhood are just some of the topics available through programs, brochures, training and special events.

Home and Land Owners:
Programs and information are available on lawn care, pest control, small acreage opportunities, gardening, septic system care and more. Master Gardener volunteer horticulture training enables community volunteerism.

Agricultural Operators:
Resources are available to learn financial management, new practices, environmental stewardship and estate planning.

Small Businesses:
Programs and resources are available for small business retention and expansion, marketing and financial management.

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Links:

U of M Extension Service Home Page

University of Minnesota Home Page

Info-U

Yard & Garden Line

Center for 4-H & Youth Development

Access Minnesota

Access Minnesota Main Street

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Patrick Weicherding, Ph.D.
Extension Educator, Horticulture
University of Minnesota Extension Service
Anoka County Extension Service
550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW
Andover, MN 55304-4199
Telephone: (763) 755-1280
FAX: (763) 755-6950
E-mail: pweicherding@extension.umn.edu

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Updated 3/6/00