May 6, 2017 | View All Issues
Dear San Benito County 4-H Community,
It has come to my attention that there is a lot of grumbling, fingerprinting and ill-will circulating in our program relative to the work of the 4-H sustainability committee. As such, I want to clear the air about mis-conceptions and remind everyone of the code of conduct that applies to all members and adults in the program.
The sustainability committee was appointed by Council President Mike Mansmith to seek input and develop a 4-H Council spending plan in order to manage the Georgia Wapple Fraiser Trust for future generations. In working with our fiscal managers at Northern Trust it was determined that we needed to reduce our annual spending by $20,000 to meet our sustainability goals. The committee - made up by a representative from every 4-H club and chaired by 4-H Council Treasurer Rachel Taylor have been working to modify the budget and come up with livable options. The committee has kept the Council informed of their progress via Council meetings, the electronic Updates and by seeking input from all throughout the process.
While not in attendance at the April Council meeting, I have come to learn that several concerns were raised about the proposed budget and that disparaging, hurtful and inappropriate remarks have continued to be made about the process, individuals and families in our program via social media and other contexts. This is not how we do business, and I expect this to stop. 4-H prides itself on creating a safe environment for productive discourse and this behavior is quite contrary to this belief.
As you all prepare to attend the sustainability committee meeting Monday May 8 (7PM at the Vets Building) and to vote on the 2017-2018 Council budget at the May 22nd 4-H Council meeting, I urge everyone to be mindful of the code of conduct, to treat everyone with respect and to work towards a manageable solution for all.
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