Ask an Educator: Julie York from Texas

Since we launched Growing Clover in 2018, we have been thrilled with how many 4-H professionals from across the states have inquired about the program and used it to grow their local 4-H programs.

Last week, Nicole from New Mexico shared her tips to guarantee success and even a pitfall to avoid. If you missed it, check it out here!

Today, Julie, a 4-H educator from the Lone Star State of Texas is sharing how Growing Clover is making the best better for Upshur County 4-H. We had the opportunity to meet Julie several months ago and learn about her hopes to send several teens to 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus.

Her favorite part of Growing Clover? “I love having an online fundraising option – and being able to offer folks a way to access online coupons is a bonus. They get to save money while they are supporting our group’s fundraising efforts, so it’s a double bonus actually.”

(Julie York and “Chris Clover”)

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I work for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service as a County Extension Agent – Family & Community Health/4-H. I’ve been in this position for 5 years, and previously worked in Extension in Oklahoma.

What did you use Growing Clover for? How has it helped you achieve this goal?

I learned about Growing Clover at the National 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA) Conference in Columbus, Ohio as I was just starting to help 4-H members raise funds to attend Citizenship Washington Focus at the National 4-H Center the following summer. The online format of Growing Clover helped me raise $565 very quickly, mostly from people who don’t live nearby.

What features of Growing Clover have you loved?

I liked how easy it was to promote our fundraiser and educate people about our trip. Anyone online could support us in helping us pay for our costs as chaperones. It actually costs $100 more to chaperone [Citizenship Washington Focus], so everyone going had to raise money. Some chose to participate in the online option, and others focused on local efforts.

What are your tips for success?

I shared the link for my fundraising page and the reason we were raising funds on our Facebook page, in private Facebook messages as well as phone texts, and email. What would you tell a fellow colleague who was considering signing up for Growing Clover? GO FOR IT! Use any method of fundraising – and since most family and friends don’t live near each other these days, it’s worth using this online forum for bringing in donations. The online coupons are a bonus.

Thank you so much, Julie, for sharing your experiences with all of us!