ofbf leadership buffet youth

one day i hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. we were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. my taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches!

the driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. my taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. and i mean, he was really friendly.

so i asked, "why did you just do that? that guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!"

this is when my taxi driver taught me what i now call, "the law of the garbage truck." he explained that many people are like garbage trucks. they run around full of garbage -- frustration, anger, disappointment. as their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. don't take it personally. just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

the bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. love the people who treat you right. pray for the ones who don't. life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

* taken from "mikey's funnies"

greetings all.

just time for a quick update this morning. watch the ofbf website this week as we launch the new look! you'll want to check out updates on the youth page that include:

• photos via flickr.com
• youth advisor materials
• resources for parents
• youth conference registration forms
• youth advisory team
• youth advisory team applications
• scholarship information
• and more

foot-in-mouth disease.

we've all made those mistakes by saying something inappropriate, at the wrong time, in the wrong way or to the wrong person.

here are some tips for keeping your foot out of your mouth and dealing diplomatically with others.

Ask yourself these questions before you say anything:

• is this helpful? does it communicate caring for the person or just help YOU feel better?
• is it necessary? ss this a question that needs to be asked immediately or can it wait?
• is my question/statement phrased to show caring or communicating clearly?
• put people first in your communication. if you don't know exactly what to say or do, focus on the people that you want to reach out to and take the focus off yourself and not being sure what to say/do. yes, it's awkward, but once you begin to focus on the other person, it gets much easier.

This is an excerpt from the new leadership buffet workshop, "etiquette: the art of self-confidence while putting others at ease."

great meeting yesterday with the youth advisory team (formerly known as the state youth committee).

we had a busy day planning for summer activities. the major topic of discussion was the higher ground conference. we're wanting to involve more youth in leadership positions at the conference and provide an opportunity for youth to being mentoring each other during the conference.

we also took time to do some public speaking training: how to introduce guest speakers and training in impromptu speaking.

next month, we plan to have an action-packed day that includes:

• a tour of ohio farm bureau offices
• a tour of nationwide insurance
• an etiquette training meal
• media/spokesperson training

hi all,

just a quick note to let you know that the fby facebook page is up and running.

check it out at

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ohio-Farm-Bureau-Youth/86667326999?sid=109395d5c27ff09defd7b81aec5d00d6&ref=search

see you there!

the dynamic, fun-loving and irresistible group that provides leadership to the farm bureau youth program is made up of eight individuals.

let's meet them!

kristi moff (team chair)
year in school: college sophmore.
favorite activities: i like to line dance and ride horses.
top strengths: working with kids and coming up with alternatives for things.
if i had one super strength it would be: super strength so I could be amazing at shot and discus.
i am involved in farm bureau youth because i love the people involved and the programs are amazing and have helped e alot over the years.

steven cain

year in school: sophomore

Favorite pastimes: I like to fly R/C airplanes, I love to play frisbee golf, and occasionally write music that makes me feel all fuzzy (a good kind of fuzzy) inside

Top strengths: One of my top strengths is my leadership experience, and teaching others how to be great leaders as well

If I could have one superpower it would be: If I could have one superpower it would be the ability to heal very quickly not just on the outside but on the inside as well.

Why I’m involved in Farm Bureau Youth: I’m involved in Farm Bureau Youth because I was once the camper looking up to the SYC that were at the camps, and now I have a chance to share that same leadership with some more people.

nicholas colston

year in school: junior

hobbies: i don’t have many pastimes because sports takes up most of my time but i like to take hikes or go fishing.

top strengths: are working with people and playing sports.

if i could have one superpower: to be be-able to fly.

why i'm involved: i am involved in farm bureau youth because it is so much fun. you make many good friends and friendships that will last forever.

to meet more of the members, go to www.ofbf.org and visit our youth page!