Return to the Basics: 4-H 101 “Starting and Maintaining 4-H Clubs” CES Staff Development Series Tuesday, November 15, 2005, 9:30-11:30 a.m. IP Video Presentation.

Return to the Basics: 4-H 101

“Starting and Maintaining 4-H Clubs”

CES Staff Development SeriesTuesday, November 15, 2005,

9:30-11:30 a.m.IP Video Presentation

by Steve [email protected]; 765-494-8435

4-H 101 Series

Effectively Utilizing Volunteers (10/4) Starting and Maintaining 4-H Clubs (11/15) Expanding 4-H Opportunities (12/13) Characteristics of Positive Youth

Development & Life Skill Development (1/10) 4-H Purpose, History, and Structure (2/14) Conflict Management Techniques (3/14)

Program information…

Disconnected? Contact the AgIT Help Desk at 765-494-8333

Provide feedback to: Steve at 765-494-8435, or [email protected]

Starting and Maintaining 4-H Clubs

Objectives: Starting and Maintaining 4-H Clubs

1. Define characteristics of a 4-H Club.

2. Identify benefits of 4-H Club participation.

3. Explain steps to take when starting a 4-H Club.

4. Describe methods to select 4-H Club Officers and the roles of each office.

5. Discuss the basic components of a 4-H Club Meeting.

Objectives: Starting and Maintaining 4-H Clubs

6. Name 9 steps involved with planning a 4-H Club Year.

7. Describe roles and responsibilities of participants in 4-H Clubs.

8. Create a marketing plan for a 4-H Club.

9. Recognize viable options for 4-H Club programs, community service, and fund raising activities.

Objective #1

Define characteristics of a 4-H Club.

Characteristics of a 4-H Club

A primary means of delivering 4-H programming

Organized group of youth Planned program of activities Advised by adults Led by youth officers Provides opportunities to learn skills Participates in service projects Allows youth to gain public speaking skills

Criteria for 4-H Youth Development Programming USDA/CSREES policies state that 4-H

Programming (including 4-H Clubs) should… Be research-based Be developmentally-appropriate Be based on needs of youth and parents Provide access to Land Grant University

resources Offer membership to all youth

Criteria for 4-H Youth Development Programming USDA/CSREES policies state that 4-H

Programming (including 4-H Clubs) should… Use experiential learning strategies Encourage active participation Rely heavily on adult volunteers Provide training for adult volunteers Comply with federal 4-H Name and Emblem

policies and policies of State 4-H organization

4-H Club Basics

4-H Motto: “To Make the Best Better”

4-H Symbol: four-leaf clover with an “H” in each leaflet

4-H Colors: green (nature’s most common color; growth) and white (purity and bright ideals)

4-H Club Basics cont’d.

4-H Pledge

“I pledge –

My HEAD to clearer thinking,

My HEART to greater loyalty,

My HANDS to larger service, and

My HEALTH to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”

Objective #2

Identify benefits of 4-H Club participation.

What are the benefits of 4-H Club participation? Long-term involvement in a stable setting Interaction with caring adults Provides in-depth experiences Chance to meet life-long friends Opportunities to develop and practice

leadership skills

What are the benefits of 4-H Club participation? Gain self confidence Learn by doing Give back to the community Build positive connections with others

Objective #3

Explain steps to take when starting a 4-H Club.

Why Start a New 4-H Club?

Members, Parents, Volunteers, and Educators should work together to conduct a needs assessment that will determine if there is a need for a new 4-H Club.

Consider: Are existing clubs getting too large? Do additional members need leadership

opportunities? Are there subject areas of interest to a group of

members that need to be taught in more detail? Is there a group of members who are unable to

attend meetings of a current club due to scheduling conflicts?

Why Start a New 4-H Club?

Consider: Will members be expected to attend meetings

of this new club in addition to other club meetings?

Could the needs identified be effectively handled through a series of workshops?

Is there sufficient volunteer and parental interest to support a new club?

Is the interest in a new club due to members/parents/volunteers who are dissatisfied with a current club?

Enrolling as an Official 4-H Club

At least 5 youth (in grades K-12) wish to join the club (from 2 or more families)

At least one adult is screened and trained as an official 4-H Volunteer

A meeting place is secured An official club name is chosen The purpose and type of the 4-H Club is

defined

Enrolling as an Official 4-H Club

Club rules are established (may be in the form of by-laws)

Youth officers are selected to organize the club’s activities with the advice of the Adult Volunteer

A program of activities is set and communicated with the local CES Office

A 4-H Charter is obtained from the State 4-H Office

USDA 4-H Charter

Authorizes use of the official 4-H Name and Emblem.

Includes the unit under the federal Tax-Exemption Group Ruling for 4-H.

Charters should be obtained for each 4-H unit – club, committee, etc. – submit list of units to State 4-H Office.

For more information on charters, visit: http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/library/4h_polregs.htm

4-H Charter

Enrolling 4-H Members

4-H members enroll in 4-H Clubs annually Counties have enrollment policies that govern their

local program, determined by the local 4-H governing board with advice from the 4-H Youth Extension Educator

Enrollment policies should be inclusive to all who are interested in joining

Typically, a member will complete a 4-H Membership Card provided by the County CES Office, turn it in to the 4-H Club Adult Volunteer Leader, who will submit it to the County CES Office

Enrolling 4-H Members

Enrollment forms may include the following: General demographic information Options of projects/activities for members to select Parent/legal guardian behavioral statement (see p. 4,

General Terms & Conditions, Indiana 4-H Youth Program Policies & Procedures)

Member behavioral statement Photo policy statement Activities release form - required for Horse & Pony,

Shooting Sports, and ATV (see p. 2, Risk Management, and p. 2, Risk Management Forms - Policies & Procedures)

Enrolling Volunteers

All adults who wish to volunteer with the 4-H Program must complete the 4-H Adult Volunteer Application and Screening process (discussed in previous 4-H 101 program)

See Volunteer Management and Volunteer Management Forms sections in Indiana 4-H Youth Program Policies and Procedures notebook for additional information.

Securing a Meeting Place

Select location that is easily accessible, safe, and that provides a good learning environment (space, A/V needs, lighting, etc.)

Consider requirements associated with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Convenient for parents and members Should not be in a private home Common options include: community

buildings, schools, churches, libraries, fairgrounds, etc.

Choosing a 4-H Club Name

Allow 4-H Club members to choose the name of their 4-H Club with the advice of the Adult Volunteer. Be creative

Hold contest among members Be representative

What is the 4-H Club’s major activities? Be inclusive

Avoid references to gender, race, and religion

Selecting a Type of 4-H Club

Allow members and parents to help select the type and structure of the new 4-H Club.

How can this club meet the needs of those who will be participating?

How can this club fill a gap in the services currently offered by other 4-H Clubs in the County? Try to avoid unnecessary duplication. How will this club be unique?

Most important consideration: choose the type of club that will best contribute to the positive development of the youth who will be involved.

Selecting a Type of 4-H Club

Options include: Neighborhood – formed by youth and families

within the same neighborhood Community/Township – youth/families who live

in a community or township Project/Activity – include youth interested in

learning about the same educational project or participating in the same activities

Mini/Exploring – youth in grades K-2 who are interested in learning about and participating in various non-competitive activities

After School – youth who attend club meetings at the end of the school day, typically at their school

Establishing 4-H Club Rules

4-H Club rules help define the expectations and responsibilities of all who are participating

Rules create structure and framework for the operation of the club

Provide members with the opportunities to set and approve rules.

Can be done with an initial brainstorming session. Ask the members… What rules do you think we should have in this club? What do you expect of the other members in this club? What do you expect of the leaders in this club?

Establishing 4-H Club Rules

Adult Volunteers can offer advice and suggestions during this process to keep the focus on positive youth development and to ensure that county, state, and federal 4-H policies are maintained.

Keep these notes in mind… Rules should not be exclusive or overly restrictive. Rules should not limit positive youth development. Avoid attendance/participation requirements related to

completion and/or exhibition of 4-H projects.

4-H Club By-Laws

Not a requirement for 4-H Clubs, but may be helpful in certain situations

A formal written agreement of the 4-H Club’s rules and guidelines

Approved by all of the club’s members Can lessen the chances that conflicts will arise and

will assist in handling disagreements that occur during the year

Kept on file in the local CES office Are reviewed and approved by the 4-H Youth

Educator to ensure that guidelines included are reasonable and inclusive (especially with regards to membership and attendance requirements)

By-Laws Components

Name of 4-H Club Purpose of 4-H Club Policies regarding number of meetings held

and process to make decisions Membership Officers, Elections, and Duties Committees Club Reports and Forms Procedure to make amendments in by-laws

Objective #4

Describe methods to select 4-H Club Officers and the roles of each office.

Selecting 4-H Club Officers

Officers are the members responsible for the operation of the 4-H Club.

Officers should be given the freedom and responsibility by their Adult Advisors to develop their leadership skills and to learn from their mistakes.

Typically officers are selected by their peers. Officers may be selected at the beginning or

end of a 4-H year.

Selecting 4-H Club Officers

Methods to identify officer candidates include: Member applications – those interested in an office

complete an application detailing their interest and qualifications

Open nominations – during the election meeting, members may nominate themselves or their peers to serve as an officer

Slate of officers – typically prepared by the current officer group or nominating committee, the slate includes one nominee for each office. Nominees should be contacted in advance of the presentation of the slate.

Selecting 4-H Club Officers

Officers are typically selected by a vote of their peers.

Officer candidates may be given the opportunity to present their qualifications in front of the club (good for developing public speaking skills).

Club members may vote on paper ballot (more secretive) or by show of hands (possibly with eyes covered).

4-H Club Officer Duties

4-H Club Officers may include: President – presides over business portion of

meeting Vice-President – presides in absence of

President; chairs all committees Secretary – records all club business;

maintains membership records Treasurer – keeps all financial records Historian – keeps records of club activities;

photographs activities; compiles scrapbook

4-H Club Officer Duties

Health & Safety Reporter – presents information to club related to their health and safety

Publicity/News Reporter – writes articles related to club activities for the local print and/or broadcast media

Recreation Leader – plans and leads recreation activities for each meeting

Song Leader – plans and leads songs for each meeting

Training 4-H Club Officers

Many 4-H members will have little or no experience as a 4-H Club Officer. Thus, it is important to offer resources to train the members in their officer duties.

Options include… County 4-H Club Officer Training Workshop

Led by Jr. Leaders, Adult Leaders, Collegiate 4-H Club members, etc.

4-H Club Officer Guides – web-based resources available for each office (4-H 448-455)

Ideally the training will be conducted early in the club year so that the officers will have the knowledge they need to be effective in their roles

Objective #5

Discuss the basic components of a 4-H Club Meeting.

Planning the 4-H Club Meeting

Typical Club Meeting Formula Business – 15-20 minutes Education Program – 30-45 minutes Recreation – 15-30 minutes

Total Meeting time: 60-90 minutes

Suggestion: plan a pre-meeting activity to give something for the early-arrivers to do before the meeting officially starts.

Business Portion of Meeting

Time to discuss future plans, receive updates on activities, discuss financial situation

Should not become overriding focus of meeting

Allow members to learn to practice democracy and to speak in front of a group

Follow basic parliamentary procedure to reach decisions

Sample Business Meeting Agenda

Call to Order Pledges: American and 4-H Roll Call (answer in a way decided by the group or

Secretary) Introduction of guests Minutes of previous meeting Treasurer’s Report Committee Reports Leader’s Report Old Business (agenda items discussed at previous

meetings) New Business Adjournment

Educational Portion of Meeting

Can include a variety of activities to help members learn

Options… Community service Field trips or tours Career exploration 4-H Project Work Demonstrations Guest Speakers Other…

Recreation Portion of Meeting

Recreation adds enthusiasm and enjoyment to the meetings.

Member-led activities are best. Recreation officers can be selected, or different members can volunteer to lead activities at meetings throughout the year.

Include a variety of activities over the course of the year so that everyone will have something that interests them.

Recreation Portion of Meeting

Options… Opening meeting activity (ice-breaker, mixer) Games Charades Relays/Sports Group activities Puzzle Challenges Picnics Hikes Songs/Music Refreshments

Conducting the 4-H Club Meeting

4-H Club Officers and members should be given the responsibility of conducting the 4-H Club Meeting

Adult Volunteers should serve only in an advisory role

Parents should help the 4-H members prepare for their part of the meeting prior to the meeting

Evaluating the 4-H Club Meeting

Following the 4-H Club meeting, the officers and Adult Club Leader can meet to review the meeting.

Allow the members to discuss what went well and what could be improved for future meetings.

A checklist of meeting components can assist with this review. It may be used periodically to help track the progress of the meetings.

Using Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary Procedure provides… Orderly way to conduct a meeting Fair way to make group decisions Method that respects everyone Means for everyone to have a chance to

speak Way to learn common method to conduct

business Decide early on how formal the 4-H Club

wants to follow parliamentary procedures – this may depend upon the age and experiences of the club members

Using Parliamentary Procedure

Basics of Parliamentary Procedure Conducted by presiding officer. Members are recognized by this officer before

speaking. One person speaks at a time. Discussion stays focused on one topic. Decisions are made through motions which

require a second. Discussion is held until all have had a chance

to speak. Decisions are made by voting on the motion.

10-Minute Break

Objective #6

Name 9 steps involved with planning a 4-H Club Year.

Planning the 4-H Club Year

Involve club members in preparing a yearly club plan The annual plan will:

State goals the club wishes to accomplish Identify expectations of club members Outline member responsibilities Provide each member with specific tasks during the

year Give each person time to prepare for meetings and

events Promote a balanced experience with a variety of

activities Help the group measure how successful they were in

reaching their goals Allow families to participate in a positive way in 4-H

events.

Step 1: Determine needs & interests

Each member has his or her own ideas about what they would like their 4-H Club to do.

Parents also would like input Needs and interests can be obtained by…

Survey box – at one of the early meetings, put a decorated container in the meeting room with blank pieces of paper and pencils nearby. Invite all who attend to write down ideas that they have 4-H Club program ideas and put them in the box to be reviewed by the club officers.

Step 1: Determine needs & interests

Sticky board – ask members to write at least one thing they would like to do, learn, or make in the club this year

Technology – ask teens to develop a web-based survey for members to respond to with their interests

Collages – as a meeting activity, have members create collages to suggest programs and activities

Step 1: Determine needs & interests

Roll Call – as each person’s name is called, ask them to respond with a suggested program activity (be sure to have someone recording all of the ideas)

Brainstorming – divide the club into small group and make suggestions within the categories of:

Head – what do you want to learn? Heart – what do you want to do for others? Hands – how do you want to learn? Health – what do you want to do to promote a

healthy lifestyle for yourself and others?

Step 2: Put Suggestions into a Plan

Include youth when developing the plan – remember it is their club!

Key: be as inclusive as possible to prepare plans of interest to the entire club.

In small clubs, form a planning committee to develop the club’s plan.

In larger clubs, form several committees each charged with planning a specific part of the club (meetings, service projects, recreation, etc.)

Present the plan to the entire membership for approval.

Step 3: Select a Planning Committee

Represent all interests Involve older and younger members Include all demographic categories Involve parents, adult volunteers, and

interested community members Vice-President may chair the meeting, with

help from the club leader

Step 4: Organize the Club Planning Meeting Provide a hands-on learning activity in group

decision-making Ensure everyone has a voice and actively

participates Plan the meeting at a time and location that is

most convenient for all. Gather information from the methods used to

collect ideas from club members Consider county and/or state 4-H program

areas of emphasis for the current year

Step 5: Set Goals

Identify the club’s goals – what the members hope to accomplish as a result of their participation.

Goals should… Be developed from members’ interests Be stated clearly Be realistic, achievable, and measurable Meet developmental needs Promote cooperation and learning Provide individual and group achievement incentives Provide opportunities for community service,

leadership, and communication

Step 5: Set Goals

Sample goals… Promote 4-H and recruit 10 new members and

2 volunteers Participate in 5 different project educational

programs Train officers to conduct business meetings Participate in county and state-sponsored

conferences and workshops Provide all 4-H families with a 4-H Club

calendar of events

Step 6: Create Action Plans

Decide what experiences to provide so that the club goals can be achieved.

Include workshops, speakers, field trips, recreation, business meetings, recognition events, fund raisers, etc.

Outline how each of these actions will be carried out.

Assign specific persons to complete the responsibilities identified.

Step 6: Create Action Plans

A typical annual 4-H program plan includes: Monthly meetings Educational field trips or presentations Recreational activities Special activities (e.g., picnics, parties) Community service projects Opportunities for each member to make a presentation

to the club Club recognition activity Club marketing/recruitment activity for the 4-H Club Meeting to plan the next year

Step 7: Write the Yearly Club Plan

Keep the plan simple, yet complete Include dates, times, and places for each event When evaluating the plan, members should be able

to answer “yes” to each of these questions: Does the plan include experiences for all members? Are activities appropriate for all ages? Can we realistically accomplish all we’ve planned? Will we have fun while learning? Have we considered how activities outside of 4-H will

affect members’ ability to participate in our activities? Does the plan provide opportunities for each member

to experience leadership, public speaking, and service to the community?

Step 8: Approve the Yearly Plan

Present the plan in simple language to the membership, their parents, and other volunteers.

Provide an opportunity for each person to review the plan ahead of the meeting where it will be discussed.

Provide time for discussion of the plan during the meeting.

Make revisions as necessary. Approve the plan following basic parliamentary

procedures. Provide a copy of the yearly plan to the County

Extension Office to be kept on file as a part of the club’s reporting requirements.

Step 9: Measure Club Success

Review the plan throughout the year to be sure the activities reflect what was approved.

Ask for feedback from members, parents, and volunteers periodically throughout the year on the progress realized.

Encourage the planning committee to review their progress and make necessary adjustments.

Assess the environment of the club on a regular basis – is it conducive to positive youth development?

Complete a Successful Club indicator checklist.

Objective #7

Describe roles and responsibilities of participants in 4-H Clubs.

Roles and Responsibilities

The 4-H Club has many individuals who must work together to ensure that the club experience is a successful one.

These individuals include: Youth 4-H Club Volunteers Club Officers Parents Community members Extension Staff

Youth

Participate in meetings and activities Provide input for 4-H Club and project

offerings Carry out responsibilities as needed by the

group Interact with other members of the group Gain competence in life skills Promote 4-H to other youth

4-H Club Volunteers

Serve as a point of contact for the club Inform Extension Office of club plans Ensure 4-H members are recognized Assist with the planning and implementation of club

activities Discuss agenda prior to the meeting with the club

officers Make arrangements for the meeting Ensure supplies are available Assist youth in developing life and project skills

4-H Club Volunteers

Adults may assume several different roles as volunteers: Organizational/Club Leader

Key point of contact with CES Office Coordinates club activities

Project/Activity Leader Assumes responsibilities for a particular project (e.g.,

Electric, Livestock) or of a specific activity (e.g., Share the Fun, Club Tour)

Committee Member Assists with the various 4-H Club committees May serve in an advisory capacity for the 4-H Club

4-H Club Officers

Promote 4-H to other youth Mentor younger members Conduct business meeting Provide leadership for 4-H Club Work with adult volunteer to plan meetings

and program Serve as positive role models for their peers

Parents

Volunteer to assist with 4-H projects and activities

Provide transportation for members to 4-H activities

Attend club meetings and activities Encourage participation in 4-H program Provide resources to help members complete

projects

Community Members

Assist with the planning of special events for 4-H Clubs

Serve as resource persons Contribute funds and other resources needed

for club activities Provide opportunities for 4-H clubs to serve

their community May serve on an advisory board for 4-H Club

programming

Extension Staff

Located on county, area, district, state, and federal levels

Provide information and resources to volunteers and members

Advise 4-H Clubs on procedures and guidelines to follow

Assist with the recognition of members and volunteers

Recruit member and volunteer participation Coordinate 4-H enrollment procedures

Objective #8

Create a marketing plan for a 4-H Club.

Marketing 4-H Clubs

Once a club is established, promotion and recruitment becomes essential.

Members want to share their excitement with others - they need an avenue to do so.

Youth gain valuable skills in communication as they develop strategies to market their 4-H Club.

Marketing strategies need to appeal to the needs and interests of youth – creativity is the key!

Remember, however, that youth join 4-H because the meetings are interesting and enjoyable; not because of a flashy marketing campaign. Be sure that the product you are marketing is worthwhile prior to marketing it.

Marketing 4-H Clubs

Ideas for marketing Form a publicity committee Hold a special, high profile event (e.g., 4-H

Project Open House) Use technology – create a web site

highlighting 4-H Club activities Invite local media to cover a special activity of

your 4-H Club Check with the Extension Office to obtain any

marketing materials they may have available.

Marketing 4-H Clubs

Write press releases of club events Promote National and Indiana 4-H Weeks

Place a bulletin board in the school, library, or local mall

Set up 4-H information booths in school cafeterias

Arrange time to visit elementary school classrooms to promote 4-H

Have members and volunteers speak at local service organization and PTA/PTO meetings

Marketing 4-H Clubs

Complete a community service project Make 4-H Club meeting announcements a

part of the daily school announcements Arrange for the public address announcer at

school sporting events to read a public service announcement about 4-H

Wear 4-H-related clothing Make personal invitations

Use of the 4-H Name and Emblem

During marketing and promotion of 4-H, be certain to use the 4-H Name and Emblem in compliance with federal guidelines.

Obtain appropriate approval for use of 4-H Name and Emblem.

Review guidelines established by National 4-H Headquarters: http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/library/4h_polregs.htm

Objective #9

Recognize viable options for 4-H Club programs, community service, and fund

raising activities.

Suggestions for 4-H Club Programs

As a part of the educational mission of 4-H, programs can be held during the 4-H Club year.

A number of special guests or field trips can be arranged to provide unique opportunities for 4-H members to grow and develop interests.

Consider some of the following ideas during the program planning process.

Suggestions for 4-H Club Programs

Local business tours Mock trial Police dogs Self defense Karate/Tae Kwon Do Lock-in 4-H promotion Present Mini 4-H program Multi-county programs Recycling Tour county jail Picnic

Holiday parties Dance Holiday caroling Retreat Ice cream social Videos Guest speakers

Community leaders Teachers Businessmen Service professionals 4-H alumni

Suggestions for 4-H Club Community Service Projects 4-H members learn valuable life skills by

participating in projects that give back to their communities.

They learn to identify local needs, make contacts with community leaders, experience the steps required to organize an event, and realize the satisfaction that comes from helping others.

A wide range of options is available for 4-H Clubs to consider as shown in the following slide.

Suggestions for 4-H Club Community Service Projects Park beautification Roadside clean-up Landscaping Flagpole at fairgrounds Food drives Clothing drives Fund drives for medical

research Nursing home visits Party for underprivileged

children

Adopt a grandparent Childcare assistance Shopping service for seniors Bicycle safety inspection Tutor Special Olympics Voting polls Salvation Army Community egg hunt Recycling Angel Tree

Financial Considerations for 4-H Clubs In order to complete all of the activities determined in

the program planning process, the 4-H Club will need funds.

4-H Club members will have many good ideas on how to raise money. Encourage them to be creative and realistic.

Establishing a budget and financial goals will help members to keep on track and enthused about their fund raising projects.

Youth learn important life skills as they manage a club’s financial resources with the guidance of a knowledgeable adult.

Financial Considerations for 4-H Clubs Funds raised by a 4-H Club are intended for the

benefit of all members. No single member, volunteer, or committee owns these funds.

Fund raising using the 4-H Name and Emblem must be conducted in compliance with USDA guidelines.

Fund raising in a single county that uses the 4-H Name and Emblem may be approved by the County Extension Educator.

The 4-H Youth Extension Educator is responsible for reviewing each 4-H Club’s financial activities to determine that they are in compliance with these guidelines.

Financial Considerations for 4-H Clubs 4-H Club funds should be maintained in a local

financial institution. Checking accounts should have two signatures required for each check.

Bank accounts should include the 4-H Club’s Employer Identification Number (EIN). No personal Social Security Numbers should be included on a bank account. Procedures to obtain an EIN are included in the Policies and Procedures Handbook.

Receipts should be kept for all financial transactions.

Treasurer’s reports should be prepared monthly.

Financial Considerations for 4-H Clubs Every 4-H unit shall maintain a record of its financial

activities, including the contributions and funds it receives. An annual report shall be submitted by each unit to the CES Office.

Financial Reviews/ Audits are conducted on 1/5 of the county’s 4-H Units annually by a locally-designated committee.

Financial Review/Audit should also be completed when the unit’s leadership changes hands.

Financial Considerations for 4-H Clubs Clubs may collect dues from 4-H Club members.

However, the inability to pay dues should not prevent the member from participating.

Insurance coverage for 4-H Club members is highly recommended. The $1/year plan offered by American Income Life Insurance Company is an inexpensive method to help support 4-H families in the event of a 4-H-related accident.

No games of chance may be used as a method to raise funds for a 4-H unit. This includes bingo and raffles.

Financial Considerations for 4-H Clubs A 4-H Charter signed by State Extension Officials

serves as proof that the 4-H Unit is authorized to use the 4-H Name and Emblem, and thus has federal tax-exempt status (not exempt from paying state sales tax).

Units should not share state tax exempt numbers.

NOTE: the “Financial Management” and “Financial Management Forms” sections of Indiana 4-H Youth Program Policies and Procedures Handbook contain further guidelines and information.

Suggestions for 4-H Club Fund Raising Activities Bake Sales Walk-a-thon Dinners Refreshments Window washing Variety shows Crafts Rummage sales Lawn mowing Skating parties

Work auctions Product sales Plays Special events Sponsorship Car wash Ice cream socials Snow shoveling Boarding pets Recycling

Summary

4-H Clubs provide positive youth development opportunities and develop numerous life skills in youth.

The ideal 4-H Club is youth-led with adults serving in an advisory capacity.

A number of individuals play significant roles in the successful operation of a 4-H Club.

Summary

Careful program planning is essential to a successful 4-H Club year.

Marketing 4-H is important and provides further educational opportunities to members.

Numerous options are available for 4-H Club programs, community service projects, and fund raising.

4-H Clubs must carefully follow USDA guidelines when using the 4-H Name and Emblem.

Resources “Starting a New 4-H Club, A Leader’s Guide for Getting

Through the First Year,” University of Minnesota Extension Service 4-H Club Meeting Outline, p. 14 4-H Club Calendar, p. 15-16 Parliamentary Procedure, p. 17 Who’s on the Program?, p. 19-20

“Indiana 4-H Youth Program Policies and Procedures,” Purdue University, revised 10/2005 Guidelines and policies regarding membership, finances,

volunteer screening, etc.

“4-H 101” Handbook, USDA/CSREES, 99-EYAR-1-0747 Example of By-Laws, p. 62-65 4-H Club meeting Agenda Worksheet, p. 73 President’s Guide to Conducting Business Meetings, p. 79 How to Design Your Own Clover, p. 89

Resources “4-H Junior Leader Advisor Resource Guide”, 4-H 916,

Purdue University Ideas for program, community service, fund raising Parliamentary Procedure Officer Guides

“4-H Resource Electronic Database (FRED)”, Purdue University Database including programming ideas from Purdue CES

staff Web address:

http://www2.agriculture.purdue.edu/4h/login.asp?target=.

“4-H Club Programming”, University of Florida Extension Program planning tips, guidelines, templates

Questions, Comments, Feedback???

Next 4-H 101 Program:

“Expanding 4-H Opportunities”

Tuesday, December 13, 2005, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

for your participation!!!