Using Recognition to Get the Most
Out of Your Club’s Membership
Using a comprehensive, recognition
program can lead to more youth being
recognized and can provide a way to say
to every youth: “You are a valued and
important member of the 4-H program”
Prepared by Kim Reaman, University of Wyoming 4-H Volunteer Development Specialist
Western Regional Leaders Forum, March 12, 2010, Albuquerque New Mexico
Basic Beliefs about Recognition
• Basic human need
• Builds positive self-esteem
• Balance with intrinsic and
extrinsic
• motivates people to excel
and take worthwhile risks
Basic Beliefs about Recognition
• Meaningful recognition
– occurs soon after it is earned
– is related to a specific task
– Given by someone important
– Personalized to the individual
– Allows for choices
• Think about what motivates
people
National 4-H Recognition Model
Participation
Progress
toward selfset goals
Cooperation
Peer
Competition
Standards of
Excellence
Participation
Participation
Says “we are glad
you are here”
Personal thank you note
Letter of thanks or
appreciation to their parents
A PARTY
Participation ribbons
T-shirts, caps, jackets
Membership cards or stickers
Names in the paper or 4-H
newsletter
Progress Toward Self-Set Goals
Article in paper about what the
Progress
member is doing and learning
toward selfSmall token that represents the
set goals
accomplishment
Ask member to teach others
what they have learned
Special mention at club
meetings or county 4-H
Recognizing accomplishment
recognition night
of steps
the way can
provide motivation to keep
going
Achieving Standards of Excellence
The standard of success comes from an outside
source or specialist and serves as a measuring stick.
Recognition Night
4-H’er of the Month
Scholarships
Gift Certificates
Hall of Fame Walls
Plaque
Merit Awards
Standards of
Excellence
Peer Competition
The desire to win may overpower the desire to learn
from the experience. Help youth remain focused on
what they have learned and prepare youth for both
winning and not winning.
Peer
Competition
Ribbons
Trophies
Prize Money
Scholarships
Award Trips
Cooperation within the Group
4-H Team of the
Month
Club Awards
Community
Service Awards
Teamwork Awards
for Committees
Offer leadership
roles where
teamwork is
essential
Cooperation
Recognition based on
how group members
work together rather
than who has
accomplished the
most as an individual
National 4-H Recognition Model
Well rounded recognition
programs can help people
become more capable and
competent AND increase
their desire to stay involved
in our 4-H program.
Sources:
Clemson University, downloaded February 9, 2009
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/kids_families/national.html
Progress
toward
self-set
goals
Participation
Cooperation
Peer
Competition
Florida 4-H Recognition: Helping Youth Grow, downloaded February 9, 2009
http://florida4h.org/staff/awards_handbook/overview/introduction.pdf
Standards of
Excellence