I’VE JOINED 4-H….NOW WHAT??
So, you've joined a 4-H Club!
How much time will be involved?
What
responsibilities do you have as a member? Are your parents expected to participate in the
program?
The answers to these questions will vary greatly from club to club. It will depend
on how many activities your club decides to participate in and how much you personally
want to gain from 4-H. However, there are five goals we ask you to strive for. And by
completing these 4 easy steps, you will be recognized as a Standard of Excellence Member.
1. ATTEND 2/3 OF YOUR CLUB MEETINGS AFTER ENROLLING.
This is
important to keep abreast of what's happening in 4-H and it's also necessary so
your club can function at its full potential. Your club will need your input and help!
2.
COMPLETE ONE PROJECT. It's easy for members to complete a project. Just
follow the instructions in your project book.
3.
GIVE A PROJECT TALK OR DEMONSTRATION. Sounds scary at first, doesn't
it? After a year or so, you'll feel like a pro at it! This is probably one of the most
important benefits you can gain from 4-H. It also lets everyone in your club learn
about a variety of topics.
4.
EXHIBIT A PROJECT AT THE COUNTY 4-H SHOW. This allows you to get
personal comments on a project you've made this year. You will receive an A, B, or
C ribbon and a premium for your efforts. The 4-H Fair is the favorite part of 4-H
for many 4-H’ers.
See, that won't be so hard. We hope each new member will be a Standard of Excellence
Member. Some other things we hope you will do:
* Read the 4-H manual you receive.
* Read the 4-H mail that comes to your house and share the information with your
parents.
* Help plan and support 4-H club activities.
* Eventually serve as an officer of your club or on a committee when asked.
4-H EXPECTATIONS
Some
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Expectations of the 4-H Member:
Attendance at meetings, related events
Talk and/or demonstration
Project goals
4-H Records
Exhibit at the 4-H Fair
Fulfill responsibilities as assigned by club (i.e. refreshments)
Due dates (read the 4-H Newsletter)
Others as determined by club members
Some
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Expectations of the 4-H Parent:
Encouragement and assistance to the youth
Dates of meetings, starting and ending times
Current 4-H calendar with club and county dates
Work cooperatively with leader and other parents to assume one or more
responsibilities
Be involved with project leader to assist member
Transportation (Car Pool)
Phone leaders or Extension Office if have questions
Offer home for club and/or committee meetings
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Some
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Expectations of the 4-H Leader:
Assist committees
Enrollment and project selection with help of parents
Assist officers
Keep contact with the Extension Office
Attend leader learning session
Involve other adults as project leaders
Coordinate club communication among families
Assist members and parents in celebrating accomplishments
Provide orientation for new members and families
Leaders should NOT be expected to:
 Call every family for every meeting
 Be the only one to drive to all county workshops, events, etc.
 Write the secretary’s report; do members’ 4-H records; complete treasurer’s
report; do the club scrapbook; etc. That’s what club officers are for!