INTRODUCTION
This template is designed to provide examples of components of innovative and emerging 4-H club models that exist in the Iowa 4-H
Program. One objective in creating the template is to strengthen the understanding of county Extension staff, County 4-H Youth
Teams, families, volunteers, and youth regarding the possibilities for developing and supporting multiple innovative and emerging
4-H club models across the state. A second template objective is to showcase 4-H clubs that are using innovative and emerging 4-H club models that at first glance might appear significantly different from current existing 4-H club models. After further review, however, it should become apparent that similar to existing club models, innovative and emerging 4-H club models allow 4-H’ers the freedom to control their club experience in order to best meet their personal goals and developmental needs while remaining true to
4-H values and youth development principles.
The 4-H club experience has at its core positive youth development experiential learning opportunities, in partnership with caring adults, that assist young people in becoming competent, caring, contributing, confident, connected, and capable (Lerner et al, 2005).
These experiences involve meeting the four needs of youth (Brendtro et al, 1992), fostering the eight essential elements (National 4-H
Headquarters, 2001), and achieving the five life skill outcomes.
Without question innovative and emerging 4-H club models, similar to existing club models, focus on youth development experiential learning opportunities in partnership with caring adults. Additionally, innovative and emerging 4-H club models include service opportunities and incorporate multiple avenues for member personal goal setting and recording of achievement that demonstrates youth learning and growth. How innovative and emerging 4-H club models might differ most strikingly in structure is in the following club components: continuity, business meetings, officer positions, gathering format, type, diversity of volunteers, and breadth of developed community partnerships.
CLUB COMPONENTS
Please note club components listed below are identified as Iowa 4-H Youth Development Participation Policy Requirement if the specified club component is a requisite for being a chartered club in Iowa as per publication 4H-14; components that are not requisites have no such signifier.
Continuity (Iowa 4-H Youth Development Participation Policy Requirement) –
Several ways to be a continuous 4-H Club exist, but the critical characteristic of club continuity is a format whereby club members are connected with caring adults and are involved over an extended period of time with an emphasis of meeting youths’ four needs, fostering the eight essential elements, and achieving the five life skill outcomes. Club continuity requires an intentionality of ongoing

opportunities for youth to develop skills and build upon and strengthen relationships with caring adults; intentionally provides opportunities for high content and context.
Program Fee (Iowa 4-H Youth Development Participation Policy Requirement) –
Several ways to secure funding for the program fee include family/youth-paid, community partner-paid, fundraisers, Iowa 4-H
Foundation, local foundations, contracts and grants, and local or partner funding for scholarships.
Gathering Format –
Numerous opportunities for 4-H club members to meet in various locations, via different mediums, during different times of year exist. Examples could include gathering at parks, community centers, schools, science centers, museums and might include face-toface meetings, virtual meetings via the web, and social networking websites. Club gatherings could be at different times of the year such as during the summer months, academic year, or non-time based structures that meet the needs of youth while providing continuity.
Type –
Several kinds of clubs such as special interest, afterschool clubs, and site-based clubs can exist. For example, site-based clubs could be a club housed at a museum, science center, residential treatment center, apartment complex, urban neighborhood, military base or armory, family homeless shelter, or a Boys’ & Girls’ Club.
Goal Setting (Iowa 4-H Youth Development Participation Policy Requirement) –
Varied opportunities for youth and clubs to set goals and evaluate progress made toward goals are available. Potential evaluation measurements could include personal reflection, mentor review, goal rubrics, and pre/post assessments.
Service Learning (Iowa 4-H Youth Development Participation Policy Requirement) –
A multitude of ways to engage youth in providing service exist, but it is important to keep in mind that service projects meet real needs, have intentional learning objectives, and provide time for personal reflection.
Demonstrated Learning (Iowa 4-H Youth Development Participation Policy Requirement) –
Diverse opportunities for youth to demonstrate communication, leadership, citizenship, personal life management, and project work skills exist including written documentation, photo-essay, video presentations, pre/post assessments, community fair exhibits, science fair exhibits, public forums, community presentations, and personal website development.
Record Keeping (Iowa 4-H Youth Development Participation Policy Requirement) –
Various means for youth and clubs to keep records may include record books, photographs, drawings, webinars, a social-networking utility, video, or other creative forms.
Business Meeting and Officers
–

It is important to note business meetings and officer positions can provide members opportunities to demonstrate learning and help members meet personal goals; however, they are not mandatory to be a chartered 4-H club. The underlying reasons for having business meetings and officers can be met in a variety of ways. Members can work together to solve problems, demonstrate learning, plan, and organize club functions by forming committees when needed, natural leadership opportunities, brainstorming sessions, and nominal selection processes just to name a few.
D iverse Volunteers –
Multiple methods of defining roles and recruiting volunteers exist such as recruiting volunteers with a general youth development focus or a specialist focus. Volunteers may be episodic or ongoing. Potential volunteer pools could be retired professionals (teachers, engineers, scientists, bankers), business owners, community members, military personnel, faith-based leaders or groups, or even politicians.
Community Partnerships –
Partners can be individual citizens, citizen associations, and local institutions (businesses, agencies, and organizations). Benefits of varied partnerships include strengthening 4-H clubs by facilitating professional development opportunities; assisting with educational workshops; serving as advisory members; and providing resources, volunteers, programming space, equipment, supplies, program evaluation, and community networking outreach.
TEMPLATE COMPLETION INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1. Concisely explain each of the 4-H club components based on the above descriptions that provide the reader with a clear understanding of the innovative and emerging 4-H club model being showcased.
Step 2. Provide additional notes, if necessary, regarding pertinent information for readers to be aware of regarding the corresponding
4-H club component.
Step 3. Please provide contact information for readers if questions arise.

INNOVATIVE AND EMERGING 4-H CLUB MODEL:
DESCRIPTIVE EXAMPLE
Club Name:
CLUB COMPONENTS
Continuity
(Required)
Program Fee
(Required)
Gathering Format
INNOVATIVE AND EMERGING 4-H CLUB MODEL DESCRIPTION
Type
Goal Setting
(Required)
Service Learning
(Required)
Demonstrated Learning
(Required)
Record Keeping
(Required)
Business Meeting and
Officers
Diverse Volunteers
Community Partnerships
EXTENSION CONTACT INFORMATION
Name:
E-Mail:
County:
NOTES