What is Mahaska 4-H County Youth (Teen) Council?
It is a group of young people, consisting of 8th graders, freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school,
dedicated to planning, implementing, and evaluating youth programs in cooperation with Special Events Committee
and the Extension Staff. The general purpose of the council is:
 To provide leadership training and opportunities to older 4-H’ers.
 To provide input and recommendations into the County 4-H program, its policies, procedures, guidelines,
and activities.
 To service as inspirational models and examples for younger 4-H’ers.
 To be an ambassador to the public for promoting a healthy and accurate image of the 4-H program.
 To promote active participation by all 4-H’ers in the total county 4-H program.
 To enhance the self-confidence and self-esteem of the participating 4-H’er.
 To plan, conduct, and evaluate county 4-H education events and activities.
 To serve as a liaison between 4-H’ers and adults to help identify and understand the special needs of young
people.
Teen Council Structure
Member requirements:
 The size shall range from 15-30 members, grades 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, who represent all school districts within
the county. 8th grade members will be considered ‘probationary’ members for their first year.
 Teen Council will meet on the THIRD THURSDAY of each month, unless notified otherwise.
 Must attend all meetings with no more than (3) unexcused absences
Excused absences include:
School activities in which you actively participate (please be specific)
Church activities
4-H club meetings
Illness
Family emergencies
Being called into work, please try to schedule work around monthly meetings.
Ceremonies in which member must participate in
Unexcused absences include:
“A conflict came up”
Being a sports/play/school event spectator
“I can’t make it”

Contact the Extension Office or Teen Council President before the meeting if unable to attend and give
specific reason for excused absence.
Term:
Members are selected for a one-year term; with member’s eligible for subsequent terms or still eligible to run for
additional terms if they have not met the criteria of the Teen Council responsibilities.
Leadership:
 Teen Council members elect a slate of officers. You must serve on Teen Council one year to be eligible to
hold an office. The President, Vice-President, Secretary, Photographer & Vicar will represent youth on the
Mahaska County 4-H Youth Committee for a one-year term. The President is required to meet with CYC or
Teen Council Leader prior to the meeting to go over the agenda.
Officer positions include:
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Vicar
Photographer
Teen Council Responsibilities:
 Attend monthly meetings. (If conflict arises, see section under Membership Requirements)
 Conduct meetings using basic parliamentary procedure
 Participate on special council committees
 Participate in at least (3) special event activities sponsored by council, unless otherwise excused.
 Help with at least three (3) Southern Iowa Fair responsibilities, in addition to fair clean & set-up and tear
down.
 Enroll in leadership and/or citizenship project areas
 Keep clubs informed on activities happening throughout the county
 Apply for Mahaska County Outstanding Awards
 Apply for Area and State Recognition
 Teen Council section in the monthly 4-H newsletter (Secretary’s responsibility)
Mahaska County 4-H Youth (Teen) Council Membership Application
Name____________________________________________ Grade____ School_______________________
Address___________________________________________ City __________________________________
Home Phone_______________________________________ Cell Phone _____________________________
Email address ______________________________________ Alt. Email _____________________________
Parent(s)/Guardian(s)_______________________________________________________________________
Address (if different from above)_____________________________________________________________
1. Do you participate in extra-curricular activities? If so, which one(s)?
2.
What are your other interests outside of 4-H?
3. Do you have an after-school or summer job? Yes___ No___
If yes, where?
About how many hours per week do you work?
4. Why would you like to become a member of the 4-H Teen Council?
5. Can you commit 1-4 hours per month to Council activities?
6. What do you think are the top three problems facing Mahaska County youth?
1.
2.
3.
7. Name two adults who could recommend you for membership. (please share their phone/email)
1.
2.
Please return this application to the Mahaska County Extension Office by Tuesday, September 15.
212 North I Street
Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577
For more information, call Amy Ver Meer-Brainard, CYC at 673.5841 or email vermeerA@iastate.edu.