Statewide 4-H Advisory Committees
Structure and Guidelines
Revised 02/01/2012
Philosophy & Background
The statewide 4-H Advisory Committees are comprised of a representative group of members, volunteers, county
staff, and state staff. Committees identify, discuss and agree on recommendations regarding their designated area of
focus. This process and committee structure emphasizes our values of involving stakeholders in shared decision
making. Committees meet face-to-face various times of the year, may schedule conference calls, and utilize email to
conduct committee business.
Committees
1. Policy Advisory Committee
2. Incentives and Recognition Advisory Committee
3. Citizenship/Service Learning Advisory Council
4. International Exchange Advisory Committee
5. Animal Science Education Advisory Committee (includes Equine Education Subcommittee)
6. Camping Advisory Committee
7. 4-H Technology Leadership Team
8. Healthy Living Advisory Committee
9. Shooting Sports Advisory Committee
10. 4-H Military Partnership Advisory Committee
Membership
The Associate Director of 4-H Program & Policy and Committee Chair determine appropriate composition based on
the committee charge and budget constraints.
Committee member travel to meetings may be reimbursed through an account in the State 4-H Office. However, all
travel reimbursement requests must be processed by each person’s respective County 4-H Office.
Youth (Current and Alumni 4-H Members)
 Between the ages of 14 and 19 years of age
 Current 4-H member and 4-H Alumni
 Representing all aspects, delivery modes, and
opportunities in the California 4-H YDP
 Showing geographic distribution across the state in
rural and urban settings
Term: 12 months starting July 1
(renewable for 12 additional months)
4-H Adult Volunteers and Program Partners
 Current 4-H Adult Volunteers
 Over 18 years of age and older
 4-H Club and Project Leaders
 4-H Council officers and members
 Educators, funders, and other program partners and
collaborators
Term: 24 months starting July 1
County 4-H YDP Staff
 Employees of the University of California,
Division of Agriculture and Natural Rsources
 4-H Program Representatives
 4-H Youth Development Advisors
 County Directors
Term: 24 months starting July 1
State 4-H YDP Staff and UC Administration
 State 4-H Office Staff
 Staff from Office of the Controller and
Business Services
 California 4-H Foundation Staff
Term: Indefinite, based on position
Ex-Officio
 Experts with specialized knowledge
Term: Indefinite, based on position
Committee Chair Responsibilities
Committee chairs are appointed by the Associate Director of 4-H Program & Policy. Chairs are responsible for the
following tasks:
 Convening and facilitating committee meetings.
 Ensuring the committee fulfills its charge.
 Reviewing and providing feedback on candidates for their committee.
 Developing an annual budget approved by the Associate Director of 4-H Program & Policy.
Keeping with the CA 4-H YDP values of shared decision making, committees should share their work with all
program stakeholders. In addition to reporting to the Associate Director of 4-H Program & Policy on
recommendations and work progress, these additional avenues may be utilized.
 Posting meeting notes/decisions on the State 4-H Website.
 Maintaining a subject-based email list (e.g., equine education, camping, etc.)
Associate Director of 4-H Program & Policy and State 4-H Office Responsibilities
The Associate Director of 4-H Program & Policy approves the creation of committees, approves budget requests
each year, and reviews recommendations from each committee.
The State 4-H Office coordinates an open recruitment for committee membership takes place every spring. 4-H
members, recent alumni, 4-H volunteers, program partners and collaborators, and County 4-H Staff are invited to
apply. Applications are due to the State 4-H Office postmarked by May 31. Committees may extend their deadline,
with the approval of the Associate Director of 4-H Program & Policy.
Review and Selection Process
Selection is based on ensuring a diverse representation across 4-H delivery modes, geographic location,
program experience, and stakeholder representation. The State 4-H Office will contact County 4-H Staff
before appointment of candidates.
The Associate Director of 4-H Program & Policy approves appointments to each committee. In the cases of
vacancies and to ensure diverse representation, the Associate Director of 4-H Program & Policy may recruit
and appoint members outside the open recruitment pool of candidates.
In general, the process for review and selection is as follows:
1. January: Integrated application packet released statewide by the State 4-H Office
2. January – May: Open recruitment coordinated by the State 4-H Office.
3. May: Committee chairs determine membership needs for following program year; includes
determining which committee members will be continuing and which are rotating off.
4. May 31: Applications Due
5. June: List of candidates sent to each committee chair for review.
6. June: Selection meeting with all committee chairs and Associate Director of 4-H Program & Policy
to discuss candidates and make recommendations for membership. In cases where there are not
enough candidates, or there is a need to ensure diverse representation, the selection team may
nominate people for committee appointments.
7. June: The State 4-H Office contacts County 4-H Offices of final candidates for reference.
8. June: Associate Director of 4-H Program & Policy approves appointments.
9. July: The State 4-H Office sends notification letters to all candidates.