Building Toward Our Future
Table of Contents
Introduction ii
Chapter 1
What is 4‑H 1
The Oklahoma 4‑H Vision 1
The Oklahoma 4‑H Mission 2
Chapter 2
What is a 4‑H Club? 3
Chartering 3
Types of Local 4‑H Programs 4
Parents Participation and Support 5
4‑H Service Learning 6
Project in 4‑H 7
4‑H Records 7
4‑H Club Records and Reporting 8
Funding Local 4‑H Clubs 8
Reporting and Accountability of Funds 9
Liability and 4‑H 10
Leadership Opportunities for 4‑H Club Members 11
Recognition in 4‑H: Helping Young People Grow 13
Recognizing Adults 15
Chapter 3: Expectations
Oklahoma 4‑H Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Action Policy for 4‑H Members 16
Behavioral Guidelines for Volunteer Leaders
Working with 4‑H Youth Development Programs in Oklahoma 18
Chapter 4: Teaching as a Volunteer Leader
Experimental Learning 19
Focusing Topics 21
Characteristics of Learners 21
Teaching Methods and Techniques 23
Visual Aids 24
Evaluations 25
Appendices 27
References 34
Acknowledgments 35
INTRODUCTION
This orientation guide contains pages of valuable information for all volunteer leaders involved with the Oklahoma 4‑H Youth Development program; every question is not and never could be answered inside this cover. Volunteer leaders should regularly communicate with Extension educators to remain advised of policy changes and other issues pertinent to volunteer leader responsibilities. Also for further information, the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service 4‑H Youth Development program publishes numerous publications concerning 4‑H programs, activities, and issues. Some of these materials are listed below. The materials can be obtained through county Extension educators.
LIST
1. Awards Handbook, (posted on home page)
2. Events and Activities Guidelines, (posted on home page)
3. Oklahoma State 4‑H Policy Guide, (# 5)
4. Oklahoma 4‑H Officer Guide, (posted on home page)
5. Specific Leadership Role Descriptions for Officers,
6. Specific Leader Role Descriptions
7. Ages and Stages of Child and Youth Development (#41)
8. Let’s Look at 4‑H and Handicapped Youth, (# 674)
9. Recognition in 4‑H, (#40)
10. Oklahoma 4‑H Leaders Guide (#8)
11. Oklahoma 4‑H Volunteer Application and Enrollment System
12. The 4‑H Name and Emblem Guidelines
13. Tax- Exemption Information
14. 4‑H Club Program Book a Member Record (#9)
15. Enrollment Cards
16. Membership Cards for Leaders and Members
ii
Chapter 1: An Overview of 4‑H
WHAT IS 4‑H?
Four-H is a leader in youth development, which began on the local level in response to evolving needs for new kinds of educational experiences for youth in the late 1800s and early 1900s. From its beginning, this youth-serving organization offered ‘hands-on’ learning activities for young people so they might become productive citizens. Youth participating in 4‑H activities have opportunities to offer positive contributions to our diverse and changing society.
The 4‑H Youth Development Program provides experiential learning experiences in subject areas of interest to youth. Young people who participate in 4‑H programs develop citizenship awareness and leadership skills as they learn about new subject matter or project areas. Youth in 4‑H have fun while they learn! Non-formal educational activities help young people fully develop their skills and talents. Whether they are learning about photography, the environment, job skills or public speaking, young people develop a variety of skills in 4‑H that will last a lifetime.
4‑H uses the far-reaching Cooperative Extension System network to offer youth programs and activities to diverse groups of young people in all 3,150 counties across our nation.
THE OKLAHOMA 4‑H VISION
The 4‑H Vision: Oklahoma is a national leader in developing youths’ abilities to become productive citizens and catalysts for positive change to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society. Through 4‑H youth development education, youth will:
Feel valued and empowered as a resource in the community.
Practice effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Be environmental stewards.
Demonstrate positive character and ethical behavior.
Appreciate human differences.
Have a strong sense of community and social responsibility.
Contribute to positive relationships with families, peers, and community.
Demonstrate communication and leadership skills.
Value lifelong learning.
Feel the personal pride that comes from achievement.
THE OKLAHOMA 4‑H MISSION
The mission of the 4‑H Youth Development Program is to provide Oklahoma youth, families, and communities with educational programs that will create environments for diverse audiences of youth and adults to reach their full potential. In support of this mission, the Oklahoma 4‑H Youth Development Program will:
Provide community based experiential learning through clubs, school enrichment, special interest programs, and mass media.
Help youth develop skills that will benefit them throughout life.
Foster leadership and volunteerism for youth and adults.
Build internal and external partnerships for programming and resource development.
Strengthen families and communities.
Use research-based knowledge and the land-grant university system as well as other resources.
Achievement of this mission will result in capable, competent, and caring citizens.
For general information regarding 4‑H membership, ask the local Extension Educator for a current program year copy of 4‑H Policy Guide #5, or read the membership section of 4‑H Events and Activities Handbook which can be found on the Oklahoma 4‑H Website on the internet. To visit the site, search for Oklahoma 4‑H or go directly to:
http://ww.okstate.edu/OSU_Ag/agedcm4‑H/four-h/4‑H-hom.htm
Chapter 2: The 4‑H Club
What is a 4‑H Club?
The 4‑H club is the local learning group in which 4‑H members are involved. Club activities are critical to 4‑H as they advocate both leadership and cooperation among club members. 4‑H club activities encourage members:
to develop decision-making skills
to cooperate in group or team efforts
to practice and refine leadership abilities
to develop skills in group communication
to try new and different ideas
to gain new knowledge and skills
to take pride in group or team endeavors
to build self-confidence
CHARTERING
Chartering is the process by which a group is recognized as a 4‑H club by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Upon meeting the established requirements, a charter, or certificate of recognition, is presented to the new 4‑H club. The qualifications necessary to obtain a charter include
1. a membership of at least five 4-H members from two or more families,
2. an approved volunteer leader to supervise the organizational needs and programs of the club,
3. an appropriately structured group, utilizing a leadership team of officers,
4. the utilization of a team of volunteers supporting the workings of the club and the clubs involvement/activity above the local club levels.
5. a calendar of planned educational programs and activities for a minimum of six months, and
6. approval of the county Extension professionals.
Obtaining a charter is a special occasion in the life of a new 4‑H club, and the club should celebrate its official recognition.
In order to maintain a charter, a 4‑H club is asked to:
1. Complete a written annual plan of work or annual reports of club activities and submit the report or plan to Cooperative Extension office,
2. Provide an annual financial accounting to county Extension educator(s) for any funds raised or collected in the name of 4‑H including account numbers and balances,
3. Submit club plans and goals for a forthcoming 4‑H year and keep the county Extension office informed of changes and additions.
4. Complete a regular enrollment process for 4-H members and volunteer leaders.
These tasks serve as a means of communicating club activities and involvement to county, district, and state Extension professionals.
TYPES OF LOCAL 4‑H Programs
4‑H Community Clubs
These clubs are continuous learning groups with a volunteer leader, a group of elected officers, and a membership of eager 4-H members. Members of these clubs generally enroll in various project areas supported by the Oklahoma 4‑H Youth Development Program, such as health and fitness, beef, woodworking, childcare, and many others. This club offers planned programs for its entire membership during at least nine months of the year. Project groups or subgroups of the community club may meet more frequently to complete project activities.
4‑H Project Clubs
Project Clubs are learning groups composed of members dedicated to one primary project. Members may participate in various other county or community events; however, their primary 4‑H emphasis is subject matter related. Often these are continuing learning groups that also have a team of volunteer leaders, an elected group of officers, and sub groups that meet more frequently to do more in-depth project activities.
Special Interest Programs
Special Interest Programs are short-term programs directed at participants’ specific interests and organized by Extension professionals to achieve objectives in the numerous subject areas. Participants may be members of other clubs or potential 4-H members with an interest in the subject area. Special Interest Programs are organized for the time required to achieve the program objectives, whether a few hours or several weeks. Youth receiving a minimum of 6 hours of instruction through the 4-H program and complete a 4-H enrollment card can be recognized as a 4-H club member.
School Enrichment Programs
School Enrichment Programs often serve as an introduction to 4‑H for Oklahoma youth. These programs, provided by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service 4‑H Youth Development Program, are designed to supplement school curriculum and are promoted and provided to schools by Extension professionals and volunteers. To be recognized as a 4‑H member, students should receive a minimum of 6 hours of instruction from 4‑H programs.
Mass Media Programs
These programs are delivered to Oklahoma youth via television, newspaper, on-line computer, or other media sources. Mass Media Programs are unique in their ability to reach vast numbers of youth in a short period of time.
Each of these local 4‑H programs are supervised by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service at the county, district, and state level, and in addition to the local 4‑H activities, county, district, and the state 4‑H offices sponsor other 4‑H activities and events.
PARENTS PARTICIPATON AND SUPPORT
4‑H groups need favorable parent attitude and interest and active parent cooperation. Boys and girls gain the most from 4‑H when their parents take an active part. Parents are the most logical source of leadership for 4‑H groups. Many parents serve as organizational leaders, project leaders, activity leaders, committee chairpersons or members, or as resource people.
4‑H club work is meant to supplement the home, church and school. It is set up to help young people put into practical application in their home and community the things they learn in school and 4-H. The leaders offer members many kinds of experiences, but if the youngsters are going to really learn, they must practice and apply knowledge. So this is another reason why parents should know what their child is doing and what is expected of their child. They can then encourage him/her to practice. Parents are expected to encourage and show their children but they’re not to do the work for them, the youngsters learn by doing. We all learn by doing for ourselves.
It is the development of your child that is important, not only what your child does with the project itself.
The great variety of projects offered gives members an opportunity to select a subject that interests them. The project area may also bring together common interests between youth and parents or other family members offering an opportunity for family members to spend time and work together. They can also do a self-determined project and set up their own goals and objectives.
Parents may assist their 4‑H member(s) and leader(s) by:
Þ Talking to the leaders and educators and attending meetings so you will know what is expected of your child.
Þ Offering your services to your 4‑H club leaders and educators, assuming leadership responsibilities whenever possible.
Þ Encouraging your child to complete his work to the best of his/her ability and to practice the things he/she learns in 4‑H.
Þ Encouraging your child to participate in all of the activities of the club.
Þ Seeing that members get to meetings and events.
Þ Attending meetings and events.
Þ Helping youth with their records, whenever necessary.
Þ Having meetings or activities at your home when possible.
Þ Helping plan club programs.
Þ Share special talents (i.e., piano playing, song leading, flower arranging, camp leadership, crafts, etc.).
Þ Helping leaders conduct project work.
Þ Helping secure other qualified adults.
Þ Reading and posting the 4‑H newsletter (if one is printed in your county)
Þ Helping your child to be responsible in meeting deadlines and following through with commitments.
Benefits for parents in 4‑H Club Work
Many parents give time and effort to 4‑H work, often generously. Why? One of the things we know about ourselves is that usually we are interested in supporting a program that does something for us and those we care about.
Here is what it might do for you:
Þ 4‑H projects, activities and events provide parents an opportunity to work with their children.
Þ Parents can model skills, attitudes and values for their children.
Þ Parents gain satisfaction by knowing their child is learning important skills under competent, dedicated leaders. This, added to any recognition the child receives for achievements can give a pleasant feeling of pride, and knowledge that worthwhile activities are going on in their community.
Þ Satisfaction of knowing you have abilities and skills which the club leader recognizes as important enough to be included in the club’s program.
Þ 4‑H club work becomes a medium for widening one’s circle of friends and for learning about the interests of other people.
Þ Satisfaction of knowing one is part of a nationally recognized youth activity with a long and universally respected history. Not least, is what may be the new experience of learning from the child as he/she brings home ideas and knowledge that keep you up-to-date and contribute to a great sense of well-being in the family, a sense of common sharing and participation.
4‑H SERVICE LEARNING
Community service is encouraged for all 4‑H members. The value of serving the community is an educational experience that cannot be replaced. Members of 4‑H learn lessons in leadership skills, teamwork, and social responsibility while helping their community. The Extension educators routinely ask for summaries of projects conducted throughout the 4‑H year.
Community Service Ideas for 4-H members
Volunteer at local retirement facilities or hospitals.
Adopt-A-Highway
Support local beautification efforts by planting trees and flowers.
Sponsor or participate in canned food drive, clothing drives, etc.
Make donations to shelters for the homeless.
Collect supplies for the animal shelter.