4-H Volunteers/Staff:

Transcription

1 4-H Vlunteers/Staff: Welcme t the 4-H Club Management Guide. This is ur attempt t help insure that yu have a successful experience as yu supprt the 4-H prgram and the yung peple wh have chsen ur rganizatin fr their yuth develpment experience. Yes, like yu, we recgnize that yung peple and their caring adults have chices in deciding which yuth rganizatin t jin; the 4-H prgram des nt wish t take either decisin fr granted. First, we thank yu fr jining us in this imprtant wrk mentring, teaching and serving as rle mdels fr ur 4-H members. We value yur invlvement ur yung peple need adult rle mdels. We thank yu fr stepping frward and making the cmmitment t help 4-H members dream, plan, set gals, and lk frward t the future. It is imprtant t us that yu have a successful experience and that ur yung peple gain knwledge and skills as a result f yur invlvement. Hence, we intend t leave nthing t chance r happenstance. We, therefre, ask that yu take this guide seriusly; learn and apply the infrmatin prvided in yur 4-H club setting(s); and enjy the jurney as yu have been entrusted t nurture and mentr ur mst precius cmmdity ur yung peple. Sincerely, Drthy McCarg Freeman, Ph.D. Assciate Dean and State 4-H Directr

2 MN 4-H Club Management Guide ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2004 Minnesta 4-H Club Design Team Brenda Shafer, C-Chair, Prgram Leader, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Jim Deidrick, C-Chair, Vlunteer Leadership Develpment Educatr, Center fr 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Brian McNeill, Reginal Extensin Educatr, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Mary Marczak, Yuth Develpment Evaluatin Educatr/Researcher, Center fr 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Janet Beyer, Reginal Extensin Educatr, Cmmunity Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Trisha Sheehan, Reginal Extensin Educatr, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Jennifer Skuza, Directr f Urban 4-H Prgrams, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Nickyia Cgshell, Urban Extensin Educatr, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Elaine Kyama, Grup Cnsultant, Interlinx Assciates, Edina, Minnesta Members Emeritus Susan Fisher, C-Chair, Intern Assistant Directr, Center fr 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Len Rdriquez, Multi-Cultural Educatr, Center fr 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Marie Lee Rude, Reginal Extensin Educatr, Center fr 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Prject Manager Cindy Christphersn, Reginal Extensin Educatr, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Editing and Review Becky Harringtn, Clay Cunty 4-H Prgram Crdinatr, University f Minnesta Extensin Service 2

3 Rebecca Meyer, Reginal Extensin Educatr, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Sharn Davis, Reginal Extensin Educatr, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Gladys Sanbrn, MN 4-H Adult Vlunteer Assciatin Melissa Kain Varn, Executive Administrative Specialist, 4-H Supprt, Mrhead Reginal Center, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Clleen Harris, Executive Administrative Specialist, General Supprt, Mrhead Reginal Center, University f Minnesta Extensin Service Dixie Shafer, Editrial Cnsultant Technical Advisr Thm Sndreal, Senir Media Services Prducer, University f Minnesta Extensin Service 2008 Revisins Made By Brenda Shafer, Prgram Leader, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Becky Harringtn, Reginal Extensin Educatr, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Brian McNeill, Reginal Extensin Educatr, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Trisha Sheehan, Reginal Extensin Educatr, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin 2014 Revisins Made By Trisha Sheehan, Extensin Educatr, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Becky Harringtn, Extensin Educatr, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin Brian McNeill, Extensin Educatr, 4-H Yuth Develpment, University f Minnesta Extensin The Minnesta 4-H Club Design Team thanks the many talented Yuth Develpment Educatrs and Supprt Staff wh cntributed t the creatin f this Guide. May it help us all as we strive t prvide club experience f the highest quality t the yung peple f Minnesta. Develpment f this Guide was made pssible thrugh financial supprt prvided by the Minnesta 4-H Fundatin and the Center fr 4-H Yuth Develpment at the University f Minnesta. 3

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Revised - May 1, 2014 This is Minnesta 4-H Missin and Visin f 4-H Why 4-H? Essential Elements f Psitive Yuth Develpment Yuth Prgram Quality What Makes 4-H Different? What s in it fr Yuth? Basic Facts Abut 4-H Clubs Club Gals Essential Club Elements Types f Clubs and Membership Equal Prgram Opprtunity 4-H Club Names Clver Usage 4-H Pledge, Clrs, Mtt, Slgan, Symbl Charter, Cnstitutin & Bylaws Wh Owns the 4-H Clver? Why D Clubs Need a Charter? What Des it Mean t be Chartered? Hw D Clubs Becme Chartered? 4-H Club Cnstitutin and Bylaws Club Meeting & Prgram Planning Planning: the Key t Success When and Hw D We Plan? What Are Gals? What Will Yu D t Meet These Gals? Hw D We Ensure That the Plan is Successful? What if the Plan Isn t Wrking? Hw Shuld 4-H Club Meetings Lk? 4

5 Tips fr Cnducting Club Meetings Structure Meetings Apprpriately Rles f Officers Manage Prject Activities fr Safety, Efficiency, and Effective Learning Setting Bundaries What is Nrmal, Acceptable Behavir? Preventin is Better Than the Cure Key Thughts t Psitive Learning and Discipline Hw t Respnd t Unacceptable Behavir Use Ceremnies t Build Chesiveness Amng 4-H Members Assess Meetings Regularly and Take Actin When Prblems Arise Mtivate Members Thrugh Psitive Reinfrcement Invlve the Parents Invlve the Yuth Cmmunicatin: An Imprtant Tw-Way Street Understanding Ages f Yuth Ages and Stages f Yuth Manage Grup Activities fr Safety, Efficiency, and Effective Learning What is Nrmal, Acceptable Behavir? Setting Bundaries Clear Expectatins Levels f Cnsequences Mtivate Members Thrugh Psitive Reinfrcement Wrk as a Team Attentin t Yuth Develpment A Well Planned Prgram Preventin is Better Than the Cure Mney Matters Basic Principles: Financial Plicies and Practices Summary f Ten Majr MN 4-H Financial Plicies Public Ownership Private and Public Funds Name and Emblem Financial Guidelines 5

6 Fundraising Guidelines Federal Tax Facts State Tax Facts Disslutin f Funds Dcument Retentin 4-H Prjects Develping Life Skills The Learning Envirnment Selecting Prjects and Materials Recrds Rle f Prject Leaders Shwcasing Prject Wrk Celebratin Public Presentatin Vlunteering 4-H Prgram Beliefs Respnsibilities f Vlunteers Vlunteer Leadership Rles Vlunteer Screening Insurance Cverage Preventing Accidents and Preparing fr Emergencies Miscellaneus Risk Management Issues Mailing Lists Service Learning Elements f Service Learning Cmmunity Need Yuth Vice Planning Integrated Learning Meaningful Service Reflectin Evaluatin Celebratin 6

7 4-H Club Management Guide HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE As a vlunteer/paid staff wrking with 4-Hers in Minnesta, we hpe that yu find this Management Guide a useful tl fr yu and yur club. This Guide is a cllectin f resurces and practical infrmatin abut the Minnesta 4-H Yuth Develpment Prgram. The fllwing infrmatin may help yu use the Guide mre effectively. The first three sectins f the Management Guide, This is MN 4-H, Basic Facts Abut 4-H Clubs and Charter, Cnstitutin & Bylaws, help yu get grunded in the purpse f the 4-H prgram and hw it helps yuth grw. When yu are planning yur meetings and wanting t get the mst ut f them, check ut the sectin 4-H Club Meeting & Prgram Planning fr ideas. In additin, there are six sample meeting agendas prvided in the Tlkit sectin. If yu need help in keeping rder at yur meetings r need t find ut if yur club is n the right track, refer t the sectin Tips fr Cnducting Club Meetings. T better understand the yuth yu are wrking with, check ut the sectin n Understanding Ages f Yuth and Manage Grup Activities fr Safety, Efficiency, and Effective Learning. Make sure yu read the 4-H Prjects sectin s yu can help guide yur members in the selectin f their prjects. Yu ll understand the real purpse f prjects, including Public Presentatins. T better understand yur jb as a vlunteer/paid staff with the 4-H prgram, read the Vlunteering with 4-H sectin. The last sectin n Cmmunity Service-Learning will give yu a better understanding f these pprtunities s yu can encurage yur members t get invlved in these prgrams. A very imprtant part f this Guide is the accmpanying Tlkit which includes many resurces t help yu as leader f yur club. Revised - May

8 THIS IS MINNESOTA 4-H Missin Statement: T engage yuth, in partnership with adults, in quality learning pprtunities that enable them t shape and reach their full ptential as active citizens in a glbal cmmunity. Visin Statement: Minnesta 4-H Yuth Develpment is recgnized and respected by a brad crss-sectr f audiences as a leader in the applicatin f psitive yuth develpment thrugh educatinal prgrams that balance research, design, and practice. Why 4-H? 4-H prvides a chance fr yung peple t belng t be part f a grup their wn age, t learn new things and d fun things tgether. Thrugh 4-H, yung peple have pprtunities t: Learn new skills, gain knwledge, and develp psitive attitudes. Develp and use their creative talents. Learn t make intelligent decisins and t slve prblems. Develp a feeling f self-wrth, while respecting the rights and privileges f thers. In brief, the purpse f 4-H is t prvide a variety f learning experiences fr yuth that cntribute t their persnal grwth and develpment which will help them t becme cntributing, self-reliant, and respnsible members f sciety. Essential Elements f Psitive Yuth Develpment Yuth develpment, the prcess f grwing up and develping ne s capacities, happens n matter what we d. The challenge is t prmte psitive yuth develpment and plan quality experiences with yung peple. In 4-H, we use the fllwing Essential Elements t accmplish this: (Natinal 4-H - Cperative State Research, Educatin, and Extensin Service, U.S. Department f Agriculture) Belnging Yuth need t knw they are cared abut by thers and feel a sense f cnnectin t thers in the grup. This fellwship has always been an imprtant part f a 4-H experience. 4-H gives yuth the pprtunity t feel physically and emtinally safe while actively participating in a grup. Research suggests that a sense f belnging may be the single mst pwerful psitive ingredient we can add int the lives f children and yuth. This includes: Psitive relatinships with a caring adult. An inclusive envirnment. A safe envirnment. Mastery 8

9 T develp self-cnfidence yuth need t feel and believe they are capable and must experience success at slving prblems and meeting challenges. By explring 4-H prjects and activities, yuth master skills t make psitive career and life chices. T d s, yuth must have access t quality research-based cntent and have the pprtunity t learn by ding. They als need a safe envirnment fr making mistakes and getting feedback, nt just thrugh cmpetitin but als as an nging element f participatin. Finally, yuth need the breadth and depth f tpics t pursue their wn interests. T be successful, yuth must have: Engagement in learning. Opprtunity fr mastery. Independence Yuth need t knw that they are able t influence peple and events thrugh decisin-making and actin. By exercising independence thrugh 4-H leadership pprtunities, yuth mature in self-discipline and respnsibility, learn t better understand themselves and becme independent thinkers. Fr independence, yuth must have the: Opprtunity t see neself as an active participant in the future. Opprtunity fr self-determinatin. Genersity Yuth need t feel their lives have meaning and purpse. By participating in 4-H cmmunity service and citizenship activities, yuth cnnect t cmmunities and learn t give back t thers. It s clear these experiences prvide the fundatin that helps us understand the big picture f life and find purpse and meaning. Cmmunity service prjects allw 4-H club members t see that their effrt t help thers is imprtant and valuable. Yuth learn they d nt live in a secluded wrld, but in a glbal cmmunity, which requires awareness and cmpassin fr thers. T learn genersity, yuth must have an: Opprtunity t value and practice service fr thers. Yuth Prgram Quality The quality f the learning envirnments we ffer yung peple participating in Minnesta 4-H Yuth Develpment prgrams is a pririty. But what d we mean by quality? The Pyramid f Yuth Prgram Quality was develped by the High/Scpe Educatinal Research Fundatin. (See Pyramid f Yuth Prgram Quality n the next page). 9

10 Pyramid f Yuth Prgram Quality Safe Envirnment is at the base f the pyramid and reveals that quality yuth prgrams must pay attentin t the physical and emtinal safety f yung peple. Once yung peple feel safe and secure in a learning envirnment, the ther three elements f quality are pssible t achieve. Supprtive Envirnment is abve safe envirnment and is mstly prvided by the vlunteers, leaders and staff. D they plan sessins s that they re at the right pace fr yuth? D yuth have an pprtunity t build skills, and are they encuraged t d s despite mistakes? Are adults prviding supprt fr learning? Interactin lks at the relatinships between yuth and ther yuth and between the adults and yuth. Are yung peple able t lead and mentr thers? Hw d they partner with adults? D they feel a sense f belnging? Engagement is abut yuth having pprtunities t plan what they re ding, make chices abut what they re ding, and reflect n what they re ding. Engagement is at the tp f the pyramid because all f the ther dmains belw it set the stage fr these t happen. Engagement and Interactin are actually the mst imprtant indicatrs f quality. The yuth prgrams that scre high n engagement and interactin are amng the highest rated by yuth, and the ptential fr learning is greater because yuth are mre fully engaged. That tells us that t give yung peple a pwerful learning experience in 4-H we must pay attentin t creating a learning envirnment that maintains safety but sets its sights n engagement. 10

11 Minnesta 4-H Yuth Develpment: A part f the University f Minnesta, 4-H Yuth Develpment ffers a range f shrt and lng term educatinal prgrams that meet the needs f yung peple frm kindergarten thrugh ne year past high schl. The 4-H Yuth Develpment prgram invites all yuth t participate. 4-H Adventures are shrt-term prgrams specialized by specific subject matters such as perfrming arts, technlgy, animal science, r nutritin and fitness. 4-H Clubs meet regularly in a sequence f at least six sessins in cmmunity r schl settings encmpassing a variety f learning tpics. Minnesta 4-H als ffers nline pprtunities, after schl, yuth leadership, camping, and ther prgrams fr varying lengths f time thrughut the year. Older yuth can be invlved as vlunteer leaders in their areas f interest. In result, all yuth participating in any prgram ffered by Minnesta 4-H Yuth Develpment are cnsidered 4-H members. What Makes 4-H Different? 4-H is unique because it is the nly yuth rganizatin tied t the research base f ur natin s land-grant university system. This cnnectin allws Extensin staff and the vlunteers they wrk with t receive training based n the mst up-t-date research n yuth develpment thery and practice. 4-H club wrk is supprted by a cmbinatin f federal, state and cunty funds. Substantial supprt als cmes frm private surces lcal, state and natinal. Business and industry, farm and civic rganizatins and individuals supprt 4-H because they believe in the wrth f the prgram. The Natinal 4-H Cuncil and the Minnesta 4-H Fundatin are nt-frprfit rganizatins that supprt the 4-H Yuth Develpment prgram by wrking t acquire resurces. What s In It fr Yuth? The Minnesta 4-H Yuth Survey was cnducted in 2001 t determine whether yuth were experiencing psitive yuth develpment pprtunities thrugh their 4-H experiences and t assess their attitudes abut schl and cmmunity, risk indicatrs, and invlvement in ther activities. The survey revealed: Thrugh 4-H clubs, yuth reprted: A greater sense f belnging Quality relatinships with adults Active parent invlvement Yuth invlved in 4-H are mre likely t: Vlunteer in their cmmunities Be invlved in sprts and fine arts Yuth invlved in 4-H are less likely t have: Spent six r mre hurs per week watching TV r playing vide and cmputer games Stlen smething 11

12 Damaged prperty Smked cigarettes Cnsumed alchl Ridden in a car where the driver was drinking The cmplete survey can be fund n the University f Minnesta s Center fr Yuth Develpment web page at Research Shws 4-H Helps Yung Peple Excel Beynd Their Peers The structured learning, encuragement and adult mentring that yung peple receive thrugh their participatin in 4-H plays a vital rle in helping them achieve future life successes. Fr nearly a decade, preeminent yuth develpment schlar, Dr. Richard Lerner, and the team at the Institute fr Applied Research in Yuth Develpment at Tufts University have been wrking with faculty at land-grant universities t cnduct the 4-H Study f Psitive Yuth Develpment. The 4-H Study f Psitive Yuth Develpment is a lngitudinal study that began in 2002, and cntinues tday, surveying mre than 7,000 adlescents frm diverse backgrunds acrss the 44 U.S. states. The study is made pssible by the cntributins f ur natin s land-grant universities and Natinal 4-H Cuncil. This in-depth study has discvered that, when cmpared t ther yuth, yung peple invlved in 4-H: Have higher educatinal achievement and mtivatin fr future educatin. Are mre civically active and make mre civic cntributins t their cmmunities. 4-H Yuth Make Mre Healthy Chices Accrding t Wave 8 f the study, 4-Hers regardless f their backgrund, sci-ecnmic status, race, and gender thrive thrugh healthy/safety educatin and experiences they receive thrugh 4-H prgramming. In fact, yung peple in 4-H are: 3.4 times mre likely t delay sexual intercurse by Grade 12. Shwn t have had significant lwer drug, alchl and cigarette use than their peers. 2.3 times mre likely t exercise and be physically active. 4-Hers Excel in Schl and Sciences The advantages f 4-H participatin als include higher educatinal achievement and higher mtivatin fr future educatin. Yung peple in 4-H: Reprt better grades, higher levels f academic cmpetence, and an elevated level f engagement at schl. 12

13 Are nearly tw times mre likely t plan t g t cllege. Are mre likely t pursue future curses r a career in science, engineering, r cmputer technlgy. The study als finds that girls in 4-H are tw times mre likely t pursue science careers ver their peers. Yung Peple in 4-H are Cmmitted t Imprving Their Cmmunities A ntable trend f the study indicates that grade 11 4-H yuth are 3.3 times mre likely t actively cntribute t their cmmunities when cmpared with yuth wh d nt participate in 4-H. 13

14 BASIC FACTS ABOUT 4-H CLUBS Club Gals The gal f a 4-H club is lng-term yuth develpment which encurages participants t learn life skills that will help them grw int healthy and prductive citizens. Clubs aim t help yuth: Develp a zest and skill fr life-lng learning. Acquire cnfidence and a psitive attitude tward self. Develp leadership, citizenship and teamwrk skills. Explre pssible vcatins and careers. Learn t manage time wisely and set pririties. Interact with adults wh serve as rle mdels. Essential Club Elements T help ensure a quality, life skill building experience fr yuth, the Extensin Center fr Yuth Develpment has the fllwing guidelines r Essential Elements that shuld be part f every 4-H club experience. Every club is expected t: Give members a chance t be an active part f the decisin-making prcess at every meeting. Clearly state at least ne gal decided thrugh club prgramming. Prvide all members the pprtunity t publicly demnstrate their learning. Meet at least six times within a year. Maintain a minimum f three families and six members in the club. Supprt service-learning prjects thrughut the year that cnnect club members with the cmmunity. Ensure that all adult vlunteers are screened. Maintain an adult-t-yuth rati f ne t ten. Encurage and supprt family invlvement. Supprt and prvide pprtunities fr members t reflect n their 4-H experiences, i.e., recrd keeping, jurnaling, etc. Acknwledge and abide by the Equal Prgram Opprtunity Statement f the University f Minnesta and abide by the plicies and guidelines f the Extensin Center fr Yuth Develpment. The 4-H meeting may include: Pledges Rll call (attendance) 14

15 Educatinal tpic Business meeting Recreatin Snack Prject wrk Use f meeting management tls like Rbert s Rules f Order r ther grup decisin making mdels. Spend time during the year recgnizing and celebrating the accmplishments f members. Utilize the curriculum and materials prvided by the Extensin Center fr Yuth Develpment at the University f Minnesta. 4-H Club Structures r Types 4-H clubs are grups f yuth and adults wh meet n a regular basis and tgether practice psitive yuth develpment and cperative learning. Each club is supprted with curriculum, training and develpment, and access t cunty, reginal, state and natinal 4-H experiences. All clubs carry ut service prjects that satisfy needs in the cmmunity (e.g., fd drives, ESL tutring, cmmunity beautificatin). These clubs meet regularly thrughut the year n a schedule determined by club members. Regardless f the club type, all must abide by the Essential Club Elements (n previus page). Cmmunity Club is a prgram initiated and facilitated by yuth and adult vlunteers in the cntext f cmmunity (e.g., neighbrhd, twnship). Three r mre families can cmprise a cmmunity club. Gathering places may include cmmunity centers, synaggues, churches, hmes and many ther places. Cmmunity Clubs aim t engage yuth and adults in bth individual and grup activities that fster learning and develpment in a variety f subject matter areas (e.g., aerspace, cmputer science, internatinal educatin.) Prject Club is a prgram fcused mre deeply n specific subject matter (e.g., perfrming arts, animal science, r phtgraphy). Prject Clubs can perate within any schl r cmmunity setting r as part f any f the ther club types (e.g., site-based, afterschl and cmmunity). They can be facilitated by either vlunteers r paid staff. Meeting schedules may vary within a shrt-term r year-lng schedule. Examples: 4-H Perfrming Arts Club, 4-H Shting Sprts Club, 4-H Cmputer Science Club, 4-H Spanish Club. 4-H Afterschl Club is a prgram ffered t yuth fllwing the schl day. Afterschl Clubs are ften divided by age grups (e.g., grades 3-4, grades 5-6). 15

16 4-H Afterschl Clubs aim t cmplement the learning and develpment that ccurs during the schl day and t extend learning during nn-schl hurs. 4-H Afterschl Clubs are ften a part f a brader after-schl initiative and may have a wide variety f partners and resurces that supprt the prgram peratin. This club type is facilitated by paid staff and/r vlunteers. The schedule cmplements the schl calendar. Site-Based Club is designed t reach underserved yuth in the cmmunities where they live with year-lng prgramming. This culd be a public husing site r neighbrhd with a cmmunity center that can serve as the hsting lcatin. Depending n the makeup f the grup, prgramming may be divided int tw age categries (5-12 years and years), with each grup meeting separately n a weekly basis thrughut the year. All age grups may als cme tgether fr intentinal crss-age learning experiences. This methd aims t build capacity amng yuth living in neighbrhds. This club is generally facilitated by paid staff; hwever, vlunteers r partners may als play key rles. There can be a variety f subject matter cntent areas. 16

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19 Membership Membership is pen t all yuth in kindergarten thrugh 12th grade and ne year beynd high schl. All clubs will be inclusive (nt exclusive) and diverse. Equal Opprtunity Because the 4-H Yuth Develpment prgram is a cmpnent f the Natinal Cperative Extensin System, which is supprted by federal, state and cunty funds, it is gverned by the equal pprtunity laws f thse three gvernmental entities. The University f Minnesta Extensin Equal Opprtunity Statement (belw) is based n thse regulatins. 4-H clubs must abide by the standards the University sets. The University f Minnesta is cmmitted t the plicy that all persns shall have equal access t its prgrams, facilities, and emplyment withut regard t race, clr, creed, religin, natinal rigin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance, veteran status r sexual rientatin. 19

20 4-H Club Names Members and leaders wrk tgether t select a name fr a new 4-H club. Once yur club is chartered, yu will nt want t change its name. Therefre, it is imprtant that the name can stand the test f time nt t trendy r juvenile. Try t avid names f TV cartns, singing grups, situatin cmedies, etc. Als, the name shuld nt imply membership is limited t any grup prtected by equal pprtunity regulatins. Fr example, names such as the 4-H Lads r Lassies, Kings r Queens wuld be inapprpriate. 4-H Symbl A green fur-leaf clver with a white H n each leaf. The fur H s stand fr HEAD, HEART, HANDS and HEALTH. The stem must pint t the right as yu lk at the image. Clver Usage The 4-H clver is fficially prtected by the United States gvernment. The situatins in which it may be used, the manner in which it may be displayed, the text style and clrs required fr its reprductin are all specified. Given the cmplexity f the regulatins, yu shuld check with a 4-H staff member whenever yu want t use the clver in exhibits, prmtinal materials, etc. Use f the clver n items such as t shirts, caps, key chains, mugs, pens, etc. must be apprved by Extensin staff. Fr rutine display f the clver within yur lcal club setting, bserve these rules f usage: The fur-leaf clver with stem must be in green and the letter H n each leaf in white. The stem must curve t the right. The 4-H clver must be given a place f prminence. It is nt permissible t superimpse any letter, design r bject n the 4-H Club Emblem r t materially alter its intended shape. Please see Tlkit: Using the 4-H Name and Emblem develped by the United States Department f Agriculture fr mre infrmatin. 4-H Pledge I pledge- My HEAD t clearer thinking, (right hand lightly tuching head) My HEART t greater lyalty, (right hand placed n chest like yu re saying the Pledge f Allegiance) My HANDS t larger service, and (bth hands waist high, with palms up like a bk) My HEALTH t better living, (bth hands alng sides f bdy naturally) Fr my family, my club, my cmmunity, my cuntry, and my wrld. 20

21 Minnesta is unique when it cmes t the 4-H Pledge. We are the nly state t include family in the Pledge. T.A. (Dad) Ericksn, the first state 4-H leader, was a strng believer in the imprtance f hme and family t the 4-H prgram. 4-H Clrs The 4-H clrs are green and white. White symblizes purity. Green represents life, new grwth, springtime and yuth. 4-H Mtt T Make the Best Better. The natinal 4-H mtt shuld be the bjective f each 4-H leader and member. 4-H Slgan Learning by Ding. The 4-H slgan is the educatinal philsphy f the 4-H prgram. Since yung peple learn best when they are actively invlved in the learning prcess, 4-H prjects are designed t prvide hands-n experiences that are reinfrced thrugh persnal and grup reflectin and applicatin d-reflect-apply. 21

22 CHARTER, CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS Wh Owns the 4-H Clver? The 4-H club name and emblem are held in trust by the Secretary f Agriculture f the United States Department f Agriculture fr the educatinal and character building purpses f the 4-H prgram and can be used nly as authrized by the statute and in accrdance with the authrizatin f the Secretary r designated representative. The 4-H club name and emblem may be used by authrized representatives f the United States Department f Agriculture, the Cperative Extensin, the land grant institutins, and the Natinal 4-H Cuncil. Extensin Administratin may grant authrizatin fr the use f the 4-H club name and emblem fr educatinal r infrmatinal uses that the Cperative Extensin deems t be in the best interest f the 4-H prgram and that can be prperly cntrlled by the Cperative Extensin. Excerpts frm: The 4-H Name and Emblem: Guidelines fr Authrized Use, USDA. Why D Clubs Need a Charter? The State 4-H Leader and Yuth Develpment Extensin Educatr are authrized t grant use f the 4-H club name and emblem, within intended uses, t lcal 4-H clubs and grups. The 4-H charter is a written agreement signifying a club s use f the 4-H club name and emblem and insuring they are prviding a psitive yuth develpment experience fr their yuth. Every Minnesta 4-H club is expected t cmplete and submit the 4-H Charter Renewal Frm t the Cunty Extensin Office by Nvember 30. New clubs may frm and charter at any time thrughut the year by cmpleting the Minnesta 4-H Charter Applicatin. What Des it Mean t be Chartered? Yur club has the privilege f identifying itself as a 4-H club r grup by using the 4-H club name and emblem. Yu agree t prvide a psitive yuth develpment envirnment that uphlds the dignity and educatinal purpses f the 4-H prgram. Yur club and/r its members will be able t be a vting member f the Cunty 4-H Cuncil r Federatin (varies by cunty). Screened vlunteers f the club are cvered by the University f Minnesta Liability Insurance. Yur club will have the privilege f using the 4-H name and the 4-H clver symbl. Yur club will have the right t raise and cllect funds in the name f 4-H with the apprval f 4-H staff. 22

23 Hw D Clubs Becme Chartered? 1. Charter Renewal Frms will be distributed by the cunty ffice t club leaders. 2. Leaders will meet with the club t make sure everyne understands the purpse and requirements fr chartering. 3. Cmpleted renewal frms frm existing clubs must be turned int the Cunty Extensin Office by Nvember 30 t be recgnized as a 4-H club fr the current prgram year. Hwever, new clubs can be frmed and chartered at any time thrughut the year. If frms are nt received by the due date, a staff member frm the lcal ffice will cntact the club leader. 4. Club leaders will be ntified upn apprval f the frm. Frms that must accmpany the 4-H Charter Renewal Frm: Annual 4-H Grup Financial Reprt 4-H Club Cnstitutin and Bylaws Each 4-H club is encuraged t develp a cnstitutin and bylaws. This dcument reflects the rganizatinal makeup f the 4-H club. It describes when and where the club meets, what fficers the club elects, etc. The entire 4-H club is respnsible fr writing and apprving the cnstitutin and bylaws. It is imprtant that members, parents and vlunteer leaders have input in hw the club perates. After cmpleting the cnstitutin and bylaws, frward a cpy t the lcal Extensin Office. The cnstitutin and bylaws shuld be reviewed n a regular basis. Refer t Tlkit: Sample 4-H Club Cnstitutin & Bylaws. 23

24 4-H CLUB MEETING & PROGRAM PLANNING Planning: The Key t Success Mst 4-H leaders, members and their parents are busy peple wh are invlved in a variety f family, schl and cmmunity activities. 4-H has much t ffer, but busy peple must chse the pprtunities that best fit their needs and schedules. 4-H Clubs aim t engage yuth and adults in bth individual and grup activities that fster learning and develpment in a variety f subject matter areas (e.g., aerspace, cmputer science, internatinal educatin.). Clubs will want t evaluate the attendance and participatin f the members and reflect n Are there engaging and quality learning pprtunities where yung peple want t participate? In Minnesta 4-H, the minimum attendance requirements, at club and cunty levels, are limited t the fllwing natural & lgical cnsequence. The natural cnsequence is what they dn't learn. When yuth are nt present they miss ut n the educatinal fferings f club meetings. The lgical cnsequence wuld be nt hlding an fficer psitin at club and/r cunty level. This cnsequence is lgical because yuth wh are nt present cannt cntribute t the decisin making and thus they cannt lead the decisin making prcesses. Planning a yearly calendar will help everyne integrate 4-H activities with the rest f their persnal cmmitments. An nline wrd dcument is available thrugh the 4-H website. Adults and yuth shuld wrk tgether t develp the yearly plan. The lder the yuth, the greater rle they shuld play in this prcess. Fr new clubs, sme advance planning will need t be dne by the adults t determine resurces available and t narrw the ptins fr yuth t cnsider. This generally takes place at the initial rganizatinal meeting f a new club. Refer t Starting New 4-H Club Guide, available frm yur lcal Extensin Office, fr details. A 4-H club needs t decide: Hw ften t meet. When and where t meet, hw frmal r infrmal they want t be in carrying ut club business. What they want t d at their club meetings. Estimate the mney needed t run the club. As a club, think abut why members are invlved. Plan yur club prgram t meet the needs f the yuth. 24

25 An effective planning prcess will create a well-balanced prgram and prvide 4-H members with pprtunities fr persnal develpment. Each member shuld be encuraged t vice his/her interests, gals and pinins. A well-planned prgram will: Prvide pprtunities fr each persn t assume respnsibility. Include a variety f activities. Identify the preparatin needed fr meetings and events. Prvide fr timely cmmunicatins. Avid calendar cnflicts. While the planning methd must be suitable t the characteristics f the club, an effective planning prcess will: Give each persn a part in the decisin. Facilitate bth cperatin and cmprmise. Prvide practice planning skills fr members f all ages. When and Hw D We Plan? Mst clubs plan their prgrams and elect fficers in September r Octber. Clubs that perate nly part f the year need t plan as sn as pssible. What Are Gals? Gals are simply statements f what yu want t accmplish what yu want t d, what yu want t learn. A gal is like a rad map; it helps yu decide hw t get t where yu want t g. Gals have three parts that allw us t measure and check ur prgress. They are: 1. Actin Hw? 2. Result What? 3. Timetable When? While members will als have individual gals, club gals shuld reflect what is imprtant t the grup as a whle. These gals prvide the fundatin fr the rest f the club plan. Club gals shuld: Be realistic. Meet the needs and interests f the club members. Prmte cperatin. Prvide individual achievement pprtunities. Prvide cmmunity and service participatin. 25

26 What Will Yu D t Meet These Gals? Once the gals are agreed upn, it is imprtant t survey all club members n hw the gals are ging t be met. Examples f acceptable methds f surveying include: Using a suggestin bx. Writing ideas n large pieces f paper taped n the walls. Cllages. Rll Call (give ideas when name is called). Brainstrming. When everyne s ideas have been presented and the grup is ready t discuss them, it is helpful t have these items handy: Schl calendars. Cunty 4-H calendar. 4-H prject lists. Infrmatin abut service-learning. Infrmatin abut field trip pprtunities. Infrmatin abut cmmunity celebratins, festivals and events. Everyne shuld be allwed t ask questins and vice his r her pinin abut the plan. Cnflicts in schedules and ther cncerns can be addressed at this time. After the plan has been discussed and revised as needed, members shuld vte t apprve and adpt it as their yearly 4-H prgram. Prir t adpting a plan, all participants shuld be able t say yes t the fllwing questins: Des the prgram invlve all members? Is the prgram interesting t all ages? Is the plan realistic? Des the plan include activities fr learning and service and just fr fun? Did yu cnsider cunty 4-H events? Is smene respnsible fr each task? Hw D We Ensure that the Plan is Successful? Thrugh cmmunicatins and check-ups! Prvide each family with a prgram bk with detailed infrmatin n club meetings, dates, times, lcatins, and agenda items. Call club members t encurage their invlvement. 26

27 Club newsletters. What If the Plan Isn t Wrking? As the year prgresses, changes may be necessary. Yu may spt lagging interest r mre pressing needs r pprtunities. The club shuld review the prgress, and if necessary, amend the club plan. Hw Shuld 4-H Club Meetings Lk? Yur imaginatin is the limit! Club gatherings can lk hwever yu wuld like. They can change in frmat. As a club, think abut why members are invlved and stay invlved. What are they lking fr? Then plan yur club gatherings t meet thse needs. Fcus n parts that meet the club s needs fr each meeting. Sme meetings may fcus entirely n prject wrk t help members accmplish their gals and learn new skills. Remember 4-H shuld be fun! Celebrate accmplishments r just take time t fcus n recreatin nce in a while. It s a great way t build a club team. Field trips and service-learning, etc. can put spice int yur club, prviding pprtunities fr yuth t plan and rganize while having fun. Cntact yur lcal 4-H Prgram Crdinatr fr resurces. Whether yur meetings are frmal r infrmal, the agenda needs t be well planned in advance. The 4-H Club Meeting Outline can be used as a resurce. Hld business meetings when they are needed (and keep them shrt and t the pint t prevent bredm). The business prtin shuld last n mre that minutes and culd include: 1. Call t rder 2. Flag pledges 3. Rll call/attendance 4. Reading f the minutes 5. Treasurer s reprt 6. Cmmittee reprts 7. Unfinished business 8. New business 9. Annuncements 10. Adjurnment If yur club has n business t discuss at a particular meeting, yur agenda might be as simple as: 1. Call t rder 2. Flag pledges 3. Rll call/attendance 4. Annuncements 5. Adjurnment 27

28 Refer t Meeting Outline Ideas in the Tlkit fr six club meeting agendas that can be adapted t yur club needs. 28

29 TIPS FOR CONDUCTING CLUB MEETINGS Structure Meetings Apprpriately The way club meetings are structured depends largely n the size f the grup and the age f the members. Remember t keep the meeting interesting and t change the pace f the meeting every 15 minutes r s. The average attentin span fr yuth ranges frm 10 t 20 minutes. In general, 4-H meetings are divided int fur parts: 1. Pre-Meeting: bridges the gap between the time members begin t arrive and the time the actual meeting begins. Activities fr the pre-meeting time can include mixers, wrd games, puzzles, etc. 2. Business Meeting: members learn hw t cnduct a meeting and practice demcratic decisin-making. 3. Educatinal Prgram: usually prject wrk, but may invlve special presentatins r activities cnducted by resurce peple, parents r lder members. 4. Recreatin/Refreshment/Scial Activities: prvides members an pprtunity t develp and practice scial skills. The rder f these segments and the amunt f time devted t each may be varied t suit the specific activities planned, the time and place the meeting is held, etc. Here are sme specific suggestins: 1. Clubs that meet right after schl may want t have refreshments available as the members arrive. Quiet recreatinal activities such as tw-persn pencil and paper games can be used t keep rder and fster interactin until the start f the meeting. 2. When members can t settle dwn and fcus n the task at hand, a shrt, active game fllwed by a quiet ne can release energy and get the grup ready fr mre serius business. Fr further tips n hw t handle behavir situatins, please see Manage Grup Activities fr Safety, Efficiency, and Effective Learning. 3. While Clverbud grups d nt cnduct business meetings, starting each meeting with the same pening ritual establishes a structured rutine that is imprtant fr this age grup. Use f a clsing ritual is als recmmended. Members can be assigned fficers f the day t help cnduct these rituals. 4. The timing f meeting segments must relate t bth the attentin span f the age grup and the nature f the activities planned. 5. Sharing club leadership with yur members is imprtant. It makes yur jb easier and it develps life skills fr the members. 6. Beynd the fur segments there are many little things yu can d t make yur 4-H club meeting fun and educatinal. Cntact yur lcal 4-H staff fr ideas. Rles f Officers Clubs may elect yuth t fill leadership psitins t help run club meetings. While club ffices shuld reflect the needs f the club, fllwing are sme f the mst cmmn. 29

30 President: Presides at all meetings. Appints cmmittees as needed. Vice President: Serves in the absence f the President. May serve as prgram chair fr meetings. Secretary: Keeps cmplete and accurate minutes f all meetings. Handles crrespndence. Keeps the 4-H Secretary s Bk up-t-date. Treasurer: Takes care f all grup funds. Cllects dues when required by the club. Keeps the 4-H Treasurer s Bk up-t-date. Reprter: Writes interesting reprts f meetings and special club events fr the lcal newspaper. Histrian: Cllects newspaper clippings, prgrams and pictures f the club s activities and events and puts them int a club scrapbk. Other rles yuth may play in the club include: flag leader, caller, greeter, game leader, sng leader, paper passer, parliamentarian, and phtgrapher. Fr additinal infrmatin n meeting structure, see the Parliamentary Prcedure sectin in the Tlkit. Engaging Yuth in Cnversatins t Make Decisins Effective yuth grups make a cnscius effrt t invlve all members in discussins. Fllwing are sme techniques t get yuth talking. 1. President asks specific questins, such as: Rger, what d yu think f Anne, frm yur experience at the cunty fair, wuld yu share yur feelings Des anyne knw f situatins where this has wrked? What has been yur thinking n this pint? 2. Use special grup decisin-making prcesses: BUZZ GROUP When member ideas are needed t slve a prblem, divide int small grups and have each grup reprt their best ideas back in a shrt time. BRAINSTORMING Generate and list as many different ideas as pssible in five minutes. Respect and value all ideas. In the first rund f vting, everyne vtes fr as many ideas as they chse. In the next rund, everyne vtes nly fr his/her tp tw chices. Use markers, stickers, r clred dts fr vting. Ideas receiving the mst vtes becme the grup s decisin. NOMINAL GROUP PROCESS Sit in a circle. Ideas are shared in a rund rbin rder until all ideas are recrded. If a persn des nt have an idea, he/she may 30

31 pass. If an idea has been listed already, it can t be repeated. G arund the circle until there are n mre ideas. D nt discuss the list. Everyne privately ranks his/her chices (1=first chice, 2=secnd; and s n) n a 3 x5 card. The chices are tallied and shared. Acknwledgements: Starting a New 4-H Club, Janet Beyer, University f Minnesta Extensin; My Leadership Jurnal, Natinal 4-H Cperative Curriculum Systems, Inc. Cmmittees Referring a task t a cmmittee is ne f the best techniques fr aviding lng business meetings. Frequently, when an idea is brught t the club, it s nt pssible t discuss it thrughly and vte withut taking a great deal f valuable meeting time. When pssible, the President shuld refer the matter t the apprpriate cmmittee. The advantages are many fr grups using cmmittees. Nt everyne wants t hld an ffice, but everyne can serve n a cmmittee. Yuth chairpersns can learn valuable leadership skills. Mre ideas emerge frm grup interactin. Thse invlved in making a decisin are cmmitted t the ideas. Each club will need t determine the cmmittees t carry ut their club s gals. Sme cmmittees may be set up at the beginning f the club year, while thers will be created as new ideas cme frward. Create cmmittees t carry ut big club tasks like managing cmmunity service prject r club fundraiser, develping the club s recgnitin prgram, designing the club s fair banner, r planning a club tur. The purpse f the cmmittee shuld be the primary cnsideratin in determining hw large the grup shuld be. Keep in mind that the majr reasn fr appinting a cmmittee in the first place, is the advantage f greater efficiency and flexibility f a small grup ver a large ne. It s recmmended that cmmittees have a variety f members, bth ages and ideas. Adult vlunteers may serve an advisry rle n a cmmittee. Each cmmittee shuld have a written purpse, specific duties and respnsibilities, and date fr cmpleting wrk. Discussin items and recmmendatins shuld be reprted back t the entire grup by a pre-determined date. Refer t 4-H Club Cmmittee Planning Sheet in the Tlkit. Acknwledgements: Wrking with Cmmittees, Judy M. Grff, Extensin 4-H Specialist, Nrth Carlina Cperative Extensin Service; Advisr s Handbk, Ohi 4-H; 4-H Vlunteer Training Unit 2, Maryland 4-H; Wrking with Cmmittees, University f Illinis Extensin 31

32 Use Ceremnies t Build Chesiveness Amng 4-H Members Participatin in ceremnies prduces a sense f kinship amng the members f an rganizatin (i.e., we believe in the same things and we re in this tgether). Depending n their nature, ceremnies may als fster teamwrk, reinfrce expectatins, prclaim an rganizatin s values t the general public r prvide recgnitin t members. Fr ceremnies cmmnly used by clubs see 4-H New Member Initiatin Ceremny and 4-H Club Officer Installatin Ceremny. Assess Meetings Regularly and Take Actin When Prblems Arise After the grup has been meeting fr fur t six mnths, take a clse lk at hw things are ging. Even thugh every effrt has been made t keep things running smthly, prblems will ccasinal arise. When they d, it is imprtant t address them as sn as pssible, befre they get ut f hand. The key t effective prblem slving is identifying the cause. If yu dn t knw why the prblem exists yu are likely t be merely treating the symptm rather than curing the disease. Trubleshting 4-H Prblems, fund in the Tlkit, describe sme cmmn 4-H club prblems, lists sme pssible causes and suggests alternative slutins. A resurce fr club imprvement is the Yuth Prgram Quality Assessment. Based n the Pyramid f Yuth Prgram Quality, trained staff and/r vlunteers can attend yur club meeting, bserve the prgram, and then meet with a grup f yuth and adults t create a plan fr imprvement. These caches will prvide yu with a number f quality resurces t wrk n ne r tw areas identified fr imprvement. Cntact yur 4-H prgram staff t learn mre abut this pprtunity. Invlve the Parents Everyne benefits when parents are invlved in the 4-H club prgram: 4-H members need their parents supprt and encuragement t attend meetings, cmplete prjects and fulfill respnsibilities t the club. Parents have an pprtunity t spend time with their children and enjy activities tgether. In many ways, 4-H is a partner in parenting. 4-H leaders have a lt t juggle. Being able t delegate sme f thse respnsibilities, even the smallest nes, can be a big help. The cmmunity benefits when families supprt cmmunity-minded rganizatins like 4- H. Invlved families are mre knwledgeable abut cmmunity issues and therefre mre likely t supprt cmmunity effrts as well. Keep these benefits in mind when yu invite parents t becme invlved. Here are sme suggestins n hw, when and whm yu ask. Additinal ideas can be fund in the Tlkit in the sectin, Parents Can Help in Our 4-H Club. 32

33 Meet with parents at the beginning f each year. This parent meeting may take place befre, after r as part f the club s planning meeting. While members shuld make the final decisin abut their prjects and activities, it is imprtant t knw early in the year the ways in which parents can supprt the club prgram. Cnsider using the interest survey and/r activity sign-up sheet t encurage cmmitment and t keep track f everyne s interests and availability. Maintain gd cmmunicatin. In rder fr parents t feel like a part f the grup and that they share respnsibility fr its success, they must be kept infrmed abut the when, where and why s f bth the club s activities and the 4-H club prgram in general. Sme ways yu can stay cnnected with parents are: Ask parents t assist at club meetings n a rtating basis. Yu may even want t meet in the members hmes n a rtating basis. Encurage members t ask their parents fr help when wrking n prjects at hme. Send infrmatin sheets hme with members prir t special activities such as prject trainings. Make time t chat with parents whenever they bring their child t an activity. Create pprtunities t get t knw parents better. Fr example, hld parent nights r family days during which members can shw-ff their accmplishments and parents can scialize with ne anther. Learn abut their persnal interests, hbbies and family activities. Later, requests fr help can then be based n the things yu knw they enjy and can d well. When yu need help: Ask an individual, basing yur request n that persn s interests, skills and abilities. Generic calls fr help dn t wrk! Be hnest and specific abut the cmmitment and time frame. Ask well in advance f when the jb needs t be dne. Express yur appreciatin apprpriately. Regardless f hw much r hw little a parent has dne, she/he deserves a thank yu. Whether it is delivered in the frm f a phne call, a hand-written nte r public recgnitin, that may include a certificate r small gift, will depend n what was dne and the persn s persnality ne size des nt fit all! Invlve Yuth Leaders Yuth Leaders are 4-H teens wh partner with adults t prvide leadership fr 4-H clubs and cuntywide 4-H activities. Depending n his r her age and experience, a yuth leader can serve as a general assistant, teach a prject, mentr individual members, crdinate activities r assume almst any ther 4-H leadership rle under supervisin f an adult. Invlving yuth leaders in yur club nt nly lightens the lad fr yu, it als adds sparks f energy and enthusiasm, prvides rle mdels fr yur members and prvides teens with valuable pprtunity t practice their leadership skills. Refer t the Tlkit fr Rles fr Yuth Leaders t see ideas n hw t get yuth invlved in clubs. 33

34 Cmmunicatin: An Imprtant Tw-Way Street Yu will be receiving bth regularly scheduled cmmunicatins (such as a 4-H newsletter) and special mailings frm the Cunty and/r Reginal Extensin Office. Often they will cntain registratin instructins fr up-cming events. Occasinally, they will request infrmatin needed by 4-H staff fr reprting purpses. The infrmatin yu prvide is imprtant and submitting it n time, eliminates the need fr duplicate mailings r phne calls that needlessly waste time and mney. Given the busy wrld we live in, it is very tempting t let ur paperwrk pile up until we have sme dwn time. (Des it ever cme?) In the end, it is usually a lt easier t take it ne paper at a time. S please reply t 4-H mailings as sn after they arrive as pssible. The fllwing suggestins will als help t facilitate cmmunicatin: Nte deadlines. When yu find a frm in a 4-H mailing, immediately lk fr the deadline date and mark a day at least tw business days earlier n yur calendar. If yu will need t gather infrmatin frm members r parents and yu will be having a club meeting befre the deadline, it may be easiest t put the paperwrk n the meeting agenda. If nt, decide right away when and hw yu will cllect the infrmatin yu need. Please call us. If yu are nt sure yu understand a questin n a frm r exactly hw the infrmatin shuld be recrded, call the persn wh sent yu the frm. This is nt being pesky, it is being helpful. Chances are that yu are nt the nly persn wh is perplexed. Yur call alerts the sender that there is a cmmunicatin prblem and prvides an pprtunity t clear it up fr everyne. Be aware f the schedule. Certain infrmatin will be requested frm yu at the same time every year, and 4-H events that require registratin als take place at abut the same time each year. Anticipating the arrival f these mailings will help yu t gather the needed infrmatin in advance. Lk fr the expected . Checking up n the whereabuts f a mailing yu were expecting t receive but did nt, may help yu avid missing an pprtunity. Things really d get lst in the mail smetimes. The tw busiest times fr paperwrk are the beginning f the schl year and prir t fair. Be n the lk ut! 34

35 UNDERSTANDING AGES OF YOUTH 4-H Clubs are made up f a mixture f ages f yuth and adults. It is strength f 4-H, but als a challenge. Tday s cmmunities have very few places where ages are nt separated int individual grups. That makes 4-H unique. It is imprtant t knw what t expect f the different ages f yuth. By ding s, yu will better understand what behavir t expect and what needs the yuth have. Gen Y (Millennials, Ech Bmers, Nexters) These are all terms fr the upcming generatin, brn between There are 1.1 millin in this grup in Minnesta; the grup is three times larger than Gen X ers. Half f this age grup are nt yet adlescents. They cme frm radically, culturally diverse backgrunds: 1 in 3 are nn-white; 1 in 4 live in single parent husehlds; and 3 in 4 have wrking mms. The Gen Y s have a gd relatinship with their parents. They are very tech savvy. The grup has a practical view f the wrld. When planning activities and events, remember the ages and stages. In additin, remember the upcming Gen Y grup and their characteristics. Characteristic Clverbuds Beginners Intermediates Advanced Grades K-3 Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-13 Interest Span Shrt, unless Shrt and carried. Lengthens with Almst adult if tpic is f great (45 minutes) experience and self-mtivated. interest. Can be Easily mtivated interest in increased in subject r activity is activity. included. (5-20 minutes) Mtr Skills May be easily High interest in Interested in Highly skilled in frustrated by fine ding active skills fr specific areas f interest mtr tasks that prjects. Pr use. Can tackle and practice. are beynd level crdinatin. mre difficult f crdinatin. jbs with mre cmplex crdinatin. Mental Grwth Curius, learns High curisity. Increased depth Cntinued frm hands-n Limited and scpe f increase related experiences. experience. learning. Want t t experience. 35

36 Characteristic Clverbuds Beginners Intermediates Advanced Grades K-3 Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-13 Develping Beginning make decisins Can see language. abstract learning. but still depend relatinships. Cmpetitive Needs n adult activities less recgnitin. guidelines. apprpriate. Dn t accept failure. Ability t Plan Has difficulty Limited ability, Can plan better Has need and with multiple experience and than execute. ability t plan. step plans ver a judgment. Can discuss Enjy discussing perid f time. current events, wrld situatins. internatinal affairs and scial issues with help. Relatin t Seeks adult Accepts Needs and wants Wants leadership Adults leadership and leadership easily guidance but n an adult level. cmpaninship. frm adults. rejects Admire and dminatin. imitate lder yuth. Relatin t Age Mre interested Needs t feel Interest in High interest in in small grups, accepted. Shw ppsite sex, and grups, cuples members f the lyalty t in grup riented. Strng same sex and members f same acceptance. Can desire fr status under adult sex and be self-cnscius. in peer grup. supervisin. May antagnism t High interest in have several best ppsite sex. scial activity. friends. Reference: Rutgers Cperative Extensin Leaders Training Series Ages and Stages f 4-H Yuth University f New Hampshire Cperative Extensin. Ages/Stages f Yuth Develpment 36

37 MANAGE GROUP ACTIVITIES FOR SAFETY, EFFICIENCY, AND EFFECTIVE LEARNING Detailed infrmatin abut the purpse f 4-H prjects and use f experiential learning methds can be fund in the prjects selectin f this Guide. This sectin cvers the practical matters f handling behavir. What is Nrmal, Acceptable Behavir? (Belnging) This depends n the children s ages and the situatin. What is kay fr nine-year-lds at a recreatin activity is prbably nt apprpriate fr teenagers n an educatinal tur. The fine line between acceptable and unacceptable behavir is crssed when any f the fllwing ccur: Anyne is in danger f physical r mental harm. The behavir is disruptive t the activity f the grup. The rights f thers (in the grup r bystanders) are infringed upn. Hw can yu detect unacceptable behavir? When yu ntice that any f the abve three items have ccurred r are likely t ccur. When yu bserve negative reactins frm ther children. When yu, as an adult, are nt cmfrtable with the behavir. (Make sure yur views are nt s strict r lenient that they d nt allw fr mainstream interests and actins f children. If in dubt, ask ther parents.) Wrking with yuth, especially ther peple s children can be a challenge. While sme children are better behaved than thers, they all need acceptance and the pprtunity t learn. In mixed grups, the challenge f a leader is t see that disruptive yuth d nt impede learning r fun fr thers. Their very presence in the grup, cmbined with yur wise guidance, will help them learn hw t be respectful, psitive members f a learning cmmunity. Clear Expectatins (Belnging) Uncertainty and cnfusin add stress t individuals and grups and can lead t acting-ut behavir. When nrms f grup behavir are c-created with yuth, simple and clear, then members generally respnd well. T many rules, cnstantly changing expectatins, r unclear cnsequences ften set the stage fr negative behavir. Levels f Cnsequence (Belnging) Begin with the least restrictive respnse. Hpefully the prblem will be slved befre many levels f respnse are needed. At each level f cnsequence, seek t engage the yuth in psitive chices by reinfrcing psitive behavir. The first level f cnfrnting negative behavir can be a simple wrd f crrectin, spken privately t the individual in need f crrectin. The private and respectful presentatin f the 37

38 crrectin will avid embarrassing r belittling the individual in frnt f the grup. One apprach might be, "Here is the prblem, what can we d abut it?" A secnd level f cnsequence might be a "time-ut" r separatin frm the grup's activity. A time-ut gives the individual an pprtunity t feel the cnsequences f negative behavir and cnsider future actins. The apprach might be, "Sit here fr five minutes and then let me knw hw yu intend t participate when yu return t the grup." A third level f cnsequence can be islatin frm the grup, such as ging t anther (supervised) lcatin fr a significant time. The grup will be able t cntinue and the individual will experience the severity f the prblem behavir. This interventin shuld include a discussin with the leader f the prgram regarding the need t make different chices if the child wishes t cntinue in the prgram. Return t the next grup sessin wuld require readiness t cmmit t the grup's nrms. Finally, the furth level f respnse may be remving the member frm the grup permanently r at least until a new beginning is pssible. Mtivate Members Thrugh Psitive Reinfrcement (Mastery) Psitive reinfrcement is the single mst effective tl fr mtivating yuth. It is als very imprtant in discipline. Yuth need cnstant reinfrcement fr their psitive activities. But prviding psitive reinfrcement is nt easy. It requires a psitive utlk n yur part and must be practiced. It cmes in tw frms: verbal and nnverbal. When giving psitive reinfrcement it is imprtant t be specific and sincere. Dn t say, Jhn, yu ve dne a gd jb. Say specifically what the child did: Jhn, yur carrt cake lks gd and tastes great gd jb! Being t general with psitive cmments may appear artificial r phny. Unfrtunately, mst peple find it easier t be critical than psitive. T vercme this, fcus n the strengths and successes (even small nes) f yur members. Help them t accept themselves s that they can accept thers. Fllwing yur lead, they will als learn t give psitive feedback t thers. Give psitive reinfrcement cnstantly. Here are sme simple ways t d it: A smile. A nd. An enthusiastic and encuraging cmment. 38

39 Saying thank yu. Asking a member t demnstrate skills t the rest f the grup. There are literally thusands f ways t shw psitive reinfrcement. As yu see the results f yur wrds and actins, the imprtance f psitive reinfrcement will be quite clear and yu will find yur wn ways t prvide it bth verbally and nnverbally. Wrk as a Team (Mastery) Grup members will cmmit t grup gals and expectatins when they have had a part in setting thse targets. Members wh have chsen the expectatins tgether will be mre likely t wrk cperatively in achieving the grup s gals. Attentin t Yuth Develpment (Independence) The gal f effective behavir management is t assist yung peple in making psitive decisins abut their wn behavir and actins. The gal is nt simply cmpliance but jyful participatin. Effective behavir management begins by creating a safe, secure, and cmfrtable setting fr the grup's activities. When needs fr security, belnging, and recgnitin are being met, acting ut and misbehavir will less likely ccur. A Well-Planned Prgram (Independence) Effective behavir management is rted in gd prgram rganizatin and strng leadership. Well prepared, relevant, and exciting prgrams will capture the imaginatins and energy f the participants and will deter disruptive and negative behavir patterns. Children thrive n new experiences and successful gal achievement. When they are actively engaged, they d nt succumb t the bredm r discuragement that leads t negative behavir. Preventin is Better Than the Cure (Genersity) Understanding the mtivatins f yuth is imprtant t understanding their behavirs. Thrugh yur actins, yu can help yuth be mtivated. Yu can help mtivate in the fllwing ways: Use a variety f teaching methds. This helps keep bth the teachers and the learners frm becming bred. Bredm is a majr enemy f mtivatin, and ften leads t unacceptable behavir as children battle the bredm. Invlve as many yuth as pssible in planning and ding. This gives them wnership in the grup and therefre, a feeling f belnging. Als, kids will usually be mre interested in smething they say they want t d, as ppsed t smething that smene else thinks they want t d. Try giving a disruptive member a special jb t help yu r the club. Often, disruptive behavir is a plea fr attentin. Help the member channel that energy and need in a psitive directin. Fcus n ding mre and watch kids want t try things themselves. Remember the Learn by Ding philsphy f 4-H. 39

40 MONEY MATTERS Basic Principles: Financial Plicies and Practices The principles gverning Financial Plicies and Practices are based n the philsphy that learning happens when yuth are engaged; that there is benefit in quality relatinships; and that develping life skills is essential fr yuth t reach their ptential. These beliefs supprt the 4-H missin and the Essential Elements f Yuth Develpment. Yuth Learn. Managing financial resurces prvides pprtunities fr yuth t develp life skills (e.g., recrd keeping, budgeting, etc.); therefre yuth, as valuable partners, must be invlved in meaningful financial rles. Public Organizatin. Because 4-H is a public rganizatin, mnies received frm dues, fundraising, and ther surces are wned by 4-H t be used fr the benefit f all members and nt wned by any ne member, leader r persn. Educatinal Purpse. Fundraising prgrams using the 4-H name r emblem may be carried ut fr educatinal purpses. Such fundraising prgrams, and the use f the 4-H name and emblem n r assciated with prducts and services fr such purpses, must have the apprval f the apprpriate Extensin Office. (The 4-H Name and Emblem: Guidelines fr Authrized Use, USDA) Review Activities. The Extensin Educatr respnsible fr the cunty 4-H prgram must review each 4-H rganizatin's activities t determine that it cntinues t meet the particular 4-H bjectives fr which it was established and that the 4-H Name and Emblem are used in accrdance with the statute. Accuntability. Every 4-H club shall maintain a recrd f its activities and f cntributins received, prepare and keep n file a recrd f its financial transactins, and submit a Minnesta 4-H Annual Club Financial Reprt (Frm B) each year t the 4-H Prgram Crdinatr/Directr respnsible fr the cunty 4-H prgram. These plicies and practices need t be fllwed t maintain the integrity f 4-H and all thse invlved in the prgram and t ensure that 4-H prgrams meet the needs f yuth. Summary f Ten Majr MN 4-H Financial Plicies 1. As a public rganizatin, 4-H is pen t any yuth within the eligibility parameters. (Center fr Yuth Develpment Hmepage at ) 2. As a public rganizatin, we are accuntable fr ur funds. 3. All grups using the 4-H name and emblem must fllw federal and state plicies and rules. 4. All fundraising activities (including grants and dnatins) shuld be reviewed and apprved by the lcal 4-H Prgram Crdinatr befre the event. 5. All mney raised using the 4-H name must be used nly fr 4-H activities, educatin and character building. 40

41 6. Funds must nt be used fr persnal financial gain fr any individual. Pcket mney, persnal items and suvenirs are clearly nt legitimate uses f mney raised in the name f 4-H. 7. All 4-H grups shuld establish a checking accunt at a public financial institutin. All checks require tw authrized signatures. 8. Upn disslutin, all 4-H grup assets and financial recrds must be turned ver t the Cunty Extensin Office. Funds will be turned ver fr depsit t the Cunty 4-H Federatin/Leaders Cuncil t be used fr 4-H Yuth Develpment prgrams. 9. A 4-H grup that cllects r distributes mney must have an annual review/audit. 10. All 4-H clubs, grups, r rganizatins using the 4-H name are required t submit a prpsed budget fr the upcming 4-H year (Frm C), a Minnesta 4-H Annual Club Financial Reprt (Frm B), and a 4-H Club Treasurer s Bk Annual Review (Frm D) t the Cunty Extensin Office annually. This is knwn as Chartering. Public Ownership 4-H is chartered by the U.S. Cngress as a federal prgram that cmes ut f the United States Department f Agriculture (U.S.D.A.), but it encmpasses mre than agriculture. In every state, the 4-H prgram is directed at the land grant cllege f that state. In Minnesta, ur land grant cllege is the University f Minnesta. Minnesta 4-H is a unique partnership f the federal gvernment, the state thrugh the land grant university, and each f the 87 cunties. At the cunty level, the 4-H Prgram Crdinatrs wrk with vlunteers and parents t prvide a yuth-led rganizatin that centers n quality learning, character building and the develpment f life skills. This is dne in a wide variety f ways in 4-H ranging frm cmmunity clubs t schlbased and cmmunity-based prgrams. Vlunteer leaders play a very special rle in supprting and encuraging prject wrk, activities, leadership and educatinal pprtunities fr yuth. The wnership f 4-H, takes place n many different levels. Often there is a very clse persnal sense f wnership by families (many invlved fr several generatins); but, unlike many ther yuth-serving rganizatins, 4-H is nt a private, nn-public rganizatin. 4-H is a public rganizatin federal, state and cunty. Therefre, the treasurer f a 4-H club, federatin, prject cmmittee, auctin cmmittee, prject develpment cmmittee, r ther grups (frm here n after referred t as "4-H grup") is respnsible nt nly t the ther fficers, but als t the ther members, the adult leaders and the public. As a public rganizatin, 4-H is pen t any yuth within the eligibility parameter. We are accuntable fr ur funds. Dealing with finances in 4-H is first and fremst an educatinal experience fr the yuth. The rle f the club adult leader/vlunteer is t supprt and help the yuth treasurer. Private and Public Funds Vlunteer leaders are in charge f helping the yuth treasurer "keep the bks." This includes the 4-H grup's receipt bk, checkbk and check register, payment vuchers and bank statements. The public calls fr a higher standard f accuntability and integrity fr public grups. Yu can 41

42 meet the high standards required f 4-H by studying and fllwing the mney handling methds fund in this handbk and The Minnesta 4-H Club Treasurer s Bk. These standards apply whether a grup's treasury has $5 r $500. Cnflicts may arise if mney is nt handled carefully and accurately. Yu can prtect the treasurer and yur 4-H grup frm cnflict by: Encuraging the careful, respnsible and accurate handling f finances. Using prper parliamentary prcedure in making decisins invlving the use f funds. Supprting and advising the 4-H grup treasurer in their rle. Being infrmed n financial plicies, guidelines, and issues that gvern the 4-H prgram. Name and Emblem When yu raise mney in the name f 4-H, yu are respnsible fr prtecting the gd name f 4-H. Yu are respnsible fr hw the mney is raised and hw it is used. The very name and emblem f 4-H is a cpyrighted trademark. In the legal sense, the United States Department f Agriculture wns the emblem. As with any trademark, there are rules and laws abut hw and where it can be used. Therefre, yu shuld talk with yur lcal 4-H Prgram Crdinatr abut apprpriate fundraising effrts. All grups using the 4-H name and emblem must fllw federal and state plicies and rules. These include, but are nt limited t, 4-H clubs, cunty 4-H Federatins/Cuncils and advisry bards, 4-H teen r yuth leader clubs, 4-H prject clubs. Financial Guidelines Checking Accunts All 4-H grup financial transactins shuld take place by check rather than cash t ensure accuntability. T help maintain accuntability, duplicate check systems are strngly recmmended. All 4-H grups shuld establish a checking accunt at a public financial institutin. The 4- H grup leader, with the treasurer, shuld establish this accunt. D nt use a persnal scial security number in pening a 4-H grup checking r savings accunt because f tax liability cncerns. In rder t pen any 4-H accunt, the grup must btain an EIN number. Yur 4-H Prgram Crdinatr/Directr will assist yu in getting an EIN number fr yur 4-H grup. Each 4-H grup must require at least the yuth treasurer and tw adult leaders names t be signers n the signatry card at the bank, unless the bank will nt allw a yuth as a signer. It is acceptable fr the parent f the yuth treasurer t be the adult advisr. If this is the case the third signer, knwn as the verifier, must review the bks fr accuracy each mnth cmparing the checkbk ledger t the bank statements, making sure all wrk is being dne, and sign ff fr accuntability. The verifier must als sign all checks ver $ Nte: If the bank des nt allw a yuth t sign n the accunt, the 4-H grup must make sure that a yung persn is still elected as treasurer and carries ut all ther duties f the ffice. 42

43 The checking accunt shuld be set up s that all checks require tw signatures, yuth treasurer and adult leader. Sme banks d nt require tw signatures n a check, but due t the public nature f these funds it is a 4-H requirement. Authrized signatures will need t be updated at the financial institutin each time a new treasurer is elected r when leadership changes in the grup. The treasurer shuld depsit funds prmptly. Endrse checks immediately upn receipt. All cash received must be acknwledged with a pre-numbered written receipt. This receipt must include the surce f the funds, the date, and if pssible, the name f the persn making the payments. These receipts are the back-up dcumentatin fr any bank depsits. The receipts must als becme a permanent part f the grup recrds. Payment must be made nly in respnse t a frmal written bill r invice. The itemized invice, clearly stating what was billed, with the check number and date f the check n it, will becme a permanent part f the treasurer s recrds. The treasurer bk and all tls including the excel checkbk ledger and itemized incme reprts can be fund at: If a check is written n the grup s accunt is lst, ntify the custmer service department f the bank at nce t stp payment f the check. There will be a stp payment charge. Additinal Respnsibilities f the Treasurer Psitin Recncile the bank statement each mnth. A yuth treasurer may need assistance with this prcess. The treasurer bk and all tls including the recnciliatin reprt can be fund at: Present a reprt at each meeting f incme and expenses and ending balance that will be nted in the minutes f that meeting. The treasurer bk and all tls including the mnthly meeting reprt can be fund at: H/leading-a-club/ Reprt any suspected theft r misuse f funds t the 4-H Prgram Crdinatr. Budget It is essential that all 4-H grups effectively manage public funds raised as part f their activities. All 4-H grups must cmplete and file cpies f Club Prpsed Budget (Frm C), Minnesta 4-H Annual Club Financial Reprt (Frm B), and 4-H Club Treasurer s Bk Annual Review (Frm D) annually, if they handle any mney during the year. Frm B, Minnesta 4-H Annual Club Financial Reprt, shws yur actual incme and expenses fr the past 4-H year. Frm C, Club Prpsed Budget, is yur club s prpsed budget fr this cming 4-H year. Frm D, 4-H Club Treasurer s Bk Annual Review, verifies that smene ther than thse handling the funds this past year, has reviewed yur club s financial recrds and has fund them t be accurate. These frms are fund at : H/leading-a-club/ Public reprting shws gd fiscal management and stewardship f all funds raised r expended in the name f 4-H. 43

44 The riginal frms will be submitted t the lcal Extensin Office as part f the 4-H Charter Applicatin annually. One cpy shuld be kept in the treasurer s bk. The Bring it Back frm, fund in the Tlkit, helps 4-Hers have sme accuntability when they have been given mney t attend an event. Fundraising Guidelines If yur grup is planning a fundraiser please read Fundraising in the 4-H Club Treasurer Bk fund at: Submit advance apprval frm yur Prgram Crdinatr/Directr fr each fundraiser that yu plan by cmpleting a 4-H Incme Generatin Applicatin a minimum f 10 business days prir t ding a fundraiser (this includes any grant applicatins), and fllwing up after the fundraiser with a 4-H Incme Generatin Fllw-Up Reprt. These items can be fund in the 4-H club treasurer bk at: Yu will need t refer t rules abut the use f the 4-H name and emblem in fundraising. Be sure t use the 4-H name r emblem nly n prducts yur grup has made r prduced. If yu are wrking with a fundraising cmpany r businesses, be sure that they have apprval t use the 4-H name and emblem. Gambling and games f chance are nt an acceptable frm f fundraising unless they are in partnership with anther lcal entity wh secures the permit. An acceptable alternative is t hld a drawing fr a prduct that an individual is eligible t win whether r nt they made a purchase r brught an item t cntribute is nt cnsidered gambling and is legal t cnduct. If yu are cnsidering carrying ut a fundraiser that might be cnsidered a gambling, game f chance r a drawing, talk with yur lcal 4-H Prgram Crdinatr befre beginning t ensure that it is carried ut apprpriately. Be sure t check with lcal and state authrities n health, licensing, labeling, labr and tax laws. If yu need help, check with yur lcal 4-H Prgram Crdinatr. All mney raised using the 4-H name must be used nly fr 4-H activities. As part f ur service t 4-H, we need t build ur wn financial well-being t supprt the learning agenda fr members. While we cannt limit 4-H member s participatin in ur prgram fr lack f fundraising we can, hwever, have natural and lgical cnsequences fr individuals wh chse nt t participate in fundraising activities. The natural cnsequence if yung peple d nt participate in fundraisers that supprt the clubs is they miss ut n learning pprtunities t enhance financial management and planning skills. The lgical cnsequence is that the club culd chse t nt prvide financial supprt fr 4-H spnsred learning pprtunities. Hwever they wuld still be fully eligible t attend. If yu have questins n ther fundraising pprtunities, ask yur 4-H Prgram Crdinatr fr mre infrmatin. 44

45 Federal Tax Facts 4-H is a tax-exempt rganizatin under an IRS ruling. It recgnizes the tax exemptin status f 4- H clubs and affiliated 4-H rganizatins that are rganized and perated under the guidance and cntrl f the University f Minnesta. Federal Tax Exempt Status 4-H rganizatins are exempt frm Federal incme taxes as indicated in sectin 501(c)(3) f the Internal Revenue Cde f Tax exempt status is cntingent n meeting the requirements f Affirmative Actin Guidelines. These insure that ptential clientele have equal pprtunity in educatin, prgramming, and emplyment fr all qualified persns regardless f race, clr, gender/sex, creed, disability, religin, natinal rigin, ancestry, age, sexual rientatin, pregnancy, marital, parental r veteran status, r nn-related cnvictin recrd. 4-H Grup Federal Tax-Exempt Number (GEN). Occasinally yu may be asked fr yur federal tax-exempt number. All Minnesta 4-H federatins/cuncils, clubs and grups are cvered under Grup Exemptin Number (GEN) This prvides tax exemptin frm federal incme tax under 501 (c)(3) f the Internal Revenue Cde Filing Federal Frm 990 s. Tax exempt status des nt exempt a 4-H rganizatin frm filing Frm 990 each tax year. When filing Frm 990, yur individual 4-H grup exemptin number (GEN) is used. The Reginal Extensin Office files all Frm 990 s fr 4-H clubs each year. Individual Incme Tax Deductins 4-H leaders are eligible fr incme tax deductins. Generally, a 4-H leader can deduct: Cst f gds yu dnate t 4-H. (Any dnatin ver $250 requires a letter frm the Extensin Office t verify the amunt f the dnatin.) Transprtatin csts. Out-f-pcket csts fr cnferences and training. IRS publicatins can be a helpful surce f legal deductins fr the current year. Leaders shuld keep a valid receipt/recrd f mileage. The date and nature f expenses need t be dcumented. State Tax Facts Minnesta Incme Tax Exemptin As a recgnized 501 (c)(3), thrugh the University f Minnesta grup GEN 5939, Minnesta 4-H clubs d nt need t file Minnesta Incme tax. Minnesta Sales Tax Exemptin - Purchases Minnesta 4-H grups have been granted an exemptin frm paying Minnesta sales and use tax as a nnprfit rganizatin. Our Minnesta tax ID number is

46 As evidence f exemptin, a fully cmpleted Certificate f Exemptin, Frm ST3, must be given t each seller frm whm yu purchase, lease, r rent tangible persnal prperty f services fr yur use in yur 4-H grups nnprfit functins. The 4-H grup must pay directly fr the purchase. This means a 4-H grup s check must be used t make the purchase. Exempt status des nt apply if cash r a persnal credit card is used t make the payment and the payer is reimbursed by the 4-H grup. The fllwing are excluded frm the exemptin: ldging, prepared fd, candy, sft drinks, mtr vehicles, and waste dispsal services. Yu must pay tax when purchasing these items. Yu can get a cpy f Frm ST3 by cntacting yur cunty 4-H prgram staff. Cllecting and Paying MN Sales Tax 4-H grups are required t cllect Minnesta sales tax n the sales f tangible prperty and certain, limited services unless a specific exemptin applies t the transactin. An exemptin frm cllecting sales tax will apply fr transactins that qualify as "ccasinal sales" under the definitin f ccasinal sales prvided by the Minnesta Department f Revenue. An exemptin frm cllecting sales tax may als apply fr sales in cnnectin with certain fundraising events. Cntact yur lcal 4-H Prgram Crdinatr fr infrmatin and a wrksheet t assist in determining if yur grup needs t cllect and submit sales tax n fundraising effrts. Disslutin f Funds Upn disslutin f a 4-H club, all yur 4-H club s/grup s assets and financial recrds must be turned ver t the Cunty Extensin Office. Funds will be turned ver fr depsit in the Cunty 4-H Federatin/Leader s Cuncil t be used fr 4-H Yuth Develpment prgrams. Dcument Retentin 4-H financial recrds need t be kept fr varying amunts f time. Use the fllwing as a guide: Financial recrds are mney in/mney ut type wuld nrmally be kept fr seven years. Imprtant financial recrds such as the Minnesta 4-H Annual Club Financial Reprt frm, review/audits, 990/990EZ, sales tax recrds, etc. must be kept fr seven years. Federal mney r grant mney may have specific requirements. It is always necessary t check with the grant writing surce. 46

47 4-H PROJECTS 4-H Prjects Prjects are a series f educatinal experiences and the fundatin used by 4-H fr helping yuth develp life skills. By understanding the imprtance f prject wrk, yu will be better able t guide bth the yuth yu wrk with and the prject vlunteers yu recruit. Develping Life Skills The gal f 4-H prgramming is t prvide develpmentally apprpriate prjects and activities fr yuth t: Experience life skills. Practice them until they are learned. Be able t use them as necessary thrughut a lifetime. Thrugh learn-by-ding, yuth bth learn and apply these skills apprpriately. Life skills are nthing mre than the abilities and skills that yuth can learn t help them be successful in living a prductive and satisfying life. The Targeting Life Skills mdel develped by the Iwa Extensin Service (fllwing page) identifies life skills that are the gal f ur 4-H experiences. Each 4-H experience shuld be planned with ne r mre f these skills in mind. The Learning Envirnment The 4-H club setting enhances the benefits f prject participatin by prviding a psitive learning envirnment. T help create a psitive learning envirnment fr 4-H members, keep the fllwing in mind: Yung peple learn best in an atmsphere f warmth and acceptance. Members must have clear, self-determined gals. Each yuth has different abilities. The same learning methd will nt be equally successful with all members. Learning requires mtivatin. Self-mtivatin cmes frm basic needs, persnal preferences, and feelings f self-wrth and belnging. External mtivatin is based n incentives and awards received frm thers. Yuth must be actively invlved in selecting and carrying ut their learning activities. Self-evaluatin (that is, the member s wn assessment f his/her achievement and what is needed t make the best better ) is the mst meaningful kind f evaluatin. It is imprtant t remember that while the printed prject materials utline a variety f planned learning experience and activities, yu als need t recgnize, create, and build n teachable mments. 47

48 Targeting Life Skills Try these methds t enhance prject learning: Encurage inquisitiveness, shw where and hw t find answers t questins. Brainstrm creative slutins. Ask questins. Encurage members t becme mre independent and make their wn decisins. Encurage individual expressin within the grup. Use a shrt, simple demnstratin r illustrated talk. Invlve members in rle playing. Arrange a tur f persnal interest t members (e.g., a fd tur which shws where things cme frm r hw they are used, etc.) Cmbine teaching methds that allw members t use all five senses. Praise and reward gd wrk, interest, cperatin and the acceptance f respnsibility. 48