4-H Community Clubs

4-H committees bring youth and adults together to focus on a specific purpose, event, activity or project. 4-H committees can be formed through the 4-H club, 4-H county organization or through a state 4-H group. The work of 4-H committees is important for 4-H clubs and the 4-H county program for joint decision making, planning and carrying out 4-H experiences.

4-H Committees Charters

4-H Group or Committee Charter and Annual Charter Renewals: All 4-H groups and committees that handle finances and have a checkbook or financial account must be chartered. Each year 4-H groups or committees must renew this charter. These two packets are to be used by volunteer group or committee leaders and submitted to the UW-Extension office and 4-H Youth Development Staff. The annual charter renewal is due December 1.

4-H Charters and Renewals for 4-H Clubs, Groups and Committees This YouTube video features Greg Hutchins, State 4-H Youth Development Program Director as he outlines the purpose and the process for 4-H Charters and their annual renewal. (4:27 minutes)

• Wisconsin 4-H Annual Charter Application: New 4-H Groups & Committees
• Wisconsin 4-H Annual Charter Renewal: Existing 4-H Groups & Committees

To be a Chartered 4-H Group or Committee in Wisconsin, the following requirements must be met and maintained.

• Group or committee name
• Adult leadership that has been approved through the Youth Protection process
• Educational plan which meets the purposes of the 4-H program
• Youth involvement in leadership and decision-making
• Meet on a continuing basis
• Have written operating guidelines, bylaws or constitution approved by the members to govern the unit, group, or /committee
• Open to any youth eligible for 4-H membership, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental status.

4-H Committee Resources and Tools

Committee Guidelines and By-Laws: Committees use a variety of ways to communicate their purpose, how they operate and make decisions, roles for committee leadership and members, and handling finances. There guidelines could be provided in handbooks or they may have specific bylaw documents.  This depends on the group itself.  For example, many horse and pony groups use a handbook that includes their operational guidelines.  Others may find that formal bylaws was a better fit. The 4-H Youth Development professional in the county can help a group or committee determine which format best fits the needs of the group. All guideline documents need to seek input from the membership involved and be readily accessible for all leaders and members. If a committee chooses to develop by-laws, the 4-H Club By-Laws template can be easily adapted. This is located on the Club Basics Web site .

The following tools provide committee members and leadership to insure that their guidelines are meeting the needs of 4-H members and leaders. options. 

• Developing Operating Guidelines for 4-H Clubs, Committees or Groups. This tool provides clubs and committees a checklist for essential elements needed in developing operating guidelines that could be part of a handbook or bylaws. Developed by Jackie Johnson, Chippewa County 4-H Youth Development Agent.
• Considering 4-H Club and County Policies (1 page, 46.96 KB) - This guide can assist members and leaders as they review and update operating guidelines for their 4-H committee or group.
• Club or Committee Activity Planning Form This tool helps club and committee groups plan a successful event or activity. Developed by Chris Viau, Wood County 4-H Youth Development Agent.
• Club or Activity Report Form This tool helps club and committee groups report how an event or activity happened and suggestions for the next group. Developed by Megan Stuessel, Trempeauleau County 4-H Youth Development Agent.

Meeting and Calendar Planning Tools: Committees use meetings and schedules to do their work. Check out the Club Basics Web site for sample agendas, calendar planner and program meeting planners that will help committee leadership have fun and effective meetings and events.

4-H Policies and Guidelines: Committees need to be aware of Wisconsin 4-H Policies and 4-H Name & Emblem Policies and Guidelines as they plan and carry out activities and events. Check with your county 4-H Youth Development staff person for any questions.

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