4-H Committees

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. They provide opportunities for developing leadership, citizenship, teamwork, decision-making, planning, organizing and evaluation skills.

4-H Committee Resources and Tools

Types Of Committees(1page, 72KB) This fact sheet explains the difference between the standing and special committees that are used in 4-H club, county, and state organizations. Updated 4.2012.

Forming Committees(2 page 72 KB) This fact sheet outlines considerations that should be made when forming committees, such as the committee size, youth-adult ratio, balancing the membership, and selecting a chair. Updated 2.2011.

• Committee Membership List (1page,67KB) Use this worksheet to organize contact information of committee members.
• Sample Committee Member Role Description(1p., 62k) or Sample Committee Member Role Description (67 KB)Use this template to write a role description for a committee chair. Updated 2.2011
• Sample Committee Chair Roles(1page, 62 KB) Sample Committee Chair Role Description (67KB) Use this template to write a role description for committee members. Updated 2.2011

Committee Bylaws and Guidelines (2pages, 76k) This fact sheet explores ways committees can describe their purpose and procedures, including suggestions for how the larger club or organization can provide committee oversight. Updated 4.2012.

• 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 - This guide can assist members and leaders as they review and update operating guidelines for their 4-H committee or group.
• Annual Committe Plan (1p., 155k) This worksheet can serve as a committee’s guidelines and help plan the yearly activities and budget. Chartered committees with financial accounts should use the Charter Packet resources found below.

Working As A Committee (1 page 68 KB) This fact sheet describes ways that committees can gather input from the club membership and report progress and decisions to the club.

• Committee Chair Checklist (1p., 129k) The chair can use this checklist to remember what to do before, during, and after a committee meeting.
• Sample Committee Agenda (1p., 67k) This template can be adapted for your committee meetings.
• Activity or Event 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.
• Activity or Event 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.

Recruiting Help and Delegating Tasks(2page 72 KB) Recruiting help and delegating tasks is a valuable leadership skill. This fact sheet provides insights into simple and effective ways to accomplish this. Updated 2.2011

Team Building in Committees: Committee members may need time to build trust with each other before they feel comfortable sharing ideas and opinions. Some get-acquainted orice-breaker activities can be used to make committee members feel more comfortable. Team building activities are also a fun way to bring a committee or group together to build its trust and cooperation level.

Additional 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 Youth Development 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 Educator for questions.

4-H Charters For 4-H Groups and Committees

All 4-H Groups (including committees, boards or other organizations) that hold any financial accounts must be chartered.  If a 4-H Group does not hold financial accounts, it must be formally recognized and accountable to the County 4-H Leaders Organization.

A 4-H Charter indicates the 4-H Club or Group is organized in accordance with objectives of the 4-H program. The University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension grants 4-H Charters which formally authorizes the 4-H Club or Group to use the 4-H Name and Emblem for educational purposes in accordance with laws and regulations established by Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For additional information, see the home page of 4-H Community Club Central.

• A 4-H Charter is given to a new 4-H Club or Group as they are formed and meeting the requirements of a 4-H Club or Group.  The successful completion of the 4-H Charter Application begins this process.
• 4-H Charters are renewed annually and will be granted upon successful completion of the 4-H Charter Annual Renewal packet. This packet is due to the 4-H Youth Development Educator by November 1 or an earlier date as determined by the Educator.
• Requirements for a 4-H Club and chartered Groups are listed in the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development Policies at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/resources/policies/index.cfm . 
  • Wisconsin 4-H Clubs and Groups 4-H Charter Application
  • Wisconsin 4-H Clubs and Groups 4-H Charter Annual Renewal  

Top