Volunteer Competencies - 4-H Program Management

Volunteers must understand and follow appropriate policies, procedures and safety guidelines when acting on behalf of Extension.

Staff Development Tools:

• Wisconsin Risk Management Included are staff training streaming audio session, tools and resources for staff and for volunteer training. The site has received state and regional recognition by NAE4-HA. This site was developed by Wisconsin.
• Illinois Risk Management On-line Course This on-line session that was designed for staff but has also been used with volunteers. Participants complete the modules and quizzes and then are encouraged to create their own risk management plan for a meeting or event. This site was developed by Illinois.
• Michigan 4-H Program Planning & Management Guide This guide is intended to provide 4-H Youth Development staff with both general and specific guidance related to program planning and management. Including ways for staff to incorporate risk management practices into programming efforts.
• Kansas Strengthening 4-H Clubs Resources Resources and support for strengthening 4-H clubs.

Volunteer Training Materials:

• Illinois Helping Youth Series.  These are fact sheets that can be distributed to 4-H volunteers to assist them in supporting youth members. Topics include: Introduction to 4-H; 4-H Volunteer Leaders; Organizing a New 4-H Club; Projects and Activities; Helping 4-H Members Select Projects, Set Goals & Evaluate Experiences; Understand Their Own Culture & Appreciate Other Cultures; Transitioning 4-H Cloverbuds to the 4-H Community Club Program; Avoiding a Can of Worms: Risk Management for 4-H Clubs/Groups. This series was developed by Illinois.
• Wisconsin Community Club Central This site includes lesson plans for volunteers to use to strengthen and renew the vitality of the 4-H Club. It also includes youth leader training plans, 4-H club management resources, and volunteer training plans to be taught by staff or volunteers. This site and the materials were developed by Wisconsin.
• Get Green; Minnesota Club Management Guide Guide book for volunteers that outlines the 4-H vision, mission, and importance of 4-H. It also includes tips for conduction meeting, dealing with club finances, and project areas. This resource was developed by Minnesota.
• Illinois Helping Leaders be 4-H Savvy A series of fact sheets for leaders. Topics include Becoming a 4-H Youth Development Volunteer, Positive Youth Development Through 4-H Community Clubs, Suggested 4-H Club Constitution and Bylaws, The 4-H Club Business Meeting, Junior Leader Responsibilities, Project Selection, Setting Project Goals, Project Completion and Evaluation, Preparing for 4-H Fair/Show Exhibits, and Public Presentations. This resource was developed by Illinois and is part of their Urban 4-H web site.
• Letters to New Leaders: A series of letters to volunteers who are considering or have become a volunteer 4-H leader. The series includes: What is 4-H? ; Getting Started with a 4-H Club; Planning and Conducting 4-H Meetings ;Leadership and Teaching Techniques ; 4-H Activities ; Opportunities for 4-H Leaders These resources were developed by Missouri.
• Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Information Series: The 4-H Volunteer Information Series is a series of short fact sheets that will help you with your 4-H volunteer experience.
• Indiana Resources
• Michigan 4-H Club Management Guide This publication provides staff and volunteers with a framework for developing a club program that best meets the needs of their communities. (PDF format)

Resources Outside the North Central Region:

• 4-H 101 The resource developed by National 4-H Headquarters includes the basics for starting 4-H clubs. Includes the pdf files and power point presentations.

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