LEADERSHIP IN 4-H

• 4-H Leaders & Volunteer Information
• 4-H Parents and Guardians as Partners
• 4-H Parents and Leaders Association
• 4-H Older Youth Council

How can adults get involved?

Adults who have a sincere interest in helping youth grow into capable, caring, responsible citizens are encouraged to volunteer in the 4-H program. Volunteer roles include:

• General Leader
  Serves as an advisor to a community 4-H club
• Project Leader
  Helps youth learn about a particular project by sharing your interests, knowledge, talents, or just an enthusiasm for learning.
• Activity Leaders
  Short term commitment to help 4-H members with an activity. Possibilities include: coaching basketball, directing a play or musical, or leading a community service activity.
• Workshop Teacher
  Offers a workshop on a particular topic or project.
• Chaperone
  Serves as a supervisor, role model and chaperone on a 4-H trip or event.
• Fair Superintendent
  Supervises a department at the annual county fair.

All adults volunteering in the 4-H program must complete an orientation and screening. Please email katy.forsythe@ces.uwex.edu to learn more about volunteering.

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4-H Parents and Guardians as Partners

How can Parent(s) and Guardian(s) be partners in 4-H?

1. Help members select the right projects for their interest and your family's situation.
2. Give encouragement and supervision, but allow the 4-H'er to do their own work. Also, this means giving positive encouragement when challenges arise.
3. Help locate or assist youth in finding financial aid for project work, if needed.
4. Provide a place for records and other club and county materials in the home (a 4-H drawer, box or file).
5. Help members set standards of honesty, teamwork and good sportsmanship.
6. Consider serving as a club project or activity leader.
7. Be willing to help whenever possible for the club as drivers, chaperones, lunch committee, or as need arises.
8. Attend club meeting with the member.
9. Help member complete club and county achievement requirements for the year.
10. Give input into the county program by participating in county meetings and serving on committees.
11. Have fun with the youth.

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4-H Parents and Leaders Association

All 4-H parents, volunteers and youth leaders are members of the 4-H Parents and Leaders Association. The Association plans and carries out educational programs, establishes policies for the county 4-H program, and provides supplemental funding for Eau Claire County 4-H.

The Association meets quarterly in September, December, March and June (first Monday of each month with the exception of September which is first Tuesday). Meetings are held at the Extension office in Altoona beginning at 7:15 pm.

The executive board of the 4-H Parents and Leaders Association is the 4-H Leaders Council. The Council President and Secretary, three at large adult members and two 4-H youth appointed by the 4-H Older Youth Council. The Council meets as needed between the quarterly Association meetings to handle Association business. Council members, with the exception of the youth members, are elected at the September Association meeting.

All parents and 4-H volunteers are voting members and highly encouraged to attend Association meetings. This is the group that represents you and gives positive direction and support to the coutny 4-H program.

Please email katy.forsythe@ces.uwex.edu for a current 4-H Leader Council members list.

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4-H Older Youth Council

All 4-H members grade 8 and above, who are enrolled in the Youth Leadership Project are encouraged to be part of the 4-H Older Youth Council (OYC). The Council brings together 4-H teens from all around the county and plans and carries out educational, recreational, and community service activities.

Council members develop their leadership skills by serving as officers, teachers and committee members. OYC provides funding to help support trips, scholarships, and opportunities for older 4-H members.

The 4-H Older Youth Council meets the first Monday of each month at 7:15 pm at the Extension office in Altoona. Check out the special OYC page each month in the newsletter.

OYC Officers for 2003-2004:

• President: Anna Johnson: 875-4719
• Vice President: Kasy Weber: 836-9332
• Secretary: Jake Medford: 878-4480
• Treasurer: Justin Peterson
• Reporter: Amanda Nix

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