Getting Started in 4-H

What Is 4-H?

4-H is a fun, learn-by-doing educational program for young people. Its mission is to help them become self-directed, productive, contributing members of their communities. The 4-H club structure is the most effective and efficient way to achieve this mission. The quality of their 4-H experience to a large extent depends on the relationship built between the 4-H members and their volunteer leaders.

The History of 4-H

A major responsibility of the 4-H staff member is to create and maintain active 4-H clubs. The unique opportunity for social and personal development provided through a 4-H club structure is the most effective and efficient way to achieve the mission of 4-H.

4-H clubs are designed to foster relationships and offer learning experiences over an extended period of time. By actively participating in a 4-H club, it is hoped young people will develop the following:

• A greater knowledge and appreciation of self  
• Increased self-esteem
• Public and interpersonal communication skills
• Positive interaction with adults and other youth
• Responsibility for self
• Commitment and contribution to the group and community
• A life-long desire to learn
• An ability to use knowledge for the betterment of self and community
• An ability to relate to a constantly changing world
• Strengthened family interactions
• Career exploration
• Leadership skills
• Decision-making skills

Adults and teens who are interested in becoming 4-H leaders can influence the development of young people in their communities through 4-H clubs. Clubs that are planned and "owned" by the adults and youths of a community create the greatest stability and commitment to the 4-H program.

A major responsibility of the extension staff member is to create and maintain active 4-H clubs. Your role in starting clubs needs to be clearly defined within your county. It must be a well-designed focus of the county staff. New clubs add a growth element to the county program. Without new clubs, there is a natural narrowing of interest which can lead to a collective decline in participation.

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What Is A Club?

An established process needs to be used each time a club is started. To achieve this, an overall understanding of your county and its individual communities is important. Begin by examining the existing interests of youths, parents and potential volunteers. Each club usually has the following:

• At least five members from two or more families
• One or more caring adult volunteers working with the members,
  teen leaders and parents
• A structure that gives members the primary responsibility for
  making decisions and operating the club
• A definite club program planned by members, leaders and parents,
  including individual and group goals for project learning and group interaction
• Twelve or more club meetings during the year
• Participation in learning experiences outside the local group
• Involvement in the community
• Personal evaluation and recognition of progress on individual and group goals

Two major club structures exist in North Dakota 4-H Youth Programs:  the community club and the project club.

A community club involves members of a variety of ages and interests. Its average size is 10 to 12 members, but it may be larger. Club meetings include business, group-building activities and educational programs. The community club is managed and advised by one or more organizational leaders, usually with the support of other volunteers who work with the various age divisions or project areas.

A project club centers around one project, and all club members participate in that project. The average club size is 10 to 20 members. Club meetings focus on project work and business. Additional club activities may be scheduled for group-building and family involvement.

The type of club structure that works best will be determined by the situation within the community. Each structure has benefits, but some factors indicate which type of club is best to start.

Establish a Community club if...

• there is a diversity of interest.
• many educational programs are offered.

Establish a Project club if...

• the interests of youth are concentrated in a specific topic area.

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Informational Meeting Plan