Informational Meeting Plan
for Youth and Adults
Objective: To organize a group of interested boys and
girls to form a 4-H club in the most enthusiastic and
educational way possible.
Before the Meeting
- Arrange for a convenient time for everyone to get
together. It's important to have a parent accompany
their young people.
- Prepare a display of selected 4-H materials.
Obtain copies of materials for the audience to review.
- Have each 4-H'er introduce himself and parent(s)
or guardian.
- Introduce yourself and briefly tell about NDSU
Extension.
Sample Introduction
I would like to welcome you to this 4-H informational
meeting. 4-H is a fun learn-by-doing educational program
for boys and girls. It is really fun to show others how
to do things, attend camps, learn how to speak in front
of a group of people, attend fairs and 4-H activities
where you meet 4-H'ers your own age. You will be able to
learn new things from your 4-H leaders. They will help
teach the lessons and work with your club.
Most 4-H clubs meet at least once a month. A typical
meeting may consist of a short business meeting, a study
lesson or special activity, recreation and maybe a light
lunch.
The materials used in the 4-H program are generally
available at a modest cost or no cost. They are provided
by the NDSU Extension Service and funded by USDA, state
and county appropriations.
The following topics may be discussed:
Describe the educational club program
Show sample programs. Study
program.
Describe the curriculum
Show what's available for
different age groups.
Explain project work.
Show books and areas of
interest. Show items they will learn to make
themselves. Tell about other
projects.
4-H Member Yearbook
Show sample copy. Explain
the importance of records and how
they may learn from this.
Activities in 4-H
Camp. Demonstrations and
public speaking. Educational workshops.
National 4-H Week. Fairs and
achievement days. Exchange programs.
Other events.
Personal Development
Explain 4-H club officers
Members' and leaders'
responsibilities. Duties of officers.
Questions
Determine if there is interest to organize a group with volunteer
leadership.
If so, possible
dates, meeting places, time. Suggestions for a club name.
Election of officers. Topics
to study.
Meet with adults.
Introduce new leaders.
Discuss role of parents. Review programs
and answer questions.
Decision Making
One of the final questions raised at the information meeting is "Should
we start a new 4-H club in this community?" The answer to this question
should be based on written and verbal feedback generated during the meeting.
The final decision should rest with the meeting participants and with the
adult volunteers who agree to take leadership roles. As an Extension staff
member, you should be prepared to answer questions and coordinate efforts in
the desired direction.
Often the information meeting ends with a definite interest and a
tentative commitment of leadership. Plan to make follow-up contacts before
the planning meeting for the potential club to answer questions and build
leader commitment. Be sure to encourage this "behind-the-scenes" volunteer
work.
If the group does decide to start a club, help them set dates for a
planning session and a club organizational meeting. If the group is large,
it is possible that more than one club may be started.
If the people who volunteer to act as club leaders are inexperienced,
they should begin working with a group of about 8 to 12 members. Larger
groups are more difficult to work with.
If the group decides not to start a club, refer any interested families
to other clubs. Whatever the reasons the group has for not starting a club,
be sure to carefully document them for future reference. Keep this
information with your county assessment data.
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