The 4-H club belongs to the members and this is where most of their 4-H memories are created! All members must feel welcome and each member must have a voice in all that the club does.
4-H meetings incorporate the four Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development: Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity.
Dynamic and vibrant 4-H club meetings have four parts:
- Welcoming activity (15-20 minutes or less, depending on the size of the club)
- builds Belonging by engaging them in fun activities
- can be led by members, youth leaders/club officers, parents, meeting hosts or volunteer leaders
- activities can be ice breakers, games, project work, puzzles, writing thank you notes etc.
- Business meeting (15-20 minutes)
- builds Belonging, Mastery and Independence
- this must not be the largest part of the meeting
- short, well-run meetings ensure member retention
- can use parliamentary procedure or similar group decision making methods
- Education/program (20-30 minutes)
- builds Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity
- can consist of educational presentations, guest speakers, member project talks/demonstrations, tours and field trips etc.
- Recreation/Refreshments (20-30 minutes)
- builds Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity
- fun and food foster relationships
The Sample Club Calendar Planner is a useful tool for planning the club year, and will help complete the club annual plan section of the charter.
The Educational Role of Educators/Staff with County 4-H Leader Organizations, Committees, and Groups document outlines the educational role of staff member; 4-H Leader Organization roles; Executive Board or Board of Directors roles; and committee and group roles.
