Notes for New Members

In 4-H, youth design and participate in their own programs and activities. This unique, learn-by-doing model teaches kids essential, transferable skills that they'll use throughout their lives, such as problem solving, decision making, coping, communicating and responding to the needs of others. Whether youth are building rockets, raising dairy cows, or writing musical plays, 4-H gives them the skills they need to succeed in life. 4-H has something for everyone! Youth in kindergarten through one year past high school can participate in short-term activities or longer-term clubs, where groups meet regularly to work on projects, perform community service and develop leadership skills.

No matter which project you choose, through 4-H, youth will learn public speaking skills, how to collaborate, understand government and community, and how to develop and reach life and career goals.

4-H offers activities in:

• Science, engineering, and technology

• Citizenship and leadership

• Healthy living

• Animal Science

• And much more!

Did you know…

4-H is a public organization owned by the USDA and is administered through each Land Grant University. Our Land Grant University is the University of Minnesota.

Your 4-H Club will meet to plan and conduct the club’s 4-H activities. There are typically three parts to a 4-H club meeting:

1. The business meeting is often led by the president. During this time, club activities, programs and events are discussed and acted upon.

2. Education is an important part of the club meeting. Various methods may be used to present subject matter, including 4-H demonstrations, project talks, speakers, project experiences, etc.

3. Fellowship is part of the overall 4-H program and recreation is one way that this can be developed. Songs, games, or skits make up this fun part of the meeting.

A 4-H typical 4-H meeting lasts one hour or less. During the business part of the meeting, officers give their reports. Club members also discuss what’s going on in the club. After that, members may give speeches or demonstrations, play games, have a short activity, and have refreshments. A special meeting might include a guest speaker or a club tour. Meetings are a great time to find out about something new.

Perhaps the most important factor in a successful meeting is a wide level of participation from all club members. 4-H’ers are encouraged to participate in 4-H meetings by:

• Keeping up-to-date on what’s going on – read the newsletter, ask questions;

• Presenting ideas;

• Serving on committees;

• Giving demonstrations and project talks.

Club Offices and Roles

Club members are chosen by their peers to give leadership to the club by serving as:.

• President: The president leads the club meetings. Usually, the president has been in 4-H for quite a few years.

• Vice President: This person helps the president. He or she takes over when the president cannot be there.

• Secretary: This person writes a report of everything that happens at a meeting. These are called minutes. The secretary reads the minutes at the next meeting to remind members what happened the last time they met.

• Treasurer: This person keeps track of the club’s money. He or she takes money to the bank, writes checks, and gives a report at club meetings.