Characteristics of a Healthy 4-H Club

The mission of 4-H is to help develop youth life skills, positive attitudes and character qualities through hands-on education. This is accomplished through individual completion of 4-H projects, leadership experiences and teamwork in the 4-H club. Below is a list of some traits of a healthy, active 4-H club to help you recognize what you are doing well...as well as what you can do to strive for excellence.

  • Club has clear sense of purpose & mission that is understood by members & leaders.

  • Club develops an annual plan of work with goals and schedule of activities.

  • Written by-laws, ratified by 2/3 majority vote, are distributed to members and filed in 4-H office.

  • Club affirmative action statement is on file in the Extension Office.

  • Club officers are elected annually by nomination and vote of other youth. Club officers have clearly defined roles and job descriptions.

  • Club president develops an agenda for each meeting. 4-H meetings start and end on time.

  • 4-H members & families make an effort to attend all scheduled meetings and events.

  • American flag and 4-H flag are set up and pledges said at each business meeting.

  • Club meetings include recreation, ice breakers or other fun activities.

  • Each 4-H member is given specific responsibility to help make the club successful.

  • New members and families are welcomed, included and made to feel comfortable. Members are having fun and adults are enjoying themselves.

  • Individuals show respect for each other by listening when someone is talking.

  • Club leaders try to help youth avoid elitism or the formation of cliques. Each member feels like they belong and are valued.

  • A safe environment is created and maintained by youth and adults for each person to contribute, share ideas, grow and have the desire to continue in the club.

  • Business meetings are run by parliamentary procedure or a system of gaining consent of the group, whereby individuals are free to share ideas & concerns. No one is ridiculed for their ideas or mannerisms and discussions are open to everyone involved.

  • Business AND project meetings are well planned, held regularly and are announced well in advance. Members are required to attend at least 2/3 of the club meetings to maintain active 4-H status.

  • Important decisions are made only at regular meetings by a vote of the membership (not by one or two leaders or a small group, unless appointed by the club).

  • Club meetings include learning activities such as decision making, tours, special programs, (audio visual presentations, etc.)

  • The 4-H Newsletter is referred to at meetings for important information, dates and deadlines.

  • The club is focused on developing youth leadership (not just adult leadership).

  • The club takes part in county-wide fund raisers, such as Seedling Tree program, etc.

  • 4-H members are encouraged by adults to participate in county-wide, district and state activities.

  • Club maintains a current leader, member and parent address & phone list.

  • Club keeps a calendar and communicates any changes in schedule, rules or expectations to all.

  • Clubs are encouraged to keep club/4-H calendars and families should keep their home calendars up to date with 4-H activities.

  • Each 4-H member, including Cloverbuds, is encouraged to give a demonstration, illustrated talk and/or speech related to one of their 4-H projects each year.

  • 4-H members and adults understand and follow the 4-H Code of Conduct. Expectations for youth and adults are clearly defined (in writing) and understood.

  • Rules relating to issues such as project completion, club finances, awards, benefits and expectations are clearly stated in writing, voted upon by the membership, on file in the secretary’s minutes, distributed to each family and applied equitably to all members.

  • 4-H members actively recruit new members.

  • 4-H members are encouraged to develop one or more community service projects.

  • Members are respectful of parents’ & leaders’ time by asking for guidance when planning events.

  • Older youth are encouraged to be “junior leaders” by helping younger members with projects, demonstrations, etc. & including younger ones on committees, serving as role models.

  • 4-H youth and volunteers are acquainted with the 4-H staff and receive adequate support from their liaison staff member in the 4-H office.

  • Volunteers have been screened, oriented and trained by the 4-H staff. Adult volunteers feel motivated, adequately trained, comfortable in their roles and appreciated.

  • Each adult volunteer understands his/her role and job description. Project leaders should be conducting regularly scheduled project meetings. Members need reinforcement throughout the year to successfully complete their projects.

  • Enthusiastic adult volunteers are committed to the club’s success.