Recognizing Parents

OBJECTIVE Identify methods to recognize the contributions of parents to a youth program. Why is it important to recognize parent contributions? What methods can be used to recognize parents?

Recognizing Parents Importance of Recognition Parent involvement contributes to overall program success Everyone likes to be recognized (and thanked!) Recognizing parents encourages them to continue participating Sullivan County, Indiana, 4-H Awards Program

Recognizing Parents When recognizing parents… Be creative! Don’t forget the simple things Get everyone involved Youth and other volunteers can help Everyone likes to feel appreciated by those they serve Young people may suggest innovative ways to recognize parents Personal and sincere recognition is priceless!

Recognizing Parents Methods of Recognition Remind everyone to simply say, “Thank you” Host a Parent Appreciation event Youth can serve snacks or a meal they created Youth can present talents or skills learned and thank those who assisted them Youth can present certificates or small tokens of appreciation to parents Include parent recognition in 4-H newsletters or news stories

Recognizing Parents Methods of Recognition Recognize parents/families along with children at any 4-H achievement program Ask youth to respond to roll call with a statement about their parents, such as “I’m proud of my parent because…” Plan family-friendly club events where parents are included and celebrated Cook-out or campfire Family game night Potluck meal

Recognizing Parents Methods of Recognition Thank parents by helping them to arrange childcare for younger children during 4-H activities Work with community businesses to provide discounts, coupons, or gift certificates for parents who help out Write thank-you notes, cards, or s expressing your gratitude and appreciation

Recognizing Parents Methods of Recognition Personalize it Certificate or plaque with the parent’s name Choose a gift or token that has personal meaning for the individual Designate one monthly newsletter as the “recognition issue” Make time to personally call and thank a parent whose support has been instrumental

Recognizing Parents Methods of Recognition Organize a “Parent’s Night Out” for volunteers Arrange child care for participants Keep event free or low cost so all can participate Invite selected parents to be a “guest of honor” at a club meeting Provide opportunities for parents to have greater involvement in the 4-H program Get to know your volunteers so you can recognize them in ways that are meaningful to them.

Recognizing Parents Send a handwritten thank-you note Send an message Ask a volunteer for their input about a program Personalize the recognition – provide a gift that is meaningful for the individual volunteer Methods of Recognition Ways to Say "Thank-You" and Recognize Volunteers, Ohio State University Extension

Recognizing Parents Give a “Volunteer of the Year" award Ask effective volunteers to each recruit another volunteer who is "just like them” Always use the volunteer’s first name. Nominate a volunteer to teach a workshop. Recognize the impact of the number of hours contributed to the organization or program. Methods of Recognition Ways to Say "Thank-You" and Recognize Volunteers, Ohio State University Extension

Recognizing Parents Have a program participant share a success story about the volunteer. Encourage clientele to send thank-you notes Praise volunteers in public - especially in front of family and friends Ask members to draw a picture or take a photo of a light bulb or candle with the message, "You light up my life“ Methods of Recognition Ways to Say "Thank-You" and Recognize Volunteers, Ohio State University Extension

Recognizing Parents Promising Practice: Recruiting Military Volunteers

Recognizing Parents Military Volunteer Service Volunteer hours are significant for service members, spouses, and family members Each installation has a volunteer coordinator Track volunteer enrollment, hours, recognition May coordinate volunteer recognition programs Active duty service members list volunteer time on their evaluation performance records  promotion and recognition Many installations provide free or low-cost childcare for parents during their volunteer hours

Recognizing Parents Recruiting Military Volunteers Contact volunteer coordinator on installation Provide title and logistics of the program/event Position description, hours required, and screening required Volunteer coordinator assists in finding potential volunteers and matching them to opportunities Volunteers can assist with fairs, camps, deployment events, afterschool programs, reading programs, homework help, mentors programs and more

Recognizing Parents REFLECTION What reasons do you see to recognize parents for their contributions to the 4-H program? What benefits do you see from involving the youth in the recognition of their parents? How will recognition of parents help your program grow? What will a culture of recognition tell parents about your program?

Recognizing Parents REFLECTION Which methods do you anticipate using to recognize parent contributions? How will you involve participants in this recognition? What will participants learn from being involved in parent recognition activities?

Recognizing Parents CONCLUSION Key Concepts Parents should be recognized for their contributions Parent recognition can be creative and involve participants A wide variety of recognition can be provided to parents through the 4-H program year Refer to the Recognizing Parents Fact Sheet for more information.

Recognizing Parents REFERENCE “Involving Parents in 4-H,” 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Series, University of Arkansas Extension. Purdue University, State 4-H Youth Development Program. (2001, June). “Parents,” Indiana 4-H Leader Guide. (4-H 685-W). West Lafayette, Indiana.

Recognizing Parents REFERENCE “131 WAYS TO RECOGNIZE 4-H VOLUNTEERS,” Ohio 4-H Volunteer Fact Sheet #40; compiled by Ken Culp, III, Ph.D., Extension Specialist, Volunteerism, Ohio State University Extension; Vicki J. Schwartz, M.Ed., Chair & Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, OSU Extension, Washington County; I. Joseph Campbell, M.S., Chair & Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, OSU Extension, Fairfield County

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