1. Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Parent-Volunteer Training
This is 4-H
Honoring  Celebrating  Envisioning
Read the following materials located in the Handout section of Unit 1 in preparation for this lesson.
Being a 4-H Parent
4-H…The Big Picture – Red Taxi
4H.VOL.109 Planning
4H.VOL.110 Goal Setting
4H.VOL.111 Developing 4-H Project Work (Unit 2)
4H.VOL H Energizing Youth
4H.VOL.122 The Essential Elements of 4-H
4H.VOL H Youth Development Environment
Lit. 14 Parents are Partners on the 4-H Team
4-H Historic Timeline – National 4-H Headquarters
Meeting the Needs of Youth – Iowa State University Extension
The Habits of Remarkable 4-H Youth Development Programs – Iowa State University Extension
Select one or more of these handouts in support of the information being reviewed in the continuing education program. Do not overwhelm volunteers with all pieces at one program.
Other Unit 1 resources which complement this section include:
The Great American Invention (PPT)
This is 4-H Jeopardy (PPT)
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

2. History of Cooperative Extension Service
1862 Morrill Act Establishing Land-Grant Colleges
Oklahoma State University
1890 Institutes – Langston University
1914 Cooperative Extension Service Established
1994 Institute
As of 2005 there are no 1994 Institutes in Oklahoma who serve the Native American’s.
OK Cooperative Exension Service

3. The Purpose for Cooperative Extension
Education
Research Based Information
Formal and Informal Education
4-H Youth Development
Home & Community Education
Funding received from multiple levels:
Federal – US Dept. of Ag
State – Higher Ed. Budget
County – Govt. or Sales Tax
“Cooperative” refers to partnership – Federal, State and County
OK Cooperative Exension Service

4. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
Who is OCES?
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Family & Consumer Sciences
Rural Development
4-H Youth Development
OK Cooperative Exension Service

5. History of 4-H 4-H was originally a means for reaching adults, through their children, with improved home and farm practices.
1999
Essential Elements
1972
Focus Broadened
1914
Clubs became part
of Agriculture Service
1911
4-H Name and Clover
Adopted
1902 Boys and Girls Club Established
In 1901 A.B. Graham, a school principal in Ohio, began to promote vocational agriculture in rural schools in out-of-school "clubs.“ Graham formed a club of boys and girls with officers, projects, meetings, and record requirements. He sought assistance of the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station and Ohio State University. His clubs are considered the founding of 4-H.
The club concept was adopted in Iowa by O.H. Benson in Wright County and Jessie Field Shambaugh in Page county. Benson and Field designed a 3-leaf clover symbol. (Head, Heart and Hands)
H Name and Clover Adopted
1914 Clubs became part of United States Department of Agriculture
1972 Focus Broadened
Program expansion and emphasis on urban programming and audiences.
1999 Essential Elements of 4-H
Belonging – Caring Relationships
Mastery – Constructive Learning Experiences
Independence – Leadership Opportunities
Generosity – Service to Community
Other support materials on Disk: 4-H Historic Timeline – National 4-H Headquarters
1909
Oklahoma 4-H
Tishomingo
1902
Boys & Girls Clubs
Established
OK Cooperative Exension Service

6. OK Cooperative Exension Service
What is 4-H?
Youth development component of the Cooperative Extension Service
Largest youth serving organization in the world
Primary purpose is education and youth development
Youth Development Defined (Taken from 4-H Volunteer Development Series Fact Sheets 4H.VOL.123)
Other support materials on Disk: The Habits of Remarkable 4-H Youth Development Programs – Iowa State University Extension
Caring Relationships – Community Spirit
The traditions of 4-H are organized around the notion of building community spirit and social capital –or connections among individuals. All youth need caring, supportive relationships in their lives and 4-H Youth Development programs create opportunities for long-term relationships.
A Cooperative Venture
The authority for the 4-H Youth Development program is vested in a cooperative structure between youth, interested adult volunteers, and the professional expertise of the land-grant universities and the United States Department of Agriculture. Creating opportunities for youth to develop skills and confidence for leadership and self-discipline is a cornerstone of 4-H.
Taking the University to Youth in Communities
4-H Youth Development is the only youth program with direct access to technological advances in agriculture and life sciences, home economics, human development, and related areas, which result from land-grant university research. The foundation of 4-H Youth Development is in the practical application of the land-grant university knowledge by youth in their communities.
Constructive Learning Experiences – Learning by Doing
The 4-H Youth Development program creates opportunities for youth to develop skills, practical knowledge and wisdom through observing, doing and living through experiences. The 4-H Youth Development emphasis is on practical application of knowledge or “learning by doing” to develop skills and acquire a sense of responsibility, initiative and self-worth. Youth learn how to discover knowledge and develop themselves by personalizing experiences, raising questions and seeking answers important to themselves, their families, peers and their community.
Creating Opportunities for Youth by Educating Adults
4-H Youth Development professionals create opportunities for young people to build skills, exercise leadership, form relationships with caring adults and help their communities. The 4-H Youth Development program believes that “youth development” is not something you do TO youth, but is the result of programming WITH youth and is dependent upon the family and other adults in the community. As a result, 4-H Youth Development focuses on educating adults to important youth development principles and practices to ensure that 4-H Youth Development programs create positive opportunities for young people to reach their 4-H is designed to support the positive and successful development of all youth. 4-H volunteers are essential partners in creating a positive environment by focusing on the strengths of youth and providing positive ways for youth to meet their basic needs.
OK Cooperative Exension Service

7. OK Cooperative Exension Service
4-H educates through…
Individual Project Work
Local Clubs
County, District and State Activities and Events
Short-Term Programs
School Enrichment
Afterschool Programs
Read Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer Development Series Fact Sheets 4H.VOL.121 prior to lesson and use as a handout with volunteers.
4-H Afterschool: Providing Safe Learning Environments
After-school programs protect young people from violence, crime, and drugs while boosting academic performance, social skills, and self-confidence. 4-H Afterschool achieves all of these results and more through a mix of hands-on academic and cultural activities, exciting discoveries, and caring adult mentors.
The benefits of these proven initiatives aren’t limited to youth who participate in 4-H clubs. 4-H Afterschool also provides training and technical assistance to help other youth-serving organizations create new or strengthen existing programs in their communities.
Youth in Governance: Empowering Youth for Civic Progress
Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders of our organizations, communities, and country. 4-H’s civic engagement programs empower youth to address issues that are of concern to them through hands-on civic adventures that inspire powerful personal growth and positive community change. Studies have shown that 4-H youth build leadership skills that last a lifetime and remain active participants in their communities as adults. 4-H spearheads the widespread promotion of youth in governance and civic engagement that research proves increases self-esteem and academic achievement.
Science and Technology: Put the Universe at Their Fingertips
Our society’s growing dependence on science and technology means mastering these subjects is no longer optional—it’s a vital requirement for today’s youth. From aerospace to hydroponics to web design to livestock ultrasound, 4-H’s science and technology initiatives are among the strongest and most popular programs we offer.
Youth across the country are finding 4-H to be a hands-on gateway to wonderful new worlds, careers, and capabilities. And they’re learning valuable life skills along the way.
Healthy Lifestyles: Growing Into a Healthy Future
Obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and drug, tobacco, and alcohol use are part of a serious, complex, and growing health concern in the United States. Interventions are needed at the individual, family, and community levels to effectively address the issue in positive ways that promote making educated choices for all young people. Through non-formal youth development programs, 4-H is making significant contributions to counter these new dangers.
Professional Development: Strengthening the Heart and Soul of 4-H
Outstanding professional staff and volunteers are the most precious resource of youth development. But this resource is running low. Highly qualified people are either leaving the field or avoiding it altogether. 4-H is leading the charge to turn this trend around as we recruit, train, support, and honor those who have the talents and passion for guiding and nurturing youth.
OK Cooperative Exension Service

8. Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer Core Competencies Unit 1: This is 4-H
What is a 4-H Club?
Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer
Core Competencies
Unit 1: This is 4-H
In preparation for teaching this section refer to the Club Management Manual for additional information on types of clubs, chartering, club meetings, On TRAC, 4-H pledge, etc.
Position descriptions and roles can also be referenced in the Volunteer and Club Management Manuals (VMS pg 12, ) (CMS Appendix 2).
It will also be helpful to review the following materials being presented as part of this lesson.
Handouts
Monthly 4-H Meeting Planning Guide
Yearly Local Club Programming Guide
The Habits of a Remarkable 4-H Youth Development Program
PPT and Teaching Outlines
On Trac – Taking Revitalization to All Clubs

9. OK Cooperative Exension Service
A 4-H Club is…
A group of members who learn leadership and cooperation through fun and educational programs.
Clubs encourage:
Decision-Making Skills
Cooperation in Groups
Leadership Development
Communication Skills
New Ideas
Knowledge and Skill Development
Pride in Group Efforts
Self-Confidence
OK Cooperative Exension Service

10. OK Cooperative Exension Service
Types of 4-H Clubs
Community Club
Project Club
Short-Term Special Interest Club
Afterschool Programs
See Club Management Manual for definitions.
Community Clubs
A community club – sometimes known as a multi-project, variety or general club – involves members of a variety of ages and interests. Its average size is 20 to 25 members, but it may have more than 100 members. All members attend the “general” club meetings, which may be held monthly throughout the year. Club meetings include group-building activities, business and educational programs. Each member also participates in one or more project groups. Project groups meet on a varied schedule outside the club meeting throughout the year under the guidance of a volunteer project leader.
A community club is managed and advised by one or more certified adult volunteers, who are 21 or older, with the support of club officers, teen leaders and parents. The leadership team will consist of organizational leaders, assistant club leaders, project leaders and activity leaders, teen leaders and officers. Officers are elected from the membership of the entire club.
The geographic area covered by a community club may vary from a particular school or housing complex to a community, town or larger area. A community club may be sponsored by an existing organization such as a school, religious congregation, community center or block club, but many operate on their own.
Project Clubs
Project clubs are centered around one primary 4-H project, in which all members participate. The average club has 10 to 20 members. Club meetings are held weekly or monthly or on some other planned schedule and they focus on project work and business. Additional club activities are scheduled for group building, service, fund-raising, family involvement, and personal enrichment.
Project clubs are led by one or more certified volunteer project leaders working together for project teaching and club organization. Officers are elected from among the members, and more experienced or older youth often help as teen leaders.
The project club is usually the simplest type of club to start because of its focus on a single subject. As the group evolves, project club members should become introduced to and integrated into other 4-H opportunities and experiences. Project clubs may even evolve into community clubs to fulfill the changing needs and interest of the members.
OK Cooperative Exension Service

11. OK Cooperative Exension Service
4-H Clubs
Meet regularly.
Are run by youth officers, supervised and instructed by a caring adult volunteer(s).
Educational.
Fun and enjoyable for members and families.
Provide recognition and peer support.
Well organized.
A model 4-H club includes the following:
At least five youth members from two or more families.
One or (preferably) more certified volunteer(s) who care about working with members, teen leaders and parents.
A structure that gives members the shared responsibility for making decisions and operating the club. (This may be done with elected officers.)
An organized, fun and educational program planned by members, volunteers and parents.
Six or (preferably) more club meetings during the year.
Participation in learning experiences outside of the local group.
Involvement in the community through community service.
Personal evaluation and recognition of progress on individual and group goals.
Effective blend of all five components of the 4-H Recognition Model.
OK Cooperative Exension Service

12. Parts of a 4-H Meeting Business Recreation Education
Call to Order
Opening with Pledges and Ritual
Roll Call/Sign In
Introduction of Guests
Minutes and Correspondence
Treasurer’s Report
Reports of Committees
Unfinished Business
New Business
Announcements
Adjournment
Program or Education
Talks and Demonstrations by Members
Judging Activity or Project Lesson
Opportunities to Learn by Doing
Guest Speakers, Videos, etc.
Special Tours or Group Activities
Recreation & Refreshments
Games, Skits, Plays, Parties, Songs, etc.
Snacks or Meal
Recreation
Education
33%
50%
17%
Business

13. Local 4-H Club Structure
Activity Leader
Project Leader
Organizational Leader
Teen Leader
Committee(s) of Members
Local 4-H Club Structure
Refer to Volunteer Management System Manual pg 12 and pgs
Organizational Leader – primary leadership for 4-H club. They coordinate, guide and provide leadership. Possess good communication skills.
Activity Leader – primary leadership for planning and coordinating an activity through a committee of youth and adults. (Share-the-Fun, Picnic, Service Project, etc.)
Project Leader – primary leadership educating and training members in a specific subject matter.
Teen Leader – assists local leadership. As skills are acquired they may serve as an activity, project or organizational leader.
Membership and Families – actively participate in club meetings, committees and activities. Share time, talents and skills with club.
OK Cooperative Exension Service

14. Structure of County 4-H Program
Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer
Core Competencies
Unit 1: This is 4-H
In preparation for teaching this section refer to Volunteer Management and Club Management Manuals for additional information on position descriptions and roles (VMS pg 12, ) (CMS Appendix 2). Also review the following handouts in Unit 1.
Being a 4-H Parent
The Habits of a Remarkable 4-H Youth Development Program

15. County 4-H Program Structure
Program Advisory Committee
Parent-Volunteer Association
County 4-H Program Structure
4-H Foundation
Youth Council
Committee(s) of Adult and Youth Volunteers
OK Cooperative Exension Service

16. Parent-Volunteer Training Club Representation
Parent-Volunteer Association
Committee(s)
Activities
Events
Parent-Volunteer Training
Club Representation
Youth-Adult Partnership with Youth Council
County 4-H Program Structure
Some counties will refer to the PVA as the Leaders Council, Friends of 4-H, etc. The term Parent-Volunteer Association is used to encourage greater participation of all adults associated with the 4-H program. The term “Leaders Council” can be viewed as an exclusive group rather than a inclusive group. Most parents or volunteers are familiar with a PTA so they will be able to associate with the title PVA.
OK Cooperative Exension Service

17. Establish and Maintain a Strong Youth-Adult Partnership
Committee(s) Empowered to Plan, Conduct and Evaluate County Programs, Activities and Events
Establish and Maintain a Strong Youth-Adult Partnership
County 4-H Program Structure
Committee(s) of Adult and Youth Volunteers
Each county should be working toward the end goal of having all county activities and events empowered with the training, tools and information necessary to manage “their” program. As a county educator our ultimate goal is to have a “Volunteer Lead” program.
OK Cooperative Exension Service

18. Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer Core Competencies Unit 1: This is 4-H
4-H Project Work
Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer
Core Competencies
Unit 1: This is 4-H
Read Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer Development Series Lit. 4H.VOL.111 (Developing Project Work) prior to teaching this unit. It can also be used as a handout with volunteers. Two other Volunteer Development Series documents will also help you keep the volunteers focused on the importance of planning and goal setting as it pertains to successful and meaningful project work.
4H.VOL.109 Planning
4H.VOL.110 Goal Setting

19. OK Cooperative Exension Service
4-H Project Work
Gateway to the member
“Learn by Doing”
Tool for developing capable adults
Teaches desirable habits and attitudes
Learn to help one’s self, which leads to helping others
The 4-H project is the gateway to the 4-H member. The child can enter our world through the gate or we can enter their world through the gate.
Through project work members “Learn by Doing.” The 4-H project is a tool for helping boys and girls develop into more capable adults by teaching them how to set goals, make decisions, follow through with commitments, do evaluations and report their work.
4-H members learn desirable habits and character traits through 4-H project work. Projects focus on helping members learn to help themselves, which leads to learning to help others. Good work habits are also developed by encouraging members to have pride in doing a job well and completing the task at hand. Encouragement from volunteers, peers and family members teaches 4-H’ers that it is important to stay committed even when things don’t go as planned.
The purpose of a 4-H project is to create a blue ribbon child – not a blue ribbon project.
OK Cooperative Exension Service

20. “Create a blue ribbon child not a blue ribbon project.”
The Purpose of 4-H Projects
“Create a blue ribbon child
not a blue ribbon project.”
4-H Project Work Develops the Following Life Skills (Background information see Volunteer Development Series 4H.VOL.111)
Decision Making
Projects are real life experiences that help 4-H’ers learn to make sound decisions. First the member must decide which project to select. Then the member must decide things like – where to place the garden, what vegetables to plant, what bookshelf to build, which lamp to re-wire, what menu to serve the family, or how to launder their clothes. These decisions help members feel responsible for their own actions and give them personal satisfaction.
Goal Setting
A goal is a simple statement of what one wants to do or learn. This statement defines a task, which may be for self-improvement, personal gratification or for the good or growth of a group or organization. Skinner states, “A goal must be written; otherwise, it is only a wish.” He goes on to say, “A goal is a projected accomplishment; an objective; an end; the purpose towards which an endeavor is directed.”
Goals can be long-term or short-term. Long-term goals are the main objective or purpose that one is focused on. Short-term goals are the many smaller steps necessary to breakdown the long-term goal. Goals must be attainable. It must be something the person or people can actually do with the time and resources available. Goals only become reality when the person making or setting the goal takes action.
Planning, implementing and evaluating
Most 4-H projects are set up to meet the needs of boys and girls of different ages. There generally are projects planned for beginners, for intermediate, and for advanced members. Planning involves setting attainable goals, implementing is using the information learned to reach goals and evaluation will include personal assessment and the contribution from another source. The other source could include a competitive event.
Responsibility
In most projects 4-H members own the project. When they have ownership or a personal investment they learn to care for the property and respect the property of others.
Communicating
Learning to work with others is another value of the 4-H project. The work is done in or near the home where the whole family can work and be together. As members work together, they share ideas and help each other.
Teamwork and Cooperation
Many things in life cannot be accomplished by an individual working alone, but requires the help of others. Each person should be willing to carry his/her load. This requires cooperation. In 4-H project work, each member of a 4-H family relies on members of their team. Cooperation occurs when the family communicates needs, desires and assistance. When the family pulls together to accomplish these things they are a “TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More”.
Record Keeping
4-H teaches members to put their goals on paper and to make progress toward those goals on paper. It provides opportunities for formal and informal evaluation and through that evaluation members learn how to rearrange goals or set new ones. Each of these things is done formally in what is referred to as a “4-H Record Book”.
For information on how to effectively plan and set goals refer to two fact sheets in the 4-H Volunteer Development Series- 4H.VOL.109, "Planning" and 4H.VOL.110, "Goal Setting."
OK Cooperative Exension Service

21. OK Cooperative Exension Service
Categories of life skills are identified and divided on the basis of the familiar four H’s from the 4-H Clover: Head, Heart, Hands and Health. There are two general categories of skill under each of the four headings.
Heart
Relating and Caring
Hands
Giving and Working
Health
Living and Being
Head
Thinking and Managing
OK Cooperative Exension Service

22. OK Cooperative Exension Service
4-H Project Provides
An Opportunity for…
Developing Subject Matter Skills
Life Skills Development
Participation
Developing Communication Skills
Keeping Records
Sharing Ideas
Productive Leisure Time
Recognition
Developing Subject Matter Skills – learning about the project and related projects.
Life Skills Development – learning to learn, responsibility, decision making, etc.
Participation – Being part of a group, learning to communicate and having friends is sometimes more important the finished product
Developing Communication Skills – Learning to set and communicate goals, learning to communicate verbally (public speaking, interviews, reasons) and non-verbally (record keeping, reports, fair exhibits, etc.) what you did, learned and would do differently.
Keeping Records – keeping records (what was invested in time and resources, what was made and for whom, setting goals, etc.)
Sharing Ideas – Learning to communicate needs and feelings.
Productive Leisure Time – Learning to use time wisely and productively. Learning the importance to take time to relax.
Recognition – Receiving feedback from individuals the young person respects. Recognition does not just refer to prizes and ribbons.
OK Cooperative Exension Service

23. OK Cooperative Exension Service
4-H Member
Take responsibility for setting goals, working toward the goals, keeping records and being a role model in deeds and actions.
4-H Roles
OK Cooperative Exension Service

24. OK Cooperative Exension Service
Family
Encourage participation in 4-H programs at the local and county level and to assist in the development of the 4-H member.
Support local and county 4-H program through time, talent and financial support.
Work cooperatively with other families and 4-H volunteers.
Participate in Parent-Volunteer Training to enhance personal knowledge of 4-H, as well as, to assist and guide your child.
4-H Roles
OK Cooperative Exension Service

25. OK Cooperative Exension Service
Parent’s Role in Project Work
Aide in selecting, financing and managing
Guide and support work without doing it for them
Encourage follow-through and completion
Give praise and encouragement
Assist in gathering tools and supplies
Encourage record keeping
Provide support and transportation
Assist organizational, project and activity leaders
Become a project or activity leader
Serve on committees to plan and implement club activities or project meetings
Become a certified 4-H volunteer
4-H Roles
Key - Assist volunteers and parents in understanding their role and the need for their support in the child’s project work.
4-H is a family affair, not an extension of the adults childhood. There are lots of opportunities for adult involvement in leadership and programming at the club and county level.
OK Cooperative Exension Service

26. OK Cooperative Exension Service
Volunteer
Provide leadership to the local and county 4-H program. Leadership will include planning, developing, implementing and evaluating programs and activities.
Work cooperatively with 4-H families, volunteers and Extension Educators.
Participate in Parent-Volunteer Training to enhance personal knowledge of 4-H and to assist in the development of 4-H members.
4-H Roles
OK Cooperative Exension Service

27. 4-H Centennial Celebration
State Officer Projects
Centennial Road Trip
Oklahoma 4-H History Book
State Fair Birthday Bash
Homecoming Event
Reunion for officers, alumni, and groups (key club, ambassadors, CWF)
See Centennial Table of Projects
Handout – Centennial Program ideas and Goals
Brainstorm – Look at Centennial materials and brainstorm ways project work could be supported and blend into county programming ie. Share the Fun, Communications, etc. What kinds of subject matter/materials would you need to assist youth in participating and/or supporting centennial activities and programming?
Have each one take one centennial item (activity or fair item to develop a lesson or idea around)
OK Cooperative Exension Service

28. OK Cooperative Exension Service
Skill
Life Skill
Application to Real Life
Preparing questions before, during and after acquiring information
Critical Thinking
Thinking on your feet – being prepared before, during and after on the job training/education.
Documenting interviews, collectables, photographs, etc.
Keeping Records
Detailed records for home and jobs – developing a critical eye/ear for recording details.
Preservation vs. Restoration
Decision Making
Learning to evaluate and way the pro’s and con’s on life’s opportunities.
Exposure to jobs, learning math, reading, multiple forms of communication
Marketable Skills
Duplicating skills at managing work, school, home and personal life.
Developing a hobby for creativity and mental health
Stress Management/Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Identifying a hobby or interest which provides an creative, relaxing and positive mental outlet.
Life skills developed through centennial activities
OK Cooperative Exension Service

29. Applying the Cone to 4-H Centennial.
20 %
80-90 %
50 %
Road Trip, Historic Replica, Heirloom Plants
Video Production, Video Scrapbook
Reenactments, Compare and Contrast
Interview Alumni, Mentoring
Preservation Technique
Historical Society
Create an exhibit or display
Road Trip Instructional DVD
Documenting Our Heritage
Poster, Display, Reports
Centennial Project Materials
4-H Project Work
Working with Models
Judging or Skit
Discussion/Interview
Demonstration
Field Trip,Tour
Exhibits – Displays
TV, Video Tape, Internet
Radio, CD, Pictures
Ill.Talks, Posters, Display
Talks, Printed Material
Activity – Take Centennial Fair Exhibits and Work into Cone of Experience
Application of the cone of experience to the 4-H project experience.
The left column includes learning activities one might experience in 4-H.
The right column is the application of these experiences to an actual project, such as Centennial.
Handout – Centennial Fact Sheets, Fair Exhibits
Activities – Take Centennial Fair Exhibits and Work into Cone of Experience
Applying the Cone to 4-H Centennial.
OK Cooperative Exension Service