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The 5 Easy Steps to Starting Your 4-H Club

Download the "5 Easy Steps to Starting Your 4-H Club" Brochure by clicking here (requires the free Adobe Reader, which you can download by clicking 1)

  • Get Started
  • Increase Community Awareness About and Interest in the 4-H Program
  • Establish a Support Base for the Club
  • Conduct Club Organizational Meetings
  • Maintain the Club

Step 1 - Get Started

  • Contact the UDC 4-H office
  • Discuss your needs
  • Decide what you want to accomplish
  • Participate in the selection process
  • Attend 4-H leader training
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Step 2 - Increase Community Awareness About and
                 Interest in the 4-H Program

  • Conduct an informational meeting (ask representatives for assistance)
  • Excite youth and their families about 4-H
  • Explain opportunities available through 4-H
  • Ask youth and adults to share 4-H experiences
  • Explain how a 4-H club operates
  • Build interest and commitment
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Step 3 - Establish a Support Base for the Club

  • Obtain club charter by contacting the UDC 4-H office
  • Ask adults and older teens to help
  • Personally ask people to take active roles
  • Recruit parents, other adults and older teens in the community as:
    • Organizational leaders
    • Assistant leaders
    • Project leaders
    • Activity leaders

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Step 4 - Conduct Club Organizational Meetings

Lay the foundation for a successful club

  • Encourage members to select a club name
  • Complete enrollment forms
  • Develop an annual club plan
  • Set up project groups
  • Establish meeting times
  • Discuss ground rules
  • Elect Officers
  • Form committees
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Step 5 - Maintain the Club

Follow these simple guidelines

  • Obtain project information
  • Conduct regular organizational and project meetings
  • Allow youth to make decisions
  • Provide learning-by-doing activities
  • Share information about current 4-H opportunities
  • Involve club members in district, state, national and international 4-H activities
  • Recognize achievement
  • Build community relations
  • Receive support as needed from Extension educator, other 4-H leaders and business and faith communities
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In cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture, District of Columbia Government Cooperative Extension Service, Agricultural Experiment Station, programs and employment opportunities are available to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.