Answer 1: 4-H is an educational organization for boys and girls who are at least five years of age and have not passed their 19th birthday by January 1. It is open to all regardless of race, color, sex, handicap, religion, age, or national origin.
Back to top...
Question 2: How often and when do 4-H clubs meet?
Answer 2: Some clubs meet every week for a month or two and some meet once or twice a month all year long. Some clubs meet for an hour or two after school, in the evening, or on Saturday. This depends on the club and what they want to do. 4-H clubs may organize any time of the year. Sometimes members have to be enrolled in a project by a certain time to be eligible for specific activities.
Back to top...
Question 3: Where do 4-H clubs meet?
Answer 3: Any place large enough which is convenient for the members of the group. Some clubs take turns meeting in member's homes. Some meet in a central place such as a school, church or community room. Some meet in leaders' homes. Some may meet at a food bank or soup kitchen in conjunction with their community service activity.
Back to top...
Question 4 - How big should a club be?
Answer 4: This depends on the age of the members, the places they have to meet and the leadership available. The ideal club is big enough to have fun together, but small enough for everybody to feel a part of the group. The average 4-H club is likely to have 10 to 20 members.
Back to top...
Question 5 - Who names a club?
Answer 5: The members of the club do - with their leader's guidance. 4-H is the youth development program of the UDC Cooperative Extension Service. Participation in 4-H is open to all interested youth. 4-H members select educational topics from a wide array of possibilities. The University, project materials and trained 4-H volunteers who work with 4-H members in their own neighborhoods, support the directed "learn by doing" experience. 4-H members learn to keep records, develop decision-making, public speaking and leadership skills and become involved in community service projects. Through 4-H, youth make friends with kids and adults in the community.
Back to top...
Question 6 - What do 4-H members do at meetings?
Answer 6: 4-H club meetings usually have four parts: project work business, recreation, social activities and special interest programs.
Back to top...
Question 7 - Do they do all these things (see question above) at one meeting?
Answer 7: They practice leadership skills by conducting business. They work on their projects for a while and play a game or two, or work on a community service activity.
Back to top...
Question 8 - What about officers?
Answer 8: 4-H clubs may have officers and whatever committees they need to run their own business. 4-H has materials available for presidents, vice-presidents, secretaries, treasurers, news reporters and recreation leaders. The club may have more or fewer officers depending on its needs.
Back to top...
Question 9 - Do 4-H clubs have dues?
Answer 9: This depends on their need for money. There are no state or national 4-H dues. If the club wants money for some activity, they usually charge dues or conduct money-making activities. Dues should never be used to keep someone from joining 4-H.
Back to top...
Question 10 - What are 4-H projects?
Answer 10: 4-H projects are learning experiences for 4-H members. Most projects are available from the University of the District of Columbia without cost to 4-H members.
Back to top...
Question 11 - How do parents help?
Answer 11: Many parents volunteer to be the organizing leaders while others become project or special activity leaders. Because people have different abilities and amounts of time, parents can offer their help in ways that best meet their interests. 4-H is a family program and parents are encouraged to take an active role in the club and with 4-H at home.
Back to top...
Question 12 - Where do you learn to be a 4-H volunteer?
Answer 12: You would receive guidance and assistance from the UDC 4-H Office. Volunteers who have had experience working in the 4-H program will give you guidance as you begin to work. The 4-H office will provide opportunities for training and workshops to increase your knowledge in your specific interest in 4-H.
Back to top...
Question 13 - How do you join 4-H?
Answer 13: We hope this website has answered some of the question you have about 4-H in the District of Columbia. To join 4-H in the District of Columbia. To join 4-H call the UDC 4-H office to locate local 4-H leaders in your area. If not, several interested kids with an adult or two to help them may want to start a club. A key area 4-H volunteer leader or a 4-H agent will provide assistance.
)