INFORMATION FOR 4-H CLUBS

What is a 4-H Club?

The 4-H club serves as the primary means of providing youth development programming in 4-H. It has the advantage of long-term involvement with the support of “caring” adults. 4-H clubs are organized and supported to provide community based positive structured learning opportunities for youth throughout their developmental years. Surveys of youth who have been involved in out-of-school youth programs report the importance youth place on knowing that programs will continue over many years. Youth are reluctant to take ownership in groups or establish relationships with volunteers when they appear temporary. While other 4-H delivery methods are effective, the more in-depth experiences occur in and through the club. The goals and structure of 4-H clubs vary according to the needs of the members they serve. Some clubs offer one project topic that the entire membership experiences together at the club meeting. Others offer a selection of projects delivered through project meetings held at times outside the club. Some clubs have a singular focus such as community service clubs, or they serve a specific audience such as tribal reservation clubs, after school or home school youth. But there are components and characteristics common to all 4-H clubs and these commonalities provide the definition of a 4-H club.

A 4-H Club:
• Is an organized group of youth.
• Has a planned program that is ongoing throughout all or most of the year.
• Is advised by adult staff or volunteers.
• Typically elects officers.
• May meet in any location.
• Includes opportunities to learn skills through a wide variety of project experiences.
• Offers opportunities for leadership, citizenship/community service, and public speaking.

Who can join?

Youth ages 5-18 (as of September 1 of the current year) or not having graduated from high school are eligible to be 4-H members in Florida. Many organized clubs do serve youth across the age span of 5 to 18. Counties in Florida have the option to support younger members (5 to 7 years) called Cloverbuds . These clubs require additional volunteers, especially to support the younger youth, ages five to seven. Where these clubs exist, they focus on cooperative learning and DO NOT participate in competitive events.

Establishing and Chartering a 4-H Club
Florida has established criteria for enrolling as an official 4-H Club. Official enrollment as a 4-H Club and receipt of a 4-H Club charter gives the club the authority to use the 4-H name and emblem. Clubs must be chartered through a request to the local Extension Office, meeting the minimum criteria and receiving written approval. Criteria for clubs in Florida are as follows:
• The club has five members (from at least two families) with completed enrollments.
• The club is organized with youth officers.
• There are one or more appointed club volunteers, following application, screening and training.
• An initial meeting place is secured for at least several consecutive months.
• An official non-discriminatory club name is chosen.
• Club rules, which may be in the form of by-laws, are established.
• At least six or more regular meetings plus project meetings are scheduled.
• A written educational plan/calendar for the club program and activities is presented to the county 4-H office (draft is okay).
A copy of the club enrollment is kept on file with the County Extension office. When requesting a Club Charter, the Charter Application Form should be completed by the Club Secretary and signed by the Club President, Club Volunteer and Extension Faculty. Once completed, the Extension Faculty will then forward the request to the State 4-H Office. An official Chartered 4-H Club can use the name and emblem of 4-H. Individual clubs may have continuous use of their charter over many years, however, an Annual Request for Charter is required from all clubs. Counties usually require this form to be completed upon the re-enrollment of individual members annually during the fall. Each year a club must complete and submit the following forms: Annual Request for Charter, Club Organization Form, Club Status Reply Form, Document of Non-Discrimination, Club Audit Form.