Club leader
role description

Purpose  

• Provide experiences that promote a positive youth development for all members - see Leading a 4-H club page

• Inform and encourage members, parents, and other volunteers to actively participate in appropriate 4-H opportunities

• Mentor, assist, and advise 4-H members in the overall management of the 4-H group

• Serve as a liaison between the local Extension office, staff, and 4-H members, their parents, and other volunteers regarding 4-H group programs

Time required

• 4-6 hours monthly from September through August (depends on club size and activities)

Responsibilities

• Complete the annual Minnesota 4-H Charter process in its entirety

• Organize regular meetings and plan the yearly program and activities

• Recruit new members, recognize graduating members and complete all forms provided by the Extension Office

• Provide help for officers in preparing meeting agendas, learning skills and carrying out other duties

• Secure and distribute project materials and other resources for members and leaders; conduct group activities and events    

• Participate in county, regional and statewide events and programs and encourage other leaders and 4-H members to participate as well

• Provide adequate leadership for project and activities of the club

• Share responsibilities among club families

• Involve volunteers in learning experiences to help them reach their potential

• Help volunteers plan and implement learning experiences with members and families

• Set up processes to share information in the club

• Maintain regular contact with Extension staff

• Attend fall volunteer training and keep up-to-date on club, regional, state, and national programs

This role is ideal for people who have

• The ability to organize and motivate youth while nurturing positive youth development, decision making, responsibility, and leadership in youth

• A sincere interest in teaching and sharing knowledge and skills with youth and adults in an educational setting

• The ability to effectively delegate responsibility

• The ability to work and communicate effectively in both verbal and written form

• The ability to motivate and coach other volunteers in leadership positions

Benefits

• Experience working with youth

• Training to enhance personal skills and knowledge

• All Minnesota 4-H volunteers must successfully complete the volunteer screening process and orientation, which explains the policies, expectations, and vision of serving as a 4-H volunteer. All 4-H volunteers should genuinely enjoy young people and be committed to working in partnership with the University of Minnesota to ensure their positive growth and development. In return, the Extension Center for Youth Development staff will provide access to local, regional, and statewide training, share appropriate curriculum, coach and offer feedback for success, and be open to program growth and improvement.

Contact

Jeremy Freeman, volunteer systems director, jeremyf@umn.edu, 612-624-6807