Signs of Successful 4-H Clubs
October 11, 2023 - Michigan State University Extension
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The following member and volunteer behaviors can be observed in a 4-H club that is successful in achieving the goals and outcomes of 4-H.
Active Participation in Learning
- By developing competency in chosen projects and life skills
- By doing and discovering through multiple learning styles
- By doing things that have tangible results
- By progressively gaining accomplishments and meeting challenges
- By having fun
Decision-Making Opportunities
- In groups (such as establishing group goals, plans and actions, and experiencing the democratic process)
- Individually (such as making choices in project work and evaluating progress)
Social Interaction
- Learning to participate appropriately in competitive and cooperative learning situations
- Socializing with peers, adults and persons outside the group
- Taking part in group-centered activities
- Having fun
Leadership
- Members involved in leadership roles
- Common roles include president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.
- Common leadership activities include giving demonstrations and teaching projects to other 4-H members.
- Leaders serving as facilitators and showing youth how without doing it for them
- Shared leadership among members and leaders
- Participation in leadership training and application of what is learned
Evaluation
- Assessing personal progress and club organization
- Gathering feedback from members, leaders and adults
- Using feedback to plan future activities
Recognition
- Appreciation of one’s own accomplishments
- Interpersonal acknowledgment and reinforcements
- Incentives and awards for individuals and groups
Public Affirmation
- Exhibition of projects
- Public presentation of ideas
Community Involvement
- Using community resources in 4-H
- Contributing to the welfare and development of the community
Affiliation
- With Michigan State University Extension
- With county, state, national and international 4-H programs
- With the Michigan 4-H Foundation
- With the National 4-H Council and the S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture
This 2023 version of "Signs of Successful 4-H Clubs" is adapted from the document of the same name in the 2006 and 2009 versions of the Michigan 4-H Club Development Guide.
