MSU Extension 4-H

Signs of Successful 4-H Clubs

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.