For Leaders

Ideas and Helpful Articles

One goal of the 4-H program is to provide youth with the optimum learning experience. Identifying project leaders, and helping them become active with project groups, gives youth the opportunity to gain knowledge, life skills and project skills.

There are several benefits of utilizing project leaders:

• The members benefit by having hands on learning experiences under the guidance of experienced helpers
• The club benefits by retaining and attracting members, since youth who are learning and doing tend to stay in the 4-H program
• The work load is distributed among various adult leaders
• Parent involvement is increased
• New members are drawn to a club that is active

Project leaders may be parents of members or people in your community who have a special skill and an interest in young people that they are willing to share with others.

Qualifications of a Project Leader

• Knowledge of project
• Willingness to help youth learn by doing
• Interest in 4-H as an educational program
• Willingness to participate in project training
• Ability to communicate effectively with youth and adults
• Willingness to devote time and energy

Responsibilities

• Introducing projects to members
• Helping members establish goals and a plan for their project work, review progress and recognize accomplishments
• Conduct project meetings that include one to one teaching, workshops, tours and field trips
• Guiding members as they develop leadership skills and prepare fore exhibits and educational activities

Ways to Organize for Project Learning

There are many ways to organize the club to establish an environment for learning about projects. Some strategies that have been successful are:

• Project groups meet following regular club meetings. A schedule can be established, such as projects A, B and C meet following the September meeting and D, E, and F meet in October, and so on.

• The club holds regular meetings six times a year on alternating months. During the "off" months, project groups meet at a time and location that is convenient for the project leader and project members.

• Project groups meet on school holidays, after school or on Saturday for hands on experience in the project.

• Project groups meet an hour or two before the club meetings. The project leader arranges for the project group members to participate in a community event related to the project.

• Project members participate in Extension sponsored workshops

• Members are informed of programs on educational Television that relate to the project.

• Members are given copies of articles from magazines, newspapers, etc. that relate to their project.

Before the Meeting

• Check with the Cooperative Extension Service office for available materials.
• Have a list of members planning to attend.
• Select a location with plenty of work space.
• Obtain and organize materials for those attending.
• Plan how to involve members during the meeting.
• Be familiar with the project book and 4-H show exhibit requirements for the project area.

During the Meeting

• Have a short warm up activity.
• Explain the goal of the meeting
• Share specific project skill(s) related to meeting the goal.
• Conduct hands-on activities.
• Have members demonstrate or repeat whey they have learned
• Make plans for the next meeting.
• Help members set individual project goals

After the Meeting

• Keep a record of activities and topics to accomplish at the next meeting.
• Evaluate what members accomplished.
• Contact members occasionally to stay informed of their progress.
• Have resources and references available for members wanting additional information.

Resources
Getting Started As a 4-H Project Leader (L90530), available through the Illinois 4-H Clover.

"Finding Greater Success as a 4-H Project Leader" Available through your Extension Youth Development Educator, written by Sheri Seibold, 1992.

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