1986
4-H-684
INDIANA
4-H
LEADER
HOME
STUDY
COURSE
THE
4-H MEETING
PURDUE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
The 4-H club meetings are utilized as a basis for group activity and learning. Meetings should be planned to educate and entertain. As a new leader, acquaint yourself with meeting procedures. There are experienced leaders and junior leaders available to assist you in understanding how 4-H dub meetings work.
4-H 623, Adult Leader Handbook, available at your county Extension office, supplies information, ideas, and methods concerning club meetings, program planning, and club leadership team. Here are some additional suggestions to make club meetings more productive and fun for everyone, including you.
Know Your 4-H Group
Getting to know your 4-H members consists of more than just writing their names on the “Club Roll” of 4-H 195 Leader’s Record Book. It consists of knowing their ages, home environment, long and short range goals, and interest in 4-H. As you get to know them, you will be better able to meet their needs.
The 4-H club secretary can assist you in this area by keeping accurate records of club membership (name, address, attendance, projects carried, and 4-H activities) in 4-H 217 Secretary’s Record Book, available from your Extension office. Some 4-H clubs have 4-H 508 Club’s Program Book, which includes a list of 4-H club meetings and activities, as well as individual 4-H member assignments (e.g., for refreshments or demonstrations) and club committees. Developing this book helps make sure that every member of the club has the opportunity to participate in a variety of 4-H club experiences and assignments.
Look for Additional Help;
Listen to Suggestions
Determine who will make up your club team. There are parents who are willing to share their talents with your 4-H group. (See the home study course on “Parents”).
Consider others in your community who may be willing to share time and who have a way with youth. There may be older 4-H’ers who would also make good Junior Leaders. Consider 4-H alumni as a source for your club team, and don’t forget
about experienced leaders who are in your vicinity. They may not be able to help directly with your meetings, but their “know-how” can save you much time and effort.
Attend as many county 4-H leaders meetings and other training opportunities as possible. These experiences will provide new information, methods, and techniques, as well as an opportunity to share and learn from other 4-H Leaders.
Your home economist, agriculture, and youth agents are also interested and willing to give all the assistance they can. Call and arrange a time when you can talk with one of them about your club and the 4-H program in your county. They have ideas, know how, and resource materials they will gladly share. They are just like you thought: busy people doing many worthwhile jobs.
Set the Stage for Teaching And Learning
Your 4-H’ers want to be active and take part in the club’s program. They want to feel it is their meeting. You may assure this by incorporating the following essentials:
1.	A pleasant meeting place.
Every 4-H club member should be able to see and hear other club members during group discussion. If project or recreation work is to be performed, space and facilities must be accommodating. Meetings may be held at a member’s home, or you may choose a central meeting place. Where you meet is not nearly as important as whether it accommodates the needs of your group.
2.	A comfortable atmosphere.
Establish an atmosphere conducive to talking together and getting to know one another. Everyone feels best and gains most when he is at ease. Create a positive situation where members feel free to “join in” and express themselves. Welcome and listen to all ideas and thoughts expressed.