[Image: 4-H volunteer clipart]The purpose of these six letters is to give suggestions and ideas and answer questions about some of the best practices in developing a 4-H youth program. These letters and reference material serve as a useful handbook. Each program can be unique in its own way, so every idea or suggestion may not apply to each club situation. This series should be used as a guide to better understand what the program is about and ways to organize your club.
Letter 1 - This issue provides information on what is 4-H? How does the 4-H program work? What is the 4-H volunteer leader's job?
Letter 2 - This issue includes helpful information on getting started with a 4-H club. It will explain how to recruit 4-H members - and how many we should have. How to enroll my group as an official 4-H club. What about project materials? Are there dues for 4-H members? What about insurance? Where will our club meet? How offer will our club meet?
Letter 3 - This issue assists in planning and conducting 4-H club meetings. You'll find information on setting goals with your 4-H club; planning a yearly 4-H club calendar; club officers and committees; teaching the 4-H pledge, motto and symbols; possible agenda items for a 4-H club meeting; involving parents in your club and tours, activity days, etc.
Letter 4 - This issue explains the how's and why's of experiential learning. It will explain the experiential learning process, descriptions of each of the five steps in the process, applying experiential learning and applying the cone of experience.
Letter 5 - This issue includes ways of adding character to your 4-H club program. You'll find suggestions for teaching the Six Pillars of Character and ways to model them.
Letter 6 - This issue covers your role as teacher and leader. It covers how to put yourself in the learner's position, ways to say "good job," characteristics of different age groups and various approaches to your leadership role.