Project Leaders are the teachers in the 4H program. Any adult volunteer in this leadership role channels the enthusiasm, energy, and curiosity of boys and girls toward new experiences. The project leader often plays the most significant role in a member's 4H experience. It is the Project Leader's role to teach and create an atmosphere that encourages members to learn all they can. The project is where members acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes, and habits through learning by doing experiences. It is important that the project be of interest to the member - when interest is high, learning is fun. The role of the Project Leader is to create an atmosphere that encourages members to learn all they can.
Project Leader Responsibilities
- Provide a minimum of 10 hours of instruction in at least four (4) meetings. Can accept excused absences.
- Establish project meeting dates, times, and policies in consultation with interested youth and considering own time schedule. Instruction should be completed between September and July (once a month perhaps, or more concentrated in shorter time frame).
- Obtain available leader literature and member literature for project work.
- Plan project meeting so there is a variety of activity and learning experiences for youth. You're encouraged to develop a project outline. Consider: field trips; tours; demonstrations (yours and theirs); guest speakers; parent program; film or video; related games/quizzes. Each meeting should be 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
- Participate in training meetings and other leader meetings. Keep the club leader informed of the group's work and progress.
- Keep project members informed about project-related events in which they are eligible to participate.
- Give recognition for progress to encourage youth to continue. Talk with parents of members who need extra help.
- Spend time at the end of project helping each member complete their project report. As the leader you have the authority to sign off as completed. (Member can re-enroll in project each year at a more advanced level).
Project Meetings
Participating members and their parents need to know what is needed for the project (tools, material, equipment, and other supplies). It is helpful to have a meeting to explain to members and their parents the steps necessary to successfully complete the project.
The success of each member's project depends a great deal on the content of the project meetings.
Consider
- Keep a check list of member's names, ages, addresses, and telephone numbers. Make sure they are aware of meetings.
- Have members tell of experiences in the project.
- Have members brainstorm what they want to learn.
- Vary activity at meetings. Include games, demonstrations, speakers, quizzes, etc.
Project Leaders must read the Adult Volunteer Leader Code of Conduct, and fill out the 4H Adult Enrollment Form.
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