Embedded Files
Step 1: Establish the outline of the program
Step 1: Establish the outline of the program
For existing programs, keeping programs relevant and vibrant requires reflecting on the existing structure and outline. This step is something equivalent to home renovation: now that you’ve “lived” in the program for a while, consider the changes, additions, or removals that would be helpful to strengthen and support the youth in your program.
Here are some of the questions you might consider at this step:
What changes to the size and/or structure of your program might be beneficial? Does it make sense to split into committees, elect officers, etc?
What changes might need to be made to the selection process? Will the existing ambassadors need to apply again or does their membership “rollover”?
Are there other access points where youth and adults can join the program mid-year?
Was the program adequately funded? What additional funding might need to be allocated or planned for?
Was adult support successful? What changes to adult involvement would help to strengthen the youth-adult partnership and make the program more successful?
What additional resources would be helpful to have access to?
Local Ambassador Programs should go through Local Ambassador Model Training every few years. If your program has not gone through training recently, or if you wish to receive training again, contact your CEL Educator at this point to prepare for training in this program year.
Program Budget
Local 4-H Ambassador activities take time, energy, and financial resources. Expenses might include transportation, materials and supplies, food and beverages, awards, and facilities to complete their duties and plans. Local 4-H Ambassador teams must budget accordingly.
Many counties/Tribal Nations maintain a budget for Local 4-H Ambassadors that are funded through their Federation/Council accounts. This prevents seeking Federation/Council approval for individual expenses. Please consult the Budgeting Development and Approval guide for information on establishing and maintaining a budget. If you are a volunteer Adult Advisor, consult with your Local 4-H educator for guidance on deadlines and processes.
Local Ambassador Programs should be funded by the local 4-H program. However, if the local budget is unable to cover the full extent of a youth’s participation in the program, there may be additional funding available from other sources. Please contact your CEL Regional Extension Educator for information. No youth should be unable to perform the duties of being a Local 4-H Ambassador due to a lack of financial resources.
Fundraising
If you plan on holding a fundraiser specifically for the Local Ambassador Program, or if the Ambassadors would like to hold a fundraiser to support their local 4-H program, please review the Fundraiser Guidelines included in the Club Management Toolkit. Any fundraising activities for or by a Local Ambassador Program must adhere to these guidelines.
Additional grants from external agencies are often posted on the Minnesota 4-H Facebook page or are directly sent to youth and volunteers enrolled in Minnesota 4-H. Your community may also have funds available from other service organizations, the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, banks, and more. If you are a volunteer Adult Advisor, work with your Local 4-H Educator if interested in pursuing grants.
Page updated
Report abuse