4-H Leaders Association

All 4-H parents, volunteers and youth leaders are members of the 4-H Leaders Association. The Association plans and carries out educational programs, establishes policies for the county 4-H program, and provides supplemental funding for Eau Claire County 4-H.

The Leaders Association meets the second Tuesday of January, March, May, June, September, and November. Meetings are held at the Extension office in Altoona beginning at 6:30 pm. The Executive Board meets at 6:00 pm.

The executive board of the 4-H Leaders Association is the 4-H Leaders Council. The Council President and Secretary, three at large adult members and two 4-H youth appointed by the 4-H Older Youth Council. The Council meets bimonthly. Council members, with the exception of the youth members, are elected at the September Association meeting.

All parents and 4-H volunteers are voting members and highly encouraged to attend 4-H Leaders Association meetings. This is the group that represents you and gives positive direction and support to the county 4-H program.

Please email rachel.hartbrinson@wisc.edu for a current 4-H Leader Association member list.

How can adults get involved?

Adults who have a sincere interest in helping youth grow into capable, caring, responsible citizens are encouraged to volunteer in the 4-H program. Volunteer roles include:

• General Leader
  Serves as an advisor to a community 4-H club
• Project Leader
  Helps youth learn about a particular project by sharing your interests, knowledge, talents, or just an enthusiasm for learning.
• Activity Leaders
  Short term commitment to help 4-H members with an activity. Possibilities include: coaching basketball, directing a play or musical, or leading a community service activity.
• Workshop Teacher
  Offers a workshop on a particular topic or project.
• Chaperone
  Serves as a supervisor, role model and chaperone on a 4-H trip or event.
• Fair Superintendent
  Supervises a department at the annual county fair.

All adults volunteering in the 4-H program must complete an orientation and screening. Please email our 4-H program Coordinator, Rachel Hart-Brinson, at rachel.hartbrinson@wisc.edu to learn more about volunteering.

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How can Parent(s) and Guardian(s) be partners in 4-H?

• Help members select the right projects for their interest and your family’s situation.
• Give encouragement and supervision, but allow the 4-Her to do their own work. Also, this means giving positive encouragement when challenges arise.
• Help locate or assist youth in finding financial aid for project work, if needed.
• Provide a place for records and other club and county materials in the home (a 4-H drawer, box or file).
• Help members set standards of honesty, teamwork and good sportsmanship.
• Consider serving as a club project or activity leader.
• Be willing to help whenever possible for the club as drivers, chaperones, lunch committee, or as need arises.
• Attend club meeting with the member.
• Help member complete club and county achievement requirements for the year.
• Give input into the county program by participating in county meetings and serving on committees.
• Have fun with the youth.

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