Join 4-H

4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults. Membership in a 4-H club provides youth opportunities to develop skills and meaningful relationships they will carry with them throughout their lives. 4-H clubs participate in programming in these four program priority areas:

  • Healthy Living
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
  • Citizenship and Leadership
  • Communication and the Arts

New 4-H Member Handbook

 

Independent 4-H Membership

Why Independent Membership?

Independent 4-H members learn life skills in project areas that they choose, just like 4-H club members. Independent members also meet new friends through completing community service projects, giving presentations, and participating in organization-wide programs and activities.
Independent membership provides youth in grades 4-12 an entry point into the 4-H program that has not been previously available.

How to Join 4-H

Contact our office for more info! East Pottawattamie County 4-H, 406 Dr Van Zee Rd. Oakland, IA 51560, 712-482-6449
 
Just as the 8 essential elements of positive youth development provide the foundation for a quality 4-H Club experience, they are central to the 4-H independent membership experience as well. To ensure that young people choosing independent membership have a 4-H experience of the highest quality they are asked to sign an agreement indicating their commitment to:

  • Identify an adult mentor to guide and support them in their 4-H project work.  The individual chosen, other than a parent, must complete the official IA 4-H Child Protection and Safety Screening Process. All mentors must agree to the roles and responsibilities outlined in the 4-H mentor position description and attend training. We encourage the mentor be someone other than a parent or guardian.*
  • Develop skills in leadership, citizenship, communications, personal life management and knowledge through project work.  
  • Complete one or more community service learning project during the year.
  • Demonstrate their learning by giving a presentation or demonstration before a group (nursing homes, a 4-H club, church groups, afterschool programs).
  • Reflect on their learning by recording goals and submitting to their mentor a year end report using record-keeping skills.
  • Share their progress on goals with their designated mentor six or more times throughout the year.
  • Abide by all county, state and national 4-H policies and recognize the authority of Extension staff to establish and enforce rules and policies.
  • Contribute to the larger 4-H program by participating in county and state fundraising efforts; volunteering to lead or assist with 4-H committees, programs and activities; reading and responding to extension office correspondence; and remaining informed and current on 4-H opportunities, procedures and guidelines.

Independent Member Completion Report Form
Independent Membership Agreement
Independent Member Adult Mentor Position Description