Volunteer Orientation Fact Sheet - Montana 4H - Montana State University Extension

4-H Structure

Montana 4-H is a partnership between Montana State University, Montana State University Extension, the United States Department of Agriculture and county governments.

4-H is active in all fifty states and many countries throughout the world. 4-H members are involved in several ways:

Community clubs
Special interest groups
School enrichment programs
Summer, overnight or day camps
Afterschool programs
4-H utilizes volunteers to expand the total youth development

MSU Extension Mission

Montana State University Extension is an educational resource dedicated to improving the quality of people's lives by providing research-based knowledge to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of families, communities and agriculture enterprises.

Montana 4-H Mission

To educate youth and adults for living in a global and ever-changing world by using the resources of the Land Grant Universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. We are America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

4-H Guiding Principles

Montana 4-H focuses on Positive Youth Development while teaching leadership, citizenship and life skills.
4-H is a family-centered program
4-H program focus is determined locally to fit the specific needs of youth.
4-H provides programs that appeal to a diverse audiance.

4-H Name and Emblem

green 4-H clover logo with white H's. The 4-H clover is the official emblem and the most widely recognized symbol of the program. It protected by Congress under federal statute 18 USC 707. As 4-H volunteers you are responsible for upholding the 4-H name and emblem guidelines and protection policies.

4-H Pledge

I pledge:

My Head to clearer thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty,

My Hands to larger service, and My Health to better living,

For my club, my community, My country and my world.

4-H Motto & Brand Promise

“To Make the Best Better”

4-H empowers kids with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

4-H Colors

Green and white are the 4-H colors. Green symbolizes springtime, life and youth. White stands for high ideals. Visit the 4-H Brand page for specific graphics and color palette details.

4-H Membership

Youth ages 8-19 may enroll as a 4-H Member. Youth ages 5-8 may enroll in the Cloverbud Project. Participation in Montana 4-H and its programs is open to all interested youth regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual preference, religion, creed, political belief, marital or parental status or disability. There are over 20,000 youth enrolled in Montana 4-H. Visit the 4-H age gudelines page for specifics on enrollment ages.

Extension Agent’s Role

Planning – Program development
Organizing – Resource development and coordination of program.
Staffing – Recruit, train and advise volunteers.
Supervising – Support, motivate and recognize volunteers.
Evaluating – Access needs, evaluate program and communicate

Volunteer’s Role

4-H is a non-formal educational program delivered by volunteers trained and supervised by Extension Agents. Volunteers may work in various capacities through the guidance of Extension Faculty and staff.

Volunteers are responsible for a group, activity or event and its members and adults as assigned by Extension Faculty or Staff. Visit the volunteer and adult role page for more description.

Experiential Learning Model

4-H experiencial learning model. pie chart with sections for do reflect and apply.

Retreived from Iowa State Extension and Outreach

Montana 4-H engages youth in events, activities, programs, meetings and projects through “learn by doing” hands-on activities. Montana 4-H utilizes the experiential learning model to facilitate youth engagement in learning and life skill development. The model contains three basic stages: