Maryland State 4-H Volunteer Handbook - UMD
Maryland State 4-H Volunteer Handbook
2Maryland State 4-H Volunteer HandbookAuthored by: Jamie Morris,4-H Youth Development Specialist, Volunteer Systems and DevelopmentLacie Ashby4-H Youth Development Educator, Allegany CountyRachel Bayer4-H Youth Development Educator, Frederick CountySheryl Bennett4-H Youth Development Educator, Howard CountyChristine Johnston4-H Youth Development Educator, Queen Anne's CountyChris Rein4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator, Howard CountyAmy Rhodes4-H Youth Development Educator, Wicomico CountyAnn Sherrard4-H Youth Development Educator, Garrett CountyGretchen Sumbrum4-H Youth Development Educator, Anne Arundel CountyDesigned by: Trish Moore,Maryland 4-H Graphic DesignerUniversity programs, activities, and facilities are available to all withoutregard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation,marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mentaldisability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information,personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
Maryland State 4-H Volunteer HandbookTable of ContentsIntroduction to 4-H. 4What is 4-H?. 4History of 4-H. 4Who Delivers 4-H?. 44-H Programs and Delivery Modes. 4Opportunities and Benefits. 7Volunteer Opportunities. 7Benefits. 7University of Maryland Extension 4-H Volunteer Program. 8Maryland 4-H Organizational Structure. 84-H Enrollment System: 4HOnline. 9Volunteer Annual Review and Renewal. 9Positive Youth Development (PYD) Practices. 10The Tufts Study. 10Essential Elements of PYD. 11Targeting Life Skills Model. 12Experiential Learning Model. 13Ages and Stages of Youth Development. 13The 4-H Thriving Model. 14Policies and Procedures. 15Affirmative Action Statement. 15Americans with Disability and Accessibility Policy. 15Maryland Tort Claims Act. 16Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting. 16Volunteer Expectations. 17Animal Science Code of Ethics. 18Social Media Policy. 19Fundraising Policy. 19Risk Management. 19Chaperoning. 21Resources/Appendices. 24October, 20203
4Maryland State 4-H Volunteer HandbookIntroduction to 4-HWhat is 4-H?4-H is the largest youth developmentorganization in the United States with about6 million participants and over 25 millionalumni! The Maryland 4-H Youth DevelopmentProgram provides a supportive setting foryouth to reach their fullest potential. Childrenlearn beneficial cognitive and life skillsthrough community-focused, research-based,experiential educational programs. Theseprograms may include community clubs,school-based programs, public workshops/classes, and camp. Participation is opento all youth ages 5-18. The Clover Programserves 5-7 year old participants and the 4-HProgram serves 8-18 year old participants.Through 4-H, young people engage in variousprojects, events, and activities with adultvolunteers, teen leaders, and their familiesthat result in positive youth development.Regardless of the programs, each 4-H groupinvolves youth, family, and communitymembers working and learning together.4-H values diversity and inclusion of allchildren, regardless of background oridentity. 4-H has an over 100-year traditionof voluntary action through strong publicand private partnerships at federal, state,and community levels. Local volunteerleaders and youth practitioners partner withlocal Extension staff from the University ofMaryland to provide direct leadership andeducational support to young people inurban, suburban, and rural communities.History of 4-HIn the late 1800’s, researchers discoveredthat adults in the farming community did notreadily accept new agricultural developmentsfrom university campuses. However, they didfind that young people were open to newthinking and would experiment with new ideasand share their experiences with adults. In thisway, rural youth programs introduced newagriculture technology to communities.Community clubs became an important stepto help youth learn about the industry in orderto solve important agricultural challenges. A.B. Graham started a youth program in ClarkCounty, Ohio, in 1902, which is consideredthe birth of 4-H in the United States. The firstclub was called “The Tomato Club” or the“Corn Growing Club”. T. A. Erickson of DouglasCounty, Minnesota, started local agriculturalafter-school clubs and fairs that same year.Jessie Field Shambaugh then developed theclover pin with an H on each leaf in 1910,and by 1912 they were called 4-H clubs.Learn more about 4-H by viewing the 4-HHistory video accessible at https://go.umd.edu/4hhistoryThe passage of theSmith-Lever Act in1914 created theCooperative ExtensionSystem at USDA andnationalized 4-H. By1924, 4-H clubs were4-H Name & Emblemformed and the cloverThe 4-H Name & Emblememblem was adopted.is officially protectedCooperative Extensionby the United Statescombines the expertiseGovernment under Titleand resources of18 U.S. Code 707. Thefederal, state, andsituations and mannerlocal governmentsin which it may beand is designed toused can be foundmeet the need foron the National 4-Hresearch, knowledgeHeadquarters website:and educationalhttps://nifa.usda.gov/4programs. Today,h-name-and-emblem.4-H has expandedto provide youthlearning opportunities in agriculture as well asa variety of other projects such as leadership,communication, S.T.E.A.M. and much more!Source: https://4-h.org/about/history/
Maryland State 4-H Volunteer HandbookWho Delivers 4-H?4-H Programs and Delivery Modes4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—acommunity of more than 100 public universitiesacross the nation. In Maryland, the 4-H programis delivered through University of MarylandExtension (UME). UME is a department within theCollege of Agriculture and Natural Resources,University of Maryland College Park. Everycounty and cityMaryland 4-H Visionin the state hasan extensionMaryland 4-H aspires to beoffice with arecognized as a leader in4-H program.youth development, inspiringTo locate anyouth and adults to learn,extension officegrow, and work together as ain Marylandcatalyst for positive change.go to https://Maryland 4-H Missionextension.umd.edu/locations.The Maryland 4-H YouthDevelopment Program provides4-H reachesa supportive and inclusiveyouth in everysetting for all youth to reachcorner oftheir fullest potential in athe state –diverse society. Youth learnfrom urbanbeneficial and cognitive life skillsneighborhoodsthrough community focused,to suburbanresearch-based experientialschoolyards toeducation programs.rural farmingcommunities.Source: https://extension.Maryland 4-Humd.edu/4-hprofessionalsand volunteersprovide a caring and supportive programto over 50,000 youth, helping them growinto true leaders in communities.In 4-H, youth complete hands-on projects inareas like health, science, agriculture andcivic engagement in a positive environment.They receive guidance from adult mentorsand are encouraged to take on activeleadership roles. 4-H programs include:Source: https://4-h.org/about/what-is-4-h/4-H AFTERS-SCHOOL PROGRAM: A 4-HAfterschool Program provides an opportunityfor youth to engage in hands-on activities4-H CLUBS: There are several types of clubsin Maryland 4-H. These include CommunityClubs, Project Clubs, Activity Clubs, InSchool Clubs, After-school Clubs, MilitaryClubs and Clover Clubs. A 4-H club isgenerally comprised of enrolled youthmembers and adult volunteers/4-H trainedstaff, who are recognized and authorizedto deliver 4-H programs and activities.4-H clubs can be established to serve youthin certain geographical areas or to provideyouth with specialized experiences in a uniqueprogram area, such as livestock education orrobotics. 4-H Clubs usually meet in a communitylocation such as a community center, militaryinstallation, farm, library or school and mustmeet specific guidelines to qualify for clubstatus. (See Maryland 4-H Family Guide).Members may belong to more than oneclub in order to obtain special projectinformation, participate in special activities,or for the convenience of travel. Youth andadults are generally expected to join andparticipate in a 4-H program in their county/city of residence. However, families mayrequest approval to join a 4-H program in acounty/city other than where they live.5
6Maryland State 4-H Volunteer Handbookduring after school hours. These programsare typically held at after school programslike YMCA’s, Boys and Girls Clubs, PoliceAthletic League (PAL) centers, recreationcenters, libraries, and community centers.4-H SCHOOL ENRICHMENT: The 4-H SchoolEnrichment Program provides educatorswith the opportunity to bring 4-H into theclassroom. Through collaboration with publicand private schools, teachers and students inrural, suburban, and urban areas have accessto 4-H resources through curriculum, teachertrainings, special events, and field trips. Thismethod of delivering life skills to youth in theclassroom uses 4- H curriculum as part of dailyclass lessons or as an intensive all-day specialevent. Research shows that classrooms where4-H is offered observe higher standardized testscores, increased attendance, and decreasedtardiness. The 4-H lessons offered through schoolenrichment link University research to 4-H’sexperiential learning model, allowing studentsto do, reflect and apply what they’ve learned.4-H SUMMER CAMPS: Camps educateand provide learning opportunities foryouth ages 5-18. There are several campprograms available to youth throughout thesummer. These include overnight residentcamps, short-term special interest camps,and day camps. All camping opportunitiesare publicized and are open to all youth.Older members serve as youth leaders atcamp for the various responsibilities. AdultUME volunteers and/or Extension Educatorscoordinate and supervise these camps.Contact your local 4-H program to getinvolved in any of these programs.Source: Maryland 4-H Club Leader Guide Book
Maryland State 4-H Volunteer HandbookVolunteer Opportunities and BenefitsVolunteer Opportunities4-H has a variety of volunteer opportunitiesavailable. Some volunteer roles are listed below: 4-H Club Leader 4-H Project Leader 4-H Activity Leader 4-H Superintendent 4-H Fair Helpers and Judges Judging Opportunities Providing opportunities to develop new skills,strengthen past skills, and learn somethingnew. Being recognized within your community foryour contributions. Strengthening and improving the quality of theMaryland 4-H program. Multiplying the efforts of the Maryland 4-Hprogram by providing more opportunities toyouth in the community. Coaching Engaging in local, state, regional and nationalexperiences as a volunteer. Chaperones Strengthening interpersonal skills. Camp Adult Volunteers Networking with others you meet whilevolunteering. Committee MembersFor more information on these opportunities,please contact your local 4-H program:http://extension.umd.edu/locations Improving youth’s health and wellbeing.Benefits A positive attitude.UME 4-H volunteers play a significant role inhelping youth to reach their full potential.Volunteers help youth learn leadership, civicengagement and life skills through projectsand activities. These experiences help guideyouth into becoming excellent leadersand contributing members of society. Thediversity of knowledge and skills of volunteersexpands the creativity, opportunities andreach of the Maryland 4-H program.Some benefits of volunteeringwith the 4-H program are: Becoming the teacher you never knew youwere. Gaining a natural sense of accomplishment byworking with youth and adults. Increasing your self-esteem and selfconfidence. Strengthening your compassion for helpingothers.The following traits can contribute toimproving a volunteer’s experience: Ability to be an excellent role model that youthcan rely on. A compassionate heart and willingness to helpothers. An open mind to different ideas and diverseaudiences. Motivation to contribute to program efforts. Ability to work independently and as a teamplayer. Strong leadership and communication skills. Ability to provide an inclusive and welcomingenvironment for youth to feel a sense ofbelonging.7
8Maryland State 4-H Volunteer HandbookUniversity of Maryland Extension 4-H Volunteer ProgramThe Maryland 4-H Program requires individualsvolunteering with youth to become CertifiedUME 4-H Volunteers in order to provide asafe and inclusive environment for youth tolearn, grow and thrive. Individuals who wishto become Certified UME 4-H Volunteersmust apply to their local 4-H Program andbe vetted, on boarded and trained to serveon behalf of the University of MarylandExtension and Maryland 4-H Program.Volunteers directly report to and serve atthe discretion of their local 4-H program. Thelocal 4-H Program has decision authority overlocal 4-H programs and issues. The Maryland4-H Program has decision authority over allstatewide policies and programs. There is anorganizational structure in place to providesupport, direction and guidance for volunteersand their service to the organization.AGRICULTUREMaryland 4-H OrganizationalStructureMaryland 4-H Program Leader - guidesand supervises the Maryland 4-H Program,works directly with local 4-H Programs andprovides indirect support to volunteers.Has final decision authority over all 4-HProgram policies and procedures.State 4-H Program - consists of specialists,coordinators and staff at the State 4-HOffice. Provides structure and guidanceto 4-H programs, events and activities.Has decision authority over 4-H policiesand procedures. Provides direct supportto state program volunteers and indirectsupport to all UME 4-H volunteers.NATURALRESOURCES4-HFAMILY &CONSUMERSCIENCEBALTIMORE COUNTY GOVERNMENTState GovernmentUSDA/NIFALocal Government
Maryland State 4-H Volunteer HandbookLocal Area Extension Director/Baltimore CityExtension Director (AED/BCED) - providesadministrative supervision to local Extensionoffices. Provides guidance and support asneeded for the local program and volunteers.Local 4-H Program - provides direct leadershipfor all county/city volunteers. Serves as volunteermanagers and supervisors, tasked with providingvolunteer development and communicationof volunteer opportunities. Has decisionauthority over county/city 4-H programs.4-H Enrollment System: 4HOnlineOnce volunteers have gone through the steps tobecome certified, they must create a volunteerprofile in 4HOnline athttps://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in. Individualsthat have completed theprocess will be acceptedby the local 4-H programin the system. The 4-H Online system allowsfor volunteer management, communication,event registration and annual re-enrollment.Volunteer Annual Review andRenewalVolunteers must annually renew their agreementwith Maryland 4-H in order to remain anactive 4-H volunteer. The renewal process ismanaged through 4HOnline and opens at thestart of each calendar year. Volunteers thatwish to continue their service must re-enroll byMarch 1 in order to maintain the protectionsafforded to them under the Maryland TortClaims Act and to work in their appointedvolunteer role. The local 4-H Team has thediscretion to re-appoint volunteers based ontheir re-enrollment, annual review and abilityto meet the expectations of the 4-H program.A voluntary annual review survey may be sentto volunteers via email at the end of the year.The survey asks questions about the volunteer’sservice, impacts, needs, concerns and stories.Volunteers are asked to complete the reviewsurvey to help the Maryland 4-H programbetter understand our volunteer’s experience.The local 4-H Team will review these surveysto assist in the re-appointment of volunteers.9
10Maryland State 4-H Volunteer HandbookPositive Youth Development (PYD) PracticesThe 5 C’s of Positive Youth DevelopmentYouth development can be defined as aprocess which prepares young people to meetthe challenges of adolescence and adulthoodthrough a coordinated, progressive series ofactivities and experiences which help themto become socially, morally, emotionally,physically, and cognitively competent. (NationalCollaboration for Youth Members, March1998). Positive youth development aims tounderstand, educate and engage children inproductive activities as opposed to focusing onthe deficits and problems that young peopleencounter through
Maryland State 4-H Volunteer Handbook . 5. Who Delivers 4-H? 4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation. In Maryland, the 4-H program is delivered through University of Maryland Extension (UME). UME is a department within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources,
Volunteer Handbook Shelburne Museum Volunteer Program 83 Volunteer Application Form Smithsonian Institution Archives 87 Behind-the-Scenes Volunteer Program: Volunteer Project Description Additional Resources 88 Online Resources 88 Print Resources Acknowledgments Resources for Volunteer Programs in Archives was Rebecca Martin, and Lee Ann Potter .
an Army Volunteer Corps Volunteer to get started using the Volunteer Management Information System. Roles and Responsibilities Volunteers are Volunteer Management Information System users who have been accepted for a specific volunteer position by an Organization Point of Contact or an Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator.
Volunteer Management Information System Tools (table 1.1) Who Should Use This Manual The Army Volunteer Corps Organization Point of Contact User Guide provides the information needed for an Army Volunteer Corps Organization Point of Contact (OPOC) to get started using the Volunteer Management Information System. Roles and Responsibilities
1. Update the volunteer's Military Community to match the current Community. 2. Click Save to complete. 3. Notify the AVC Coordinator of this Non-User Volunteer in the Community and the volunteer position to be assigned. 4. After the AVC Coordinator has assigned the Non-User volunteer the appropriate volunteer position
Sample Resources Volunteer/Intern Job Handover Form Prior to their last day, the volunteer or intern can fill out this form, which provides a list of their completed and on-going projects. P. 70 Volunteer Exit Interview Questions An in-person exit interview can be conducted for the volunteer or intern.
hospitalization causes interruption of your volunteer activities, we ask you to submit a physician’s statement verifying your ability to return as a volunteer before you resume your duties. Volunteer Assignments Volunteer assignments are usually made on a weekly basis, with a minimum of
Volunteer Service Application 2. Volunteer Service Background Search Form 3. Volunteer Service Agreement or Volunteer Service Parental Consent 4. Resume 5. Driver’s license (Front and back)or passport 6. Social Security Card (Front and back) 7. Proof of MMR 8. PPD Results or X-ray for TB (must be within
Agile describes a set of guiding principles that uses iterative approach for software development Agile is a practice that helps continuous iteration of development and testing in the software development process. In this model, development and testing activities are concurrent, unlike the Waterfall model. This mindset allows more communication .
