The selection and renewal process of council membership is critical. The
by-laws of the 4-H Youth Development Council should establish a selection process that clearly describes a method for membership renewal and change. Three years is an ideal term for membership, with about one-third of the members rotating onto the council each year. A combination of appointment and election methods likely will be needed to create and maintain a viable
and effective 4-H Youth Development Council.
Each individual will have successfully completed the Purdue University 4-H Volunteer Application and Screening process with the 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator prior to having his or her name considered as a representative on the 4-H Youth Development Council. Each 4-H Youth Development Council member will successfully re-enroll annually as a 4-H Volunteer in order to maintain his or her position on the 4-H Youth Development Council. A sample 4-H Council Member Role Description provides additional information about responsibilities and qualifications of 4-H Council Members.
Responsibilities
The 4-H Youth Development Council's success rests on being both effective and efficient. The mission of Extension and 4-H and the needs of local residents must be reviewed on a regular basis, to ensure that 4-H programs are helping youth participants to gain the knowledge and skills they will need for their future.
Items to be considered so that the council may successfully fulfill its responsibilities include:
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Needs of local citizens, youth, and volunteers.
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Goals and objectives to be achieved.
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Tasks to achieve those goals and objectives.
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Action plan.
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Extension mission.
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4-H mission.
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Philosophy of the Extension system.
Purdue Extension is supported with federal, state, and county tax dollars, which lead to obligations related to the use of these monies. Further, since many people are involved in and affected by Extension programs, efficient operations are required to involve and serve a large number of people. Some of the ways in which a 4-H Youth Development Council can be efficient include: