How Can You Determine Club Success?

A winning 4-H season happens when you successfully put into play the Eight Key Elements.

Successful coaches do not always win the championship, but they do strive to have a winning season and promote champion players. You too can have a winning 4-H year by putting into action the Eight Key Elements to a Successful 4-H Club. These keys will help you to unlock the door to a 4-H Club that is a place for positive experience through Fun, Learning and Growing together. Putting the Keys Into Action for Your 4-H Club begins with understanding the importance of each key and the possible actions that will bring the key to life in your club.

Use the 4-H Club Key Element Checklist to see how well your club is succeeding in using the eight key elements for positive youth development.

(Hover over the images below to learn about the Eight Key Elements.)

Positive Relationship with a Caring Adult You, as coach, serve the role as advisor, guide, mentor, friend, supporter and/or advocate in helping members set boundaries, expectations and goals.	Inclusive Environment Your team creates a sense of belonging, celebrating the successes of all members, encouraging with positive feedback and supporting all members.
Opportunity to Value and Practice Service The team gains exposure in the community by service of its members to others and the community at large.	Opportunity For Mastery Members build knowledge, skills and competence through sequential learning experiences and demonstrate mastery through hands-on projects and activities.
A Safe Environment While participating in the team 4-H experience, no fear of physical or emotional harm is perceived from the learning process, its volunteers, participants or spectators.	Opportunity for Self-Determination Members believe they have influence over their own lives, exercising their potential to become self-directing citizens.
Engagement in Learning The team and members are motivated to learn and create new relationships and connections through participation in a variety of learning experiences.	To Be An Active Participant in the Future Members make appropriate choices for their future that impact oneself in a positive way.

What Are the Characteristics of Successful 4-H Clubs

• Club focuses on kids learning and having fun, not winning. The club is a place for helping kids, become independent competent citizens through planning, learning, teaching and evaluating many different club experiences.
• Structure is consistent, but flexible. The club tries new activities while meeting regularly and providing a consistent structure to meet members’ changing needs.
• Members are driving the club. Members carry out officer roles, serve on committees, teach skills and make important decisions.
• Communication is free flowing. Advisors and members listen to each other, respect, and value each other’s opinions.
• Club celebrates all members' achievements. Club’s Success = Collective Efforts (doing our best), not single achievements (being the best).
• Buddies teach new members the "4-H Lingo" and make them feel welcomed. Returning members/families take new members / families under their wings and teach them the 4-H lingo and guidelines.
• Community service is a valued and fun part of the club experience. Members enjoy helping others and the community.
• Club shows true "4-H Spirit". Membership works in harmony to develop life skills, increase members’ satisfaction, participation and ownership of the club.

Is Your Club Successful?

At the end of the 4-H year, you will need to evaluate your 4-H club’s road to success. Can you say you have had a winning season… putting into action the Eight Key Elements of Positive Youth Development. Ohio’s 4-H Clubs of Distinction. Program will recognize those clubs that have successfully embraced these elements and the 4-H motto “To Make the Best Better”. The key to recognition as a 4-H Club of Distinction lies in your ability to put into action the club management tools shared in this section. All clubs can achieve this excellence standard and make their way to the 4-H winner’s circle… Positive Youth Development!

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