Character Development
Why Develop Good Character in Your Club?
Your players' character is a reflection of your 4-H team leadership.
4-H is more than winning ribbons, showing and selling animals or doing something better than someone else in your club. 4-H is about “Making the Best Better” in yourself, in relationships with others and in your community. 4-H is about building character in its members, families and advisors.
You have an important responsibility to help members develop good character. You can begin by teaching and incorporating the Six Pillars of Character through your club activities. Teaching by example is always the best approach because members are always watching the coach – You!
What Are The Six Pillars of Character? How Are Your Members Exhibiting Them In Your Club?
Trustworthiness:
Be dependable and loyal. Take a stand for what is right, even if others do not. Do not talk about others in an unkind way.
Respect:
Be considerate and polite and use good manners to follow the Golden Rule. Tolerate differences and find peaceful solutions to disagreements. Use appropriate language, listen at club meetings, and write thank you notes to buyers and award sponsors.
Responsibility:
Follow through on your commitments -- complete projects, carry out officer duties, help another member, do your best work, participate in the club, take care of your project, and follow the 4-H Youth Code of Conduct. Use self-discipline and self-control, and always think before you act.
Fairness:
Follow the rules for participation and project completion. Do your part to make the club the best it can be. Give credit to your peers. Do not take advantage of new members or those with less experience. Listen to all members and be open-minded.
Caring:
Help other 4-H members and your club advisors. Show you care by your actions. Express gratitude to others who help. Find peaceful solutions to disputes.
Citizenship:
Obey the rules. Respect authority. Volunteer through community service. Do not just recite the pledges, but carryout their meaning.
How Can You Teach The Six Pillars?
- Explain club expectations to members and parents at the start of the club meeting.
- Help the club and members set short and long-term goals.
- Recite the American and 4-H Pledge at all club meetings. Teach the 4-H motto, pledge and meaning of the 4 “H’s” to all members.
- Discuss the Six Pillars of Character in relationship to show ring ethics, livestock tampering rules, fair rules, livestock quality assurance, 4-H policies and guidelines and project work.
- Conduct a “Help a 4-H Member Night”, where experienced members share skills with others.
- Make club decisions using the Six Pillars of Character as filters for decision-making.
