How to Start 4-H Correspondence Activities

More than six million children take part in 4-H, an organization designed to promote heart, head, hands and health in local youth. 4-H offers a variety of activities, and they're open to even more options for children to take part in. If you're interested in starting a correspondence activity, your local 4-H might be the right place.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Determine why you want a correspondence activity. 4-H is likely to get behind a correspondence activity that promotes the 4-H mission among youth in your community.
2. Round up support for correspondence activities. When you have other people behind your plan, you have a better chance of obtaining approval from 4-H.
3. Designate a leader. If you're not going to be the person in charge, name someone who will be. This person will be the contact for 4-H and will schedule upcoming meetings and events.
4. List program goals and rules. The leader of the correspondence activity should determine who is eligible to participate in the program and what guidelines are set for members. The leader should also establish rules that line up with the general rules of the 4-H club.
5. Meet with members and parents to get their feedback. The students who participate in the program often have strong ideas about what they'd like to see in a new 4-H program. It's also a good idea to get input from parents since they're the ones who bring the students to the activities, and they often volunteer their time and services to help out.
6. Devise a schedule of events. Once you have everything else established, it's time to finalize a plan. Schedule meeting times and special events for the new correspondence activity. A clear schedule allows parents and students to make plans to participate. That support is essential for a new 4-H program.