A 4-H Community Club is made up of five or more youth guided by adult volunteer leaders or University of Wisconsin Extension Educators. A 4-H Community Club can be any size from a small group of youth from one neighborhood to a larger club consisting of youth from all over the county. 4-H Community Clubs may focus on a single project or a variety of projects. 4-H Community Clubs typically meet monthly in the evenings and on weekends with meetings held in an inclusive community space or may meet virtually. In most community clubs, youth officers are elected to guide the activities of the club.
All youth in 3rd grade through grade 13th grade are eligible to join 4-H. Most clubs also offer a Cloverbud program for 5K through 2nd grade. Parents and adults are encouraged to volunteer as leaders. 4-H is open to anyone regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, disability, religion, or ancestry.
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How to Join an Existing 4-H Club
Step One — Select a Club.
Contact the 4-H Leaders below to learn more about the clubs. Set a time to visit the club and meet the 4-H Leader and youth.
Club Name |
Club Leader Contact Information |
Club Meeting Locations |
| Milwaukee County Hillside Horse and Horseless 4-H Club | Char Ehlert (414) 315-0169 |
May-August Stable in Muskego Contact Char for more details October – April Location- TBD |
|
Northstar 4-H Club
|
Laura Brushaber (414) 463-1592 lbrushaber@wi.rr.com Focus – Nature Education, Crafts, and Cloverbuds |
Location – Kosciuszko Community Center- 2201 S 7th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215 2nd and 4th Wednesdays6p – 7:30p
|
Step Two – Complete enrollment paperwork
Complete the electronic enrollment through 4-H Online to register for 4-H and select a club- Wisconsin 4-H Online 2.0 Information.
There is an annual participation due per household of $15.00 or $5.00 per youth member/adult leader. Dues are payable at the time of enrollment. Checks should be made payable to “Milwaukee County 4-H Leaders Council.” The due can be given to your 4-H Club Leader or sent to the Milwaukee County 4-H Office. Dues will be waived if there is a hardship.
Once enrollment is submitted, it may take a few days to be reviewed and approved. You will receive a confirmation email once finalized.
Step Three – Have Fun!
You are now in 4-H and can begin participating in club meetings and any 4-H sponsored activities in Milwaukee!
4-H Volunteer Enrollment Process
Volunteers help make 4-H possible! To volunteer, you don’t need to have previous experience working with youth. The most important qualifications are:
- a desire to work with young people to help them learn new things and gain life skills; and
- wanting to provide youth with positive experiences in a safe and welcoming environment.
Extension volunteers work with staff to deliver educational programs using University and other high-quality educational resources.
Types of Volunteers
In 4-H, there are many ways to volunteer, with various commitment levels. All volunteers work with youth and adult volunteers in offering a positive youth development experience for young people. Check out specific volunteer opportunities below.
- Activity/Event Volunteer – Provide leadership/organization for an activity or event and/or participate as a committee member
- Adult Advisor/Chaperone – Work with a team of adult advisors and PYD staff to ensure youth have a safe and positive educational experience.
- Club Enrollment Coordinator – Provide leadership for members and adult volunteers who are enrolling in the club or group organization
- Club Leader – Provide leadership to the club or group organization
- Committee Volunteer – Provide leadership for a committee and/or participate as a member of a committee, creating educational experiences for all youth engaged in the program
- Project Leader – Provide leadership and organization to the project group that is learning about a specific topic.
How to become a volunteer
All 4-H programs and activities must be supervised by a staff member or an approved 4-H volunteer, 18 years of age or older, who has completed all the following steps:
- Step 1: Enroll in 4-H Online including agreeing to the Division of Extension Volunteer Behavior Expectations.
- Step 2: Complete Criminal Background Check Information will be sent via email to all new potential volunteers once a person has enrolled. A background records check for arrest and conviction records will be completed every four years for continuing 4-H volunteer leaders.
- Step 3: Complete Volunteer Training Modules:
- Module 1: Complete UW Madison Title IX Training
- Module 2: Complete UW System Mandated Reporter Training
- Module 3: Complete Division of Extension Volunteers In Preparation (VIP) Training
- Returning volunteers who have been absent for one to four years need a background records check, signed Volunteer Behavior Expectations form, and Assumption of Risk but are not required to attend the orientation to be reinstated as a volunteer. Returning volunteers who have been absent for over four years need to repeat the entire Youth Protection process.
- Module 4 (for chaperones only): Volunteers serving as a chaperone will need to also complete the Supporting Youth Mental Health Training
How to Start Your Own Club
You can start your very own 4-H Community Club! Below are the basic components required:
- Complete a 4-H Charter that ensures the club is organized in accordance with the objectives of the Wisconsin 4-H program.
- A trained 4-H Volunteer Club Leader (see requirements above to become a 4-H Volunteer.)
- Five or more enrolled youth, from at least three different families.
- Meet six or more hours throughout the year.
- Incorporate youth-adult partnerships and youth voices into the club structure.
If you are interested in starting a new 4-H Community Club, please contact Eva Terry the 4-H Educator at 414-615-0522, eva.terry@wisc.edu.
