GENERAL MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
🍀PROGRAM COMPONENTS🍀
There are several components to 4-H.
- NYS 4-H Membership Policies, Procedures and Guidelines - 4-H ae rule and other useful information
- NYS 4-H Code of Conduct - all youth, parents, volunteers and those connected to 4-H are held to these standards.
- The Club Meetings/Projects - these are the meetings where project work is done and members are able to delve into the details of each project.
- Public Presentations - Dutchess County 4-H requires all members to complete at least one public presentation in order to participate in the fair.
- Record Books - Club members detail what they are learning about their project in their record books. All record books must be turned in by September 30 in order to be eligible for the next fair.
- Special Events - Many clubs will be involved various special events within the community throughout the year. Events may range from public recognition opportunities (marching in a local parade) to fundraising (hosting an event where people can make donations to the club) to exploring locations/organizations related to their project theme (visiting a farm etc...) Youth are strongly encouraged to attend these events.
- Community Service - many clubs have a community service requirement. Members must give a certain number of hours or work a certain number of events.
- Grievance Procedure - the 4-H Program Leader is always available to discuss issues that cannot be resolved at Club level. Should the issue require further action, the procedures to be followed are detailed here.
- The Dutchess County Fair - Members are invited to showcase their projects at the fair. Awards are given in various categories in various project areas.
- NY State Fair - Dutchess County Fair award winning projects may be selected to be presented at the state fair and again evaluated for awards in various categories.
🍀4-H Project🍀
4-H projects give youth opportunities to:
- gain new knowledge and develop the critical thinking skills that lead to independence of thought and action.
- experience a sense of belonging through cooperative learning activities.
- develop a spirit of generosity by sharing knowledge and using skills to help others.
- achieve a feeling of mastery as the cumulative result of project work.
🍀a member in good standing🍀
The following obligations must be met to be a member in good standing:
1. Completed enrollment paid and on file with the 4-H office for the current 4-H year
2. Adhere to the 4-H Code of Conduct at all times
3. Regular attendance at club meetings (this is defined by the club by-laws on frequency and length of meetings)
4. Completion of a 4-H county level public presentation
5. Present an up to date record book to their 4-H leader by August 1st.
6. Submission of a complete record book submitted to the 4-H office no later than October 1
1. Completed enrollment paid and on file with the 4-H office for the current 4-H year
2. Adhere to the 4-H Code of Conduct at all times
3. Regular attendance at club meetings (this is defined by the club by-laws on frequency and length of meetings)
4. Completion of a 4-H county level public presentation
5. Present an up to date record book to their 4-H leader by August 1st.
6. Submission of a complete record book submitted to the 4-H office no later than October 1
🍀Fair Expectations🍀
The following are the responsibilities of youth participating in the Dutchess County Fair:
PRIOR TO FAIR:
DURING FAIR:
PRIOR TO FAIR:
- Be a member in good standing
- Submit all fair paperwork on time (animal registration, sponsor forms, fair registration, etc...)
- Participate in a fairground preparation day
DURING FAIR:
- Complete all mandatory barn/booth duties as obligated by club
- Show proper sportsmanship during all fair competitions