PARENT INVOLVEMENT

At its best, 4-H is a family affair. Parent involvement is one of the keys to a successful 4-H club.

It provides an ongoing base for club support, increases the opportunities for teaching and learning valuable life skills, and expands the potential for interesting and exciting 4-H programs. Active, involved, supportive parents mean active members, additional resources for leaders, a thriving 4-H program, and expanded support for a community’s youth development. Since the parent is traditionally the keeper of the family calendar, they may need to help keep the member aware of meetings, outings, and events.

Parent/guardian participation in 4-H results in the following benefits:

Family involvement in 4-H offers opportunities where both child and parent participate with common interest, strengthening family ties.
Active parent participation can strengthen and broaden the 4-H program in any local club or in any county.
When parental support is positive, a club or group is likely to become stronger, larger, and more active.
In clubs where parental support is evident, individual members receive more personal attention and guidance from leaders and parents.
Club activities and events will develop and expand with the additional support of parents. 4-H can have a positive influence on the lives of thousands of boys and girls. This happens when parents care enough to share their time, efforts, and talents.

As stated in the Tucker 4-H By-Laws & Constitution:

E. Participation in the club’s and county’s annual fundraiser is mandatory.

F. Family participation within the club of at least 2 hours is mandatory per 4-H year. Participation in the club fundraiser does not satisfy this requirement.

Traditionally, Tucker 4-H Club has held a pancake breakfast in the fall. Adult family members and Tucker 4-H youth members are required to volunteer at this event. Typically this involves a 3 hour time slot with a job that could range from: cooking pancakes, cooking sausage, cutting desserts, wiping tables, etc.

Examples of ways to complete the 2 hours of mandatory participation:

Racine County fair 4-H Building supervision
Coordinate a club outing/event
Bring meeting snacks
Tucker website maintenance (work with adult & junior leaders for content)
Community service project point person (could include contacting organzation, purchasing any needed supplies, delivering collected items, etc)
Coordinate Christmas Caroling to Veterans home or Senior living facility
Coordinate club activity of creating cards for Veterans home or Senior living facility and deliver cards.
County fundraiser point of contact for Tucker
Coordinate club leader recognition
Lead a project

There are many needs that may arise over the year which may not be listed. These would be sent out via email.