Leadership

Extension educators are tasked with providing programs that meet the needs of their respective communities. One way to measure the current community assets and opportunities for growth is through needs assessments. A needs assessment is a tool that measures the interests and identifies gaps in current program offerings. It can also be used to check the status of ongoing programming in a community. The 4-H Needs Assessment Tool Kit is an extension manual that gives insight into using the materials and offers templates that can be adapted for various stakeholder groups. The documents contained in the Tool Kit have been tested in rural, urban, and suburban communities. Authors: Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins, Ashley Travis, and Rachael Bayer; Title: University of Maryland Extension (UME) 4-H Needs Assessment Tool Kit Overview (FS-2022-0636)

This factsheet highlights that public speaking is one of the most common fears among adults in the United States. However, it is also considered one of the most valuable life skills that young people can acquire through their involvement in 4-H. The Maryland 4-H Public Speaking contest is an excellent opportunity for youth to hone their public speaking skills. This publication contains valuable information about the contest and includes worksheets that can assist youth in the development of their speeches. Authors: Rachel Bayer, Sara Arnold, Sheryl Bennett, and Chris Rein; Title: Public Speaking-Making a Great Speech (FS-1135).

The Youth Delegate Guidebook is a manual assisting youth and volunteers in developing civic engagement skills through a statewide event (like Maryland ACTS), and club or individual experiences that include learning about state government, meeting representatives, and follow-up activities. Authors: Gretchen Sumbrum, Elizabeth Hill, and Christopher Anderson; Title: 4-H ACTS (Annapolis, Civics, Thriving, Service) Youth Delegate Guidebook (EM-2023-0657)

Applying Roberts Rules of Order allows boards to establish and maintain order, give every member a chance to be heard, prevent confusion, and to keep the meeting moving. However, when passionate people come together, eventually there will be differences of opinion. This factsheet explores some of the challenging behaviors that could be seen in meetings, shares actions to take to properly address the situation, insight to set the tone, and assist in positive group dynamics to come to the best decision for the group. Author: Lacie Ashby; Title: Troubleshooting Difficult Board Dynamics (FS-1167)

The following guidelines will help your 4-H group fulfill its responsibilities for properly handling public funds.