4-H Club Resources

Club Officers The learning community in 4-H has at its core positive youth development, experiential learning opportunities, in partnership with caring adults, that assist young people in achieving youth development objectives. 4-H Clubs are a form of learning community.

Creating a culture of learning where youth and adults are involved in a collective effort of understanding is a foundational component of learning communities. Youth are free to participate in as many 4-H delivery modes or activities as they are able. They are required to designate a primary club (or independent membership) that they affiliate with within 4-H Online.

Learn more about additional 4-H Club delivery modes and programs here.

Minimum Standards

Be led/advised by two or more screened and board approved adult volunteers
Enroll at least five youth members from at least three families
Emphasizes project exploration, leadership, and civic engagement
Conduct a minimum of six regular educational experiences per year
Gatherings include but are not limited to business meetings, project meetings, service-learning opportunities, and other 4-H learning activities
Select/elect youth leaders to provide direction to the club with shared youth leadership opportunities with shared decision-making, with agreed-upon rules or bylaws
Keep meeting, project, and financial records and submit required reports
Follow state and local 4-H Policy
4-H Charter

Helpful Links and Resources

Starting New Clubs

A Charter application must be completed with guidance from a local Extension agent.

Once completed, the form is emailed to the State 4-H Office.

If the club plans to manage money, an SS-4 Form must be completed by the local Extension agent to obtain an EIN. This form should be faxed or mailed to the IRS.

After the local Extension office receives the EIN from the IRS, they must file a 8821 Form with the State 4-H Office.

Resources

Charter Fact Sheet
New Charter Application
Charter Re-Issue Application

Form Examples

SS-4 Form
8821 Form