1 Orientation for Certification of Oklahoma 4-H Volunteers Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer Management

2 Purpose for Volunteer Certification To ensure a safe environment for youth involved in Oklahoma 4-H. To provide documentation for volunteer activities and to strengthen liability coverage for volunteers under the State Tort Claims Act. To assist in the selection, education, tracking and placement of volunteers. To develop 4-H Volunteer competencies through continuing education activities.

3 Review purpose of OCES 4-H Youth Development Program Introduce Program Policy #5, RAM Form/Youth Code of Conduct and Affirmative Action Organizational Structure of a club and county program Managing Risk Continuing Education Opportunities Maintaining Certification Complete enrollment Objective:

4 Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Youth Development

5 Getting to know us… Oklahoma’s Land Grant Universities 100 year tradition Youth Development Education

6 A teaching tool for developing desirable character traits and project skills. Provides real life experiences in making decisions. Age appropriate and flexible for individual development. Concerned with the optimum development of the individual. Teaches desirable habits and attitudes Teaches one to help one’s self, which leads to helping others 4-H Project Work…

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8 4-H Events 4-H events provide an opportunity for education, evaluation and recognition. 4-H Activities 4-H Activities provide an opportunity for education, participation and fellowship. Philosophy of…

9 4-H Recognition Model A club and county program should have a healthy blend of all five forms of recognition.

10 4-H is Experiential Learning… Five-part learning model  EXPERIENCE the activity; perform it  SHARE the results, reactions, observations publicly  PROCESS by discussing, looking at the experience; analyze, reflect  GENERALIZE to connect the experience to real-world examples  APPLY what was learned to a similar or different situation; practice

11 4-H Pledge I pledge My head to clearer thinking, My heart to greater loyalty, My hands to larger service, and My health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

12 A Time for County Sharing Overview and explanation of: County Project Clubs 4-H Project Manuals County Activities and Events Forms of Recognition Practiced Ribbon Awards Program

13 Program Policy

14 Affirmative Action The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, veteran status or disability.

15 Policy No. 5 Membership Cloverbuds – non-competitive program for 5-8 year olds Traditional membership 9-19 years old 4-H Year July 1- June 30 “Age as of January 1” Livestock show rules and guidelinesRoles Member, Parent, Family, Club Leader, Volunteer, Extension Educator

16 Policy No. 5 General Rules  Printed rules and guidelines for sanctioned 4-H activities and events  Academic eligibility  Code of conduct agreement and medical release form  Dual membership  Livestock show rules and guidelines

17 A Time for County Sharing Overview and explanation of: Yearbook Newsletter Deadlines Forms Website

18 Structure of Local and County 4-H Programs

19 Activity Leader Project Leader Organizational Leader Teen Leader Committee(s) of members and parents Local 4-H Club Structure

20 4-H Clubs Meet regularly Are run by youth officers, supervised and instructed by a caring adult Have an educational emphasis Provide opportunity for developing communication skills Fun and enjoyable for members and families Provide recognition and peer support Well organized

21 Club Meeting Business Call to Order Opening with Pledges and Ritual Roll call/sign in Introduction of Guests Minutes & Correspondence Treasurer’s Report Reports of Committees Unfinished Business New Business Announcements Adjournment Program or Education Talks & Demonstrations by Members Judging Activity or Project Lesson Opportunities to Learn by Doing Guest Speakers, Films, etc. Special Tours or Group Activities Recreation & Refreshments Games, skits, plays, parties, songs, etc.. Snacks or meal Business Recreation Education 50% 33% 17%

22 Parent- Volunteer Association Program Advisory Committee 4-H Foundation Youth Council Committee(s) of adult and youth volunteers County 4-H Program Structure

23 Parent- Volunteer Association County 4-H Program Structure Committee(s)  Activities  Events  Parent-Volunteer Training Club Representation Youth-Adult Partnership with Youth Council

24 Program Advisory Committee County 4-H Program Structure Diverse group of perspectives Representative of county geographically and ethnically Assists in identifying needs and trends

25 4-H Foundation County 4-H Program Structure Primary purpose is strong financial backing Board of Directors who assist the 4-H program through the development of funds Works in cooperation with Parent-Volunteer Association

26 Youth Council County 4-H Program Structure Works in cooperation with Parent-Volunteer Association Representative of all clubs and ages Youth active participants on county planning committees

27 Committee(s) of adult and youth volunteers County 4-H Program Structure Committee(s) empowered to plan, conduct, and evaluate county programs, activities, and events. Establish and maintain a strong Youth-Adult Partnership.

28 A Time for County Sharing Overview and explanation of: Youth Council Parent-Volunteer Association and opportunities to serve County Activity and Event Committees Other Committees - volunteer development, etc. Program Advisory Committee Foundation

29 Managing Risk Transportation and Chaperones

30 Under Oklahoma Law… “…any person who is authorized to act in behalf of a political subdivision or the state whether that person is acting on a permanent or temporary basis, with or without being compensated on a full-time or part-time basis.” (51 O.S. 1991, 152) OCES views volunteers as an extended employee when they are acting in the scope of their duties as a sanctioned volunteer for an approved/official 4-H activity.

31 “And Eeyore whispered back: ‘I am not saying there won’t be an Accident, mind you. They’re funny things, Accidents. You never have them till you’re having them.” A.A. Milne, 1928 “ The House at Pooh Corner”

32 Risks You May Face... Torts Automobile liability  Volunteer Owned Vehicle  University self-insurance  Transporting children  Extension responsibility  Teen Drivers

33 Risks You May Face... Director and officers liability General liability Offering services to vulnerable people Other volunteer issues

34 Everyday operations... Participate in sufficient training regarding supervising minors Help identify risks, report them and/or correct the identified risk(s). Avoid situations of negligence. Reduce risk Be sure insurance is in place or is purchased. Report plans to club leaders and OCES Report (through written documentation claims or losses: date, time, details leading up to the accident, treatment administered, persons contacted, etc. Participate in health and safety training.

35 As a Chaperone… Identify and reduce opportunities for risk Avoid situations of negligence Be sure there is insurance for an activity or event Have a copy of the child’s Medical Release form quickly accessible Avoid transporting one child Do not leave children alone Reduce the need to house youth and adults together Well oriented/trained in expectations and responsibilities

36 A Time for County Sharing Overview and explanation of: Policy on filing Activity and Event Intent Forms County or Club Insurance Policy First Aid Kit

37 “Certification “ Completing Enrollment

38 Continuing Education County/Unit Opportunities District State

39 Maintaining Certification Annually complete 4 Continuing Education credits Enrollment form, Behavioral Guidelines and appropriate Volunteer Agreement Assessment of your volunteer position with county educator

40 Maintaining Certification When the following occurs Probation Break in service – “inactive” Termination of service

41 Paperwork to complete… Volunteer Enrollment Form Organizational Leader Agreement or Volunteer Agreement

42 A Time for County Sharing