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Orientation for Certification

of Oklahoma 4-HVolunteers

Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer Management

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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.

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Review purpose of OCES 4-H Youth Development ProgramIntroduce Program Policy #5, RAM Form/Youth Code of Conduct and Affirmative ActionOrganizational Structure of a club and county programManaging RiskContinuing Education OpportunitiesMaintaining Certification Complete enrollment

Objective:

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Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

4-H Youth Development

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Getting to know us…

Oklahoma’s Land Grant Universities100 year traditionYouth Development Education

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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 attitudesTeaches one to help one’s self, which leads to helping others

4-H Project Work…

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4-H Events4-H Events4-H events provide an opportunity for education, evaluation and recognition.

4-H Activities4-H Activities4-H Activities provide an opportunity for education, participation and fellowship.

Philosophy of…

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4-H Recognition Model

A club and county program should have a healthy blend of all five

forms of recognition.

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4-H is Experiential Learning…Five-part learning modelFive-part learning model1. EXPERIENCE the activity; perform it2. SHARE the results, reactions,

observations publicly3. PROCESS by discussing, looking at

the experience; analyze, reflect4. GENERALIZE to connect the

experience to real-world examples5. APPLY what was learned to a similar

or different situation; practice

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4-H Pledge

I pledgeMy head to clearer thinking,My heart to greater loyalty,My hands to larger service,

andMy health to better living for

my club, my community, my country, and my world.

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A Time for County Sharing

Overview and explanation of:

•County Project Clubs•4-H Project Manuals•County Activities and Events•Forms of Recognition Practiced

RibbonAwards Program

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Program Policy

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

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Policy No. 5MembershipMembership

Cloverbuds – non-competitive program for 5-8 year oldsTraditional membership 9-19 years old

4-H Year4-H YearJuly 1- June 30“Age as of January 1”Livestock show rules and guidelines

RolesRolesMember, Parent, Family, Club Leader, Volunteer, Extension Educator

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Policy No. 5General RulesGeneral 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

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A Time for County Sharing

Overview and explanation of:Yearbook

Newsletter

Deadlines

Forms

Website

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Structure of Local and County

4-H Programs

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Activity Leader

Project Leader

Organizational Leader

Teen Leader

Committee(s) of members and parents

Loca

l 4

-H C

lub S

truct

ure

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4-H ClubsMeet regularlyAre run by youth officers, supervised and instructed by a caring adultHave an educational emphasisProvide opportunity for developing communication skillsFun and enjoyable for members and familiesProvide recognition and peer supportWell organized

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Club MeetingBusiness

Call to OrderOpening with Pledges and RitualRoll call/sign inIntroduction of GuestsMinutes & CorrespondenceTreasurer’s ReportReports of CommitteesUnfinished BusinessNew BusinessAnnouncementsAdjournment

Program or EducationTalks & Demonstrations by MembersJudging Activity or Project LessonOpportunities to Learn by DoingGuest Speakers, Films, etc.Special Tours or Group Activities

Recreation & Recreation & RefreshmentsRefreshmentsGames, skits, plays, parties, songs, etc..Snacks or meal

Education Business Recreation

Business

RecreationRecreation Education

50%33%

17%

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Parent-Volunteer

Association

Program Advisory

Committee

4-H Foundation

Youth Council

Committee(s) of adult and youth volunteers

Cou

nty

4-H

Pro

gra

m S

truct

ure

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Parent-Volunteer

AssociationC

ou

nty

4-H

Pro

gra

m S

truct

ure

Committee(s)ActivitiesEventsParent-Volunteer Training

Club Representation

Youth-Adult Partnership with Youth Council

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Program Advisory

CommitteeC

ou

nty

4-H

Pro

gra

m S

truct

ure

Diverse group of perspectives

Representative of county geographically and ethnically

Assists in identifying needs and trends

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4-H Foundation

Cou

nty

4-H

Pro

gra

m S

truct

ure

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

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Youth Council

Cou

nty

4-H

Pro

gra

m S

truct

ure Works in cooperation

with Parent-Volunteer Association

Representative of all clubs and ages

Youth active participants on county planning committees

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Committee(s) of adult and youth volunteers

Cou

nty

4-H

Pro

gra

m S

truct

ure Committee(s) empowered

to plan, conduct, and evaluate county programs, activities, and events.

Establish and maintain a strong Youth-Adult Partnership.

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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

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Managing Risk

Transportation and Chaperones

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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.

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“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”

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Risks You May Face...TortsAutomobile liability- Volunteer Owned Vehicle- University self-insurance- Transporting children- Extension responsibility- Teen Drivers

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Risks You May Face...• Director and officers liability• General liability• Offering services to

vulnerable people• Other volunteer issues

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Everyday operations...Participate in sufficient training

regarding supervising minorsHelp identify risks, report them and/or correct the identified risk(s).Avoid situations of negligence.Reduce riskBe sure insurance is in place or is purchased.Report plans to club leaders and OCESReport (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.

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As a Chaperone…Identify and reduce opportunities for riskAvoid situations of negligenceBe sure there is insurance for an activity or eventHave a copy of the child’s Medical Release form quickly accessibleAvoid transporting one childDo not leave children aloneReduce the need to house youth and adults togetherWell oriented/trained in expectations and responsibilities

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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

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“Certification “

Completing Enrollment

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Continuing Education

County/Unit OpportunitiesDistrictState

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Maintaining Certification

Annually completeAnnually complete

4 Continuing Education creditsEnrollment form, Behavioral Guidelines and appropriate Volunteer AgreementAssessment of your volunteer position with county educator

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Maintaining Certification

When the following occursWhen the following occurs

ProbationBreak in service – “inactive”Termination of service

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Paperwork to complete…

Volunteer Enrollment FormOrganizational Leader Agreement or Volunteer Agreement

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A Time for County Sharing