Vicki Schwartz, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development
Jason Hedrick, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Putnam County
Minnie Taylor, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Lorain County
Jane Keyser, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Belmont County
Recognition for service to 4-H is an important component of the Ohio 4-H volunteer program. In Ohio, for the year 2006, there were 21,998 adult volunteers supporting 4-H program efforts throughout the state (Elder, 2007). The foundation of Ohio 4-H success lies with volunteers and it is imperative they be recognized for their efforts.
Most individuals gain a sense of appreciation when they know their volunteer efforts are recognized and valued by 4-H members, parents, and other volunteers, as well as by Extension staff at the county and state levels. When researching why volunteers continue or discontinue service within 4-H, Smith and Bigler (1985) found continuing volunteers expressed the fact that they had received more tangible recognition and had greater attendance at recognition programs/dinners than the discontinuing volunteers. Thus, volunteer program administrators are wise to increase their efforts to honor volunteers with all types of recognition.
For many people, the knowledge and heart-warming memories that they have been a positive influence in the lives of 4-H members are enough incentive to continue their volunteer roles within 4-H. However, the Ohio 4-H program does have several categories of awards for which volunteers, 4-H clubs, county committees, or Extension professionals may nominate worthy individuals or clubs. Nominee applications are reviewed by a selection committee, and those selected for the awards (typically four honorees per category) are recognized at the Ohio 4-H Volunteer Conference and Bob Evans Farm 4-H Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.
Award applications are available in early fall (typically by October 1) as part of the Ohio 4-H Awards and Opportunities packet. Award applications or nominations are generally due into county offices by mid-November. Nominations are due from counties to the State 4-H Office by December 1. For additional information contact your Extension 4-H educator. The award categories and their descriptions for Ohio 4-H volunteers are listed below.
Adult 4-H volunteers, recognized for a lifetime of meritorious service.
Adult and youth 4-H volunteers and their 4-H youth leadership who have developed and implemented innovative and creative programs or activities.
Adult and youth volunteers who have collaborated or cooperated with other community or 4-H groups or undertaken them with their own 4-H club or unit, community service project, or activities.
4-H volunteers and their 4-H youth leaders who have undertaken a recruitment effort that attracted new membership.
Adult and youth 4-H volunteers who have demonstrated and displayed an ability to develop leadership skills in youth.
An individual (adult), family, business, or corporation that has greatly supported or currently supports the Ohio 4H program in a charitable manner at the county, state, or national level.
Individuals (adults) who have made significant lifetime contributions of service to the 4H program and who have also made an important positive impact upon clubs, communities, and the state 4H program.
As with most volunteer organizations, 4-H believes in highlighting milestones of service. These milestones include completing 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service as a 4-H volunteer. Lifetime commitments of over 40 years of service are also recognized annually. In addition to the previous seven volunteer awards that have already been identified, most counties recognize these tenure milestones at an annual county achievement or volunteer awards banquet. These volunteers are also recognized at the statewide recognition event, the Bob Evans Farms 4-H Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.
Saying “thanks” is another way to provide recognition that is highly encouraged by 4-H. It’s often the easiest way to share appreciation, but oftentimes the most overlooked. Sending birthday cards, notes of congratulations, and thank-you notes to 4-H volunteers and 4-H members is an outstanding way to casually recognize their efforts and gifts. Teaching 4-H members to write and send cards and notes also recognizes volunteers in a meaningful way.
Culp, III, K., Schwartz, V. J., & Campbell, I. J. (1997). 139 ways to say “thank-you” and recognize volunteers. Conference Proceedings: Association for Research of Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action. Indianapolis, IN. December 4–6, 1997.
Culp, III, K., Schwartz, V. J., & Campbell, I. J. (1997). Ohio 4-H volunteer recognition model. Conference Proceedings: Association for Research of Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action. Indianapolis, IN. December 4–6, 1997.
Culp, III, K., & Schwartz, V. J. (1998). Recognizing adult volunteer 4-H leaders. Journal of Extension [On-line] 36, (2). Available at: www.joe.org/joe/1998april/rb3.html
Elder, J. (2007). Ohio 4-H Youth Development State Statistical Report. Columbus, OH: The Ohio State University. Available: www.ohio4h.org/about/statistics.html
Smith, K. L., & Bigler, N. M. (1985). Keeping 4-H volunteer leaders: Why some stay and some don’t. Journal of Extension [On-line] 23 (2). Available at: www.joe.org/joe/1985summer/a3.html
Original Authors: Culp, K., Schwartz, V. J., & Campbell, I. J. (1999). Recognizing 4-H volunteers. Columbus, OH: The Ohio State University.
Peer Reviewed—2007
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