How to Recruit New Leaders

Recruiting new leaders is an important responsibility of every 4-H club.  New leaders keep the club active, strong, diverse, and open to new ideas.  Leaders are usually parents of members but can also be any interested adult over the age of 18 years old.  New leaders bring variety and scope to club projects and will help diversify the types of projects that are offered.  Families may also remain active in the club longer if a parent is a leader.

WHERE TO RECRUIT NEW LEADERS:

• From club membership

-Ask parents to attend informal new leaders meeting

• From community

-Notices in local paper

• Interested friends

-Work acquaintances

AT NEW LEADER MEETING:

• Introduce yourself and greet each person by name
• Brief discussion on projects currently being offered
• Brief discussion on what running a project entails
• “Wish List” of new projects and activities for which the club needs adult leadership

-Include specific time commitments for each activity

-Name resources for getting help

-Assure leaders that there is written material available to help lead projects

• Have project leaders sign up

FOLLOW UP PHONE CALL:

• Call within 1 month after new leaders meeting
• Ask if they have any questions
• Ask what help they need to start their project

-Arrange for a junior leader in that area to help

• Advertise their first project meeting in the club newsletter and at the next club meeting