DISTRICT 8 ADULT LEADER ADVISORY TASK FORCE

ALA Standing Rules

ADULT LEADER ADVISORY TASK FORCE OFFICERS

2007-2008 OFFICERS
President
1st Vice-President
2nd Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer

PURPOSE

The Adult Leader Advisory Task Force is composed of volunteer 4-H leaders from District 8 who meet and work together to improve the leadership available to 4-H members.

These volunteer leaders:

• Are dedicated to the well-being and development of youth.
• Assume direct responsibilities in working with youth.
• Believe in a helping relationship between youth and adults.
• Seek to improve their own abilities in working with youth.

Any interested District 8 volunteer 4-H leader may belong to the Task Force. All 4-H leaders within the district are invited to Task Force meetings.

The Adult Leader Advisory Task Force serves volunteer 4-H leaders. Leaders exchange ideas, discuss mutual concerns and help each other. Task Force meetings provide leaders with information about 4-H and working with youth. It is a time of learning, sharing and fellowship.

The District Adult Leader Advisory Task Force develops and supports volunteer 4-H leaders in their roles with 4-H clubs, members and activities. The Task Force recognizes four important ideas:

• The primary business of 4-H is the needs of youth.
• Volunteer 4-H leaders play a key role in the system of helping 4-H youth.
• Adults who volunteer their time and talents to work with the 4-H Program warrant the encouragement and support of an organized group of peers.
• Many adults who volunteer to work within 4-H need training in such areas as:
  1. Their specific role as a leader.
  2. How to work with youth.
  3. Specific knowledge about project subjects.
  4. The 4-H program including background, activities, rules and procedures.
  5. Current concerns, events and opinions in the lives of youth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Identify leader training needs. Leaders should identify their own training needs. The Task Force helps collect and summarize opinions of leaders about training programs based on topics identified by volunteer leaders.
2. Help conduct leader training. Many adult volunteer leaders are able to conduct leader training sessions. The Task Force should identify leaders who can help conduct training and coordinate schedules, arrangements and topics with the county and District Extension staff.
3. Promote idea exchange and mutual support. Leaders have useful ideas and experiences that can be shared to help other leaders. Leaders can help each other by individual visits and direct assistance. The Task Force arranges opportunities for leaders to exchange ideas and help.
4. Help explain 4-H to the public. The Task Force helps explain 4-H through its contacts with mass media, donors and elected officials. Leaders take advantage of personal contacts to explain the 4-H program.
5. Help develop program resources. The 4-H Program requires certain resources to be effective. The leaders’ Task Force helps 4-H clubs locate resources needed for their program.
6. Involve leaders in 4-H activities. 4-H leaders are among those most often involved in 4-H activities. The Task Force helps leaders become involved in 4-H activities of their choice. Since 4-H depends on the help leaders provide, the Task Force recruits leaders to work on various 4-H activities.
7. Recognize leader accomplishments. The noteworthy accomplishments of 4-H leaders are many. The Task Force sponsors, encourages and makes efforts to recognize leaders for their service and achievements.