Home > 4-H Youth Development > Maryland 4-H Volunteers > Volunteer Training - Unit 4 > Ideas for Club Level Recognition
Ideas for Club Level Recognition
Lesson 2 - Ideas for Club Level Recognition
Celebrating 4-Hers
Experts tell us the most effective recognition is that received soon after the achievement. It’s not practical for most formal state and unit recognition to be scheduled more than annually, but clubs have more flexibility and should celebrate their members frequently. The recognition can be at simple as applause at a meeting, as elaborate as a club dinner and everything in between. This lesson provides some ideas for member recognition. Please share your member recognition ideas.
Five Easy and Inexpensive Recognition Ideas for Clubs
1. Include a time for “Good News” at every club meeting. Recognize members who helped with a successful club project, participated in a 4-H event or contest, completed a project, etc. Have the members stand and receive a round of applause. Invite these members to be first in line for refreshments or choose the game played at the end of the meeting.
2. Be Creative and find a way to give special recognition to every member during the year. Consider awards like: best new member or faithful first year members, most improved attendance, most helpful, etc. To make this “special” recognition more special, only recognize a member or two at each meeting, in addition to those who have achievements to celebrate. Focus on younger members and those unlikely to receive other 4-H recognition.
3. Most folks like to see their name in print. If your club has its own newsletter, include the names of members receiving recognition. If your 4-H unit accepts “club news”, make sure your members are mentioned. Double check the spelling of member names and use the first name the member prefers (often a nickname). If you don’t know what name to use, ask the member.
4. A small token of recognition is often appreciated, especially by younger members. These tokens can be fast food coupons or kid’s meal “toys”, items created by members or from the 4-H Source Book (www.4-hmall.org) such as a pen, pencil, sticker, patch, button, key chain, wristband, etc.
5. Make your club recognition FUN, maybe even silly! Consider recognizing a “Club VIP” who will receive 
special treatment during the meeting including a “proclamation” featuring the member’s achievements, why he/she is valuable to the club, etc. A fast food crown or other means of identification may increase the fun. Caution: There’s often a fine line between recognition and embarrassment. It may be wise to reserve “VIP” recognition until the member is comfortable with his/her peers and you know if this type of recognition will be appreciated.
The above ideas are inexpensive but require planning. Consider asking the parent you’d like to have more engaged to serve as an activity leader responsible for club celebrations. If you have older teen volunteers, chairing a Club Celebrations Committee may be a good role for them.
Many clubs hold a Club Awards Dinner to celebrate their members more formally. This is also a great public relations event when parents and community leaders are invited. Keep the meal affordable with a simple menu and creative planning (see lesson three for ideas). This is a great way to end or begin a new club year and best when scheduled not too closely to 4-H unit and other awards events. Focus on the members and have older members to present the awards with adults in a background role.
If you have a question or comment please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Dan Tabler at dtabler@umd.edu , or by calling 302-856-4513.
Click Ideas for Unit Recognition to go to the next lesson.
dht 01/19/07
For more information, contact Lisa Dennis
Last updated: 06/13/2009