4-H Leader Organizations

Introduction 

Although not required for county-based 4-H programs, 4-H Leaders Organizations are chartered 4-H groups that provide opportunities for 4-H volunteers and youth leaders to support the local 4-H program. Much like a school PTO/PTA (Parent Teacher Organization/Association), 4-H Leader Organizations activities include:

  • Fundraising for 4-H programs and activities 
  • Supplemental recognition for 4-H members and 4-H volunteers including awards and scholarships
  • County-wide 4-H programming
  • 4-H Promotion

As with all chartered 4-H clubs and groups, 4-H Leader Organizations are accountable to the local 4-H Program Educator and must submit an annual Charter Application and Annual Financial Report. 

4-H Leader Organizations are not responsible for the hiring and supervision of 4-H Program Educators, the selection and supervision of 4-H volunteers, or decisions related to 4-H membership. 

4-H Leader Organization Structures

Ideal organizational models include: 

  • 4-H Leader Association or 4-H Leader Council – Board Representation is open to any 4-H volunteer or 4-H youth leader regardless of 4-H club.
  • 4-H Leader Federation – Board Representation is composed of one 4-H volunteer and 4-H youth leader from each chartered 4-H club and 4-H group. 

Regardless of structure, all 4-H Leader Organizations work alongside 4-H Clubs and 4-H Groups to develop a strong and thriving county 4-H program as shown in the County-Based 4-H Program Organizational Chart.

Only 4-H members (clubs) & 4-H members and approved 4-H volunteers (groups) are eligible to vote. The 4-H Program Educator has the authority to approve, deny, or request modifications to 4-H Club and Group operating guidelines, policies, bylaws, and/or constitutions to ensure that the language aligns with Wisconsin 4-H Policies, Mission, and Values.

Membership in 4-H Leader Organizations

Just like 4-H Clubs and other 4-H groups, 4-H Leader Organizations are responsible for managing their organization under 4-H by-laws and policy.   

Meetings

Meeting frequency varies from monthly to annually.

Bylaws

All 4-H Leader Organizations are required to have bylaws that are approved by their membership and the 4-H Program Educator. 

Sample 4-H Leader Association Bylaws

Incorporation Status

Before the passage of the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, 4-H volunteers who served on the Board of Directors of Leader Organizations had limited protection from personal liability for actions or activities conducted by the organization. As a result, many 4-H Leader Organizations chose to incorporate with the State of Wisconsin. Incorporation typically offers protection by shielding individuals from personal responsibility for the organization’s debts and liabilities. After the Volunteer Protection Act was enacted, many Leader Organizations chose to dissolve their incorporation status due to the legal protections provided by the new law, while others opted to retain their incorporated status. Ultimately, the decision to incorporate or maintain their incorporation status remains at the discretion of the Leader Organization’s membership. Important to note: being incorporated does not provide tax-exempt status. Income Tax exempt status for 4-H Leader Organizations is provided through the Annual Chartering process.

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