Independent Membership

• 1) Understand 4-H

  4-H is a youth development organization that promotes hands-on learning in areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement. As an independent member, you’ll engage in learning projects that interest you, guided by the 4-H motto: “Learn by Doing.”

• 2) Register as an Independent Member

  Enroll in 4-H Online: All 4-H members and volunteers create profiles in 4-H Online. Select 'Independent Member' as your primary club.

  For detailed instructions, use this link: [Florida 4-H Enrollment Instructions – YOUTH MEMBER]

  Membership Fees: Florida 4-H membership fees are $20.00 per youth.

• 3) Select Your Projects

  Choose a Project: Pick one or more projects that align with your interests. Projects can range from animal sciences to robotics, environmental health, and more.

  Browse project ideas and resources here: Florida 4-H Projects or Shop 4-H

  Set Goals: For each project, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.

• 4) Plan Your Activities
  • Develop a Project Plan: Outline what you intend to learn or accomplish, the steps you’ll take, resources needed, and timelines.
  • Identify a Mentor (optional): While independent, it’s beneficial to have a mentor. This could be a parent, teacher, or a professional in the field of your project. The mentor should guide, provide feedback, and help you navigate any challenges.
  • Meet with a 4-H Agent: Once you have outlined your plan, schedule a meeting with your 4-H Agent. The 4-H Agent will review your plan before you begin your project.
• 5) Complete Projects and Keep Records

  Complete Projects: Work through your project plan and use 4-H Project Books you selected from Step 3.

  Keep Records: Document your activities, expenses, and learning outcomes. This record will be helpful for evaluating your progress and for participating in competitions or fairs.

  Do at least one service project and one field trip/guest interview.

• 6) Engage with the 4-H Community

  Participate in 4-H Events: Attend the county fair, state competitions, or other 4-H events. This is a great way to showcase your work and meet other 4-H members.

  • • Add county/state opportunities (events, fairs, camps) to your calendar.
      • Broward County 4-H Events
      • Florida 4-H State Events
    • County Programs (to name a few)
      • 4-H Exhibits at the South Florida or Miami-Dade Fair
      • March 4-Health
      • Tailgating Competition
      • Summer Internships

  Community Service: Consider integrating community service into your projects to enhance learning and give back to your community.

   

• 7) Turn In a 4-H Project Record Book

  4-H Project Record Books are tools that help 4-H members to document their work and learning experiences throughout their 4-H projects. These books are essential for tracking progress, setting goals, and reflecting on accomplishments and challenges faced during the project. Completing a Project Record Book helps members to develop essential life skills such as goal-setting, record-keeping, and self-reflection.

  Members should complete a record book each year that you participate in any project.

  [Learn more about Project Record Books →]