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Recognizing Parents

Recognizing Parents. 1. Identify methods to recognize the contributions of parents to a youth program. Why is it important to recognize parent contributions? What methods can be used to recognize parents?. 2. Importance of Recognition.

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Recognizing Parents

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  1. Recognizing Parents 1

  2. Identify methods to recognize the contributions of parents to a youth program. • Why is it important to recognize parent contributions? • What methods can be used to recognize parents? 2

  3. Importance of Recognition • Parent involvement contributes to overall program success • Everyone likes to be recognized (and thanked!) • Recognizing parents encourages them to continue participating Sullivan County, Indiana, 4-H Awards Program 3

  4. When recognizing parents… • Be creative! • Don’t forget the simple things • Get everyone involved • Youth and other volunteers can help • Everyone likes to feel appreciated by those they serve • Young people may suggest innovative ways to recognize parents • Personal and sincere recognition is priceless! 4

  5. Methods of Recognition • Remind everyone to simply say, “Thank you” • Host a Parent Appreciation event • Youth can serve snacks or a meal they created • Youth can present talents or skills learned and thank those who assisted them • Youth can present certificates or small tokens of appreciation to parents • Include parent recognition in 4-H newsletters or news stories 5

  6. Methods of Recognition • Recognize parents/families along with children at any 4-H achievement program • Ask youth to respond to roll call with a statement about their parents, such as “I’m proud of my parent because…” • Plan family-friendly club events where parents are included and celebrated • Cook-out or campfire • Family game night • Potluck meal 6

  7. Methods of Recognition • Thank parents by helping them to arrange childcare for younger children during 4-H activities • Work with community businesses to provide discounts, coupons, or gift certificates for parents who help out • Write thank-you notes, cards, or e-mails expressing your gratitude and appreciation Thank You! 7

  8. Methods of Recognition • Personalize it • Certificate or plaque with the parent’s name • Choose a gift or token that has personal meaning for the individual • Designate one monthly newsletter as the “recognition issue” • Make time to personally call and thank a parent whose support has been instrumental 8

  9. Methods of Recognition • Organize a “Parent’s Night Out” for volunteers • Arrange child care for participants • Keep event free or low cost so all can participate • Invite selected parents to be a “guest of honor” at a club meeting • Provide opportunities for parents to have greater involvement in the 4-H program Get to know your volunteers so you can recognize them in ways that are meaningful to them. 9

  10. Methods of Recognition • Send a handwritten thank-you note • Send an e-mail message • Ask a volunteer for their input about a program • Personalize the recognition – provide a gift that is meaningful for the individual volunteer - 131 Ways to Say "Thank-You" and Recognize Volunteers, Ohio State University Extension 10

  11. Methods of Recognition • Give a “Volunteer of the Year" award • Ask effective volunteers to each recruit another volunteer who is "just like them” • Always use the volunteer’s first name. • Nominate a volunteer to teach a workshop. • Recognize the impact of the number of hours contributed to the organization or program. - 131 Ways to Say "Thank-You" and Recognize Volunteers, Ohio State University Extension 11

  12. Methods of Recognition • Have a program participant share a success story about the volunteer. • Encourage clientele to send thank-you notes • Praise volunteers in public - especially in front of family and friends • Ask members to draw a picture or take a photo of a light bulb or candle with the message, "You light up my life“ - 131 Ways to Say "Thank-You" and Recognize Volunteers, Ohio State University Extension 12

  13. Promising Practice: Recruiting Military Volunteers 13

  14. Military Volunteer Service • Volunteer hours are significant for service members, spouses, and family members • Each installation has a volunteer coordinator • Track volunteer enrollment, hours, recognition • May coordinate volunteer recognition programs • Active duty service members list volunteer time on their evaluation performance records  promotion and recognition • Many installations provide free or low-cost childcare for parents during their volunteer hours 14

  15. Recruiting Military Volunteers • Contact volunteer coordinator on installation • Provide title and logistics of the program/event • Position description, hours required, and screening required • Volunteer coordinator assists in finding potential volunteers and matching them to opportunities • Volunteers can assist with fairs, camps, deployment events, afterschool programs, reading programs, homework help, mentors programs and more 15

  16. Reflect • What reasons do you see to recognize parents for their contributions to the 4-H program? • What benefits do you see from involving the youth in the recognition of their parents? • How will recognition of parents help your program grow? • What will a culture of recognition tell parents about your program? 16

  17. Apply • Which methods do you anticipate using to recognize parent contributions? • How will you involve participants in this recognition? • What will participants learn from being involved in parent recognition activities? 17

  18. Key Concepts • Parents should be recognized for their contributions • Parent recognition can be creative and involve participants • A wide variety of recognition can be provided to parents through the 4-H program year • Refer to the Recognizing Parents Fact Sheet for more information. 18

  19. “Involving Parents in 4-H,” 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Series, University of Arkansas Extension. <www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/HTML/4-H_Volunteer_Leaders_Series/4HCG1.asp> • Purdue University, State 4-H Youth Development Program. (2001, June). “Parents,” Indiana 4-H Leader Guide. (4-H 685-W). West Lafayette, Indiana. 19

  20. “131 WAYS TO RECOGNIZE 4-H VOLUNTEERS,” Ohio 4-H Volunteer Fact Sheet #40; compiled by Ken Culp, III, Ph.D., Extension Specialist, Volunteerism, Ohio State University Extension; Vicki J. Schwartz, M.Ed., Chair & Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, OSU Extension, Washington County; I. Joseph Campbell, M.S., Chair & Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, OSU Extension, Fairfield County • <www.four-h.purdue.edu/downloads/ext_ed/pdf/131and139.pdf> 20

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