4-H Leader Training for Master Gardener Volunteers

1. 4-H Leader TrainingforMaster Gardener Volunteers Welcome!

2. Objectives of this Training I. What is 4-H? II. Reporting Responsibilities III. Risk Management

3. Master Gardeners + youth = 4-H! • Impacts that Master Gardeners have on youth in horticulture projects are counted in 4-H • Horticulture-related 4-H activities are counted as MG service hours

4. How does 4-H fit with the other programs? 4-H Horticulture FCS

5. I. What is 4-H? • USDA program based on the needs of youth • introduce better techniques to children who take message to parents • diverse groups, schools, and those of all abilities • stresses learning by doing

6. The 4-H Mission “The mission of 4-H is to assist youth, and adults working with those youth. To gain additional knowledge, life skills, and attitudes that will further their development as self-directing, contributing, and productive members of society.”

7. Who’s Who in Virginia 4-H ...Is the 4-H Extension Agent, other staff, and the volunteers who fill defined roles.

8. 4-H Symbols express the spirit and ideals The 4-H Pledge Motto “To Make The Best Better” Colors Emblem

9. Virginia 4-H Membership Age Policy • Cloverbuds • 4-H • Junior 4-H’ers are 9 through 11 years old • Intermediate 4-H’ers are 12 through 13 years old • Senior 4-H’ers are 14 through 18 years old

10. 4-H Delivery Modes • 4-H Neighborhood • 4-H Project Club • Cloverbud 4-H • After School 4-H • School 4-H, and others • …but Master Gardeners may fit best in one of the next two delivery modes

11. Special Interest 4-H • teaches youth, ages 9-18, subject matter in a short time • exposes new youth to 4-H • involves youth in further 4-H programming

12. School Enrichment 4-H 4-H materials used as part of school curriculum learning by experience, without involving organized club activities

13. Camps • Junior 4-H Camp • Special interest camps

14. II. Reporting Responsibilities • Compliance • Record Keeping

15. VCE Club Compliance Form • Numbers of members by race • Titles VI and IX compliance • Plans to comply

16. Keeping Records • Members • Volunteers

17. 4-H Enrollment Policy • Individual Enrollment • Group Enrollment • Group Summary • Don’t forget to count the adults!

18. 4-H Volunteer Enrollment Forms • 4-H Volunteer Enrollment Form • One Time/Occasional Enrollment • 4-H Volunteer Profile

19. Volunteer Tax Deduction Some deductible expenses are... • Mileage • Phone calls • Supplies to do the job Use the “Volunteer Tax Recordkeeping Form” on the back

20. III. Risk Management A. Elements of Liability B. 4-H Risk Management Guidelines C. Evaluating the Risks D. In the Event of an Incident or Accident

21. A. Elements All four elements must be present in the situation

22. Element #1 “Existence of a legal duty to protect the injured party from reasonable risks of harm that can be reasonably foreseen.”

23. Element #2 “A failure to perform that duty of care. Ignorance and inexperience are no excuse. Inability to perform will eventually lead to problems.”

24. Element #3 “An injury suffered by the claimant (person filing the claim). Injury may be physical, mental or property.”

25. Element #4 “A reasonably close causal relationship between the breach of duty and the claimant’s injury.”

26. How to Ruin a Lawyer’s Day Document your planning and training: • Notes to the effect that you know who you have duty of care for • Analyze the activity and environment for hazards on paper • Write down your contingency plans for accidents or incidents

27. B. 4-H Risk Management Guidelines • Annual member and volunteer enrollment forms • Health History Forms • Health and Accident Insurance • Permission and Release Form • Above Suspicion Policy

28. Current Enrollment Forms If the participant is not enrolled, the coverage may be at risk

29. Health History Report Forms submitted at the beginning of a school year may not have the most recent information. Forms should be in the possession of the responsible adult. • Check that the leader has them!

30. Health and Accident Insurance • Non-school groups can get insurance through American Income Life Insurance Company • Individual club activities coverage for $1 per year

31. Permission and Release Forms • Forms should be on file with the school, • or obtained by the volunteer from the parents.

32. Allegations of Abuse Two Issues: Abuse or neglect is suspected Positioning of the volunteer to be “above suspicion”

33. If abuse or neglect is suspected... • By law, the volunteer has a responsibility 1-800-552-7096 • If during this process you feel your safety or the safety of others is in jeopardy, you should call the police • Be aware of the confidentiality issues

34. “Above Suspicion” Policy • One other person should be around at all times, preferably an adult • Anticipate scenarios to avoid problems

35. C. Evaluating the Risks • Anticipate safety hazards, and plan for problems • Use the handout, “Planning for the Best and the Worst” as a checklist!

36. D. In the Event of an Incident... Submit the Accident / Incident Report for: • personal injuries or accidents to participants or volunteers • serious injuries

37. In the event of... • serious multiple injuries, or fatalities, • incidents that involve law enforcement, • or incidents that may result in litigation ..follow the card listing Emergency Procedures

38. Volunteer’s injuries... ...are covered by the volunteer’s health insurance

39. Liability and Legal Counsel • Virginia Tech Insurance Coverage for Volunteers • Visit the VCE website: http://www.ext.vt.edu/vce/policies/ riskmgt/riskmgt.html

40. Any Discussion? Thank you for attending!