4-H Leaders and Teen Leaders

What is a leader?

Leadership skills can be learned and developed by anyone. They include all of the qualities necessary to guide a group from one point to another. Leaders use their personal knowledge, skills and influence to establish relationships with people and help others meet their goals.

Leaders need to understand varieties of leadership styles, skills and qualities and know in which situations to use them. Ideal leaders are able to lead and teach leadership at the same time. They share their talents with group members so that everyone may benefit and grow. Leaders become effective by modeling the skills and characteristics they seek to pass on to others. They acquire trust by being a person of good character and they achieve power by empowering others.

Leadership is something you believe in, but also something you put into action! A great way to learn about leadership is through developing leadership skills. 4-H offers youth the opportunity to learn about leadership skills and practice them at the same time. Deciding to be a teen leader in 4-H means looking at your involvement in your club and community and changing the way you participate by kicking it up a notch! By learning leadership skills, teens can take on new roles, and more effectively put their ideas into action.

Annually, more than 5,000 teens registered as 4-H teen leaders. Learn what a 4-H teen leader is, what you can do as a teen leader and how to get involved.

What is a 4-H teen leader?

For the purpose of using the 4-H Teen Leadership materials, a 4-H teen leader will be defined as a young person who is:

• Between the ages of 13 and 19 years old.
• Learning and developing leadership skills.
• Using his or her knowledge, skills and abilities to help others meet their goals.
• Practicing leadership skills through various activities and reflecting on the leadership experiences.

Though a 4-H teen may be learning and developing leadership skills, to be a 4-H teen leader, the young person also needs to be practicing what he or she has learned and reflecting on the leadership experiences. First-time activities should be designed so that the teen can gain confidence in his or her skills and abilities. Experiences should become more challenging as the teens develop their leadership skills.

4-H Leader's Manual

4-H Teen Leadership Learning Modules

1. What Is a Leader?
2. What Is a 4-H Teen Leader?
3. How Can I Become a 4-H Teen Leader?

4-H Leader Application and Agreement Forms

• Volunteer Application
• Volunteer Criminal History Permission Form
• Volunteer Code of Conduct Form
• Leadership Roles or Job Descriptions
• Member's Personal 4-H Record Book
• Member's Personal 4-H Record Book

For more information about leadership and valuable resources, click here.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested three days before the event by calling to make the arrangements, requests received after three days will be met when possible.

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