Increasing Parental Involvement in 4-H Programming: Strategies and Tips

Parents are an important part of youths' success within the 4-H program (Radhakrishna, Foley, Ingram, & Ewing, 2013). However, lack of parental involvement has been identified as a challenge that 4-H is facing (McKee, Taulbert & Barkman, 2002). How should volunteer leaders better involve parents in 4-H programming?

A synthesis of literature allowed us to group existing resources and tips into strategies that can help community leaders increase parental involvement in youth programs:

Strategies and Tips for Increased Parental Involvement in Youth Programming

• Include parents at the early stage of program delivery.

Explain the following to parents:

1. The benefits of the youth program.
2. Your desire for them to be involved in the planning process.
3. Your clearly defined expectations for parent involvement (meeting attendance, parents' roles and responsibilities, etc.).

• Provide a welcoming environment for the entire family:

1. Introduce new parents to volunteer leaders and other parents.
2. Assign parents to small committees so they can get to know each other better.
3. Schedule social events for families including all family members, for example, a bowling night or picnic.
4. Invite parents to county 4-H events

• Foster "two-way" communication.

1. Communicate with parents in person, through emails, and via newsletters.
2. Provide parents with volunteer opportunities, events, and dates.
3. Send out reminders.

• Match parents' talents, interests, and availability with tasks.

1. Learn about parents' skills, areas of interests, and availability.
2. Discuss how parents may participate and benefit from helping with the youth program.

• Be specific and timely.

1. Ask parents for help in advance.
2. Share the time and resources involved in completing the task.
3. Parents will come back if they will feel that their contribution was appreciated, so thank them in a timely manner.

• Be direct and consistent

1. Ask for help and participation, in person and individually.
2. Ask them to host a meeting at their home.
3. Ask them to participate in the yearly planning session for program events and activities.
4. Apply parents' suggestions and recommendations when possible.
5. Learn about parents' perceptions and feelings with a survey.

• Recognize parents' involvement and program members' success.

1. Recognize both the youth and the parents for their efforts at an annual recognition event.
2. Emphasize major accomplishments of youth and their progress at meetings throughout the year in front of parents.
3. Thank parents for involving their child.
4. Sincerely express your gratitude to parents for their involvement informally and in person.

References

4-H Manitoba. (2015). Leading youth: Getting Manitoba 4-H parents involved.

McKee, R. K., Talbert, B. A., & Barkman, S. J. (2002). The challenges associated with change in 4-H/youth development. Journal of Extension, 40(2), n2.

Purdue University. (n.d.). Working effectively with 4-H parents.

Radhakrishna, R., Foley, C., Ingram, P., & Ewing, J. C. (2013). Effectiveness of the 4-H program as perceived by parents of 4-H participants. Journal of Extension, 51(4), Article-4RIB8.

Reaman, K. (2009). Get parents involved in your 4-H club.

Scholtz, D., (2013). 4-H volunteer information series: Strategies to engage every parent. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension 4-H Youth Development.

Shriner, J.A. (2018). Involving parents in 4-H. Ohioline.

Torretta, A., & Bovitz, L. (2005). Affirmative approach to parental involvement in youth programs. Journal of Extension.

University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. (2009). Parent involvement in 4-H Youth Development.