4-H Photography Project Leader

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4-H'ers learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills through hands-on project work. 4-H members are encouraged to pursue the projects that excite them, learning to set goals and meet them with the guidance and support of caring adults.

As the County Project Leader for Photography, you will work with youth from all over Clay County, teaching them the fundamentals of great photography and helping them prepare photography projects (photos, demonstrations, or posters) to enter in the Clay County 4-H Fair.

For more details about this position, see below. To apply for this position, please contact Emily at 816-407-3490 or reiersgaarde@missouri.edu.

Purpose:

Understand, create, and support educational experiences that:

• Support the positive growth and development of each youth involved
• Develop important life skills and create opportunities for youth to learn, lead, and serve
• Involve youth in becoming competent, caring, and connected citizens of character in their communities

Time Required and Length of Commitment:

• Minimum of 24 hours per year, consisting of the following: at least six 60- to 90-minute meetings, workshops, field trips, or tours; 2-4 hours of prep time per meeting; and 2-3 hours of volunteer orientation and training per year
• Beginning in January of 2016 and continuing for six months, with opportunity to extend into the 2016-2017 school year

Responsibilities:

Facilitate youth learning about a project by:

• Helping 4-H members establish goals and plan for their project work
• Planning a sequence of learning experiences (e.g., meetings, workshops, tours, and/or field trips) so that the project appeals to beginnings and more advanced learners
• Conducting project meetings or learning experiences where members can get hands-on experiences (at least 6 meetings, each 60 to 90 minutes in length)
• Supporting and encouraging individual members in planning and carrying out projects, as needed
• Involving experienced youth in the teaching as Youth Leaders
• Encouraging parents to support project work at home
• Assisting members with demonstrations, exhibits, and other sharing activities
• Helping project members complete project records to plan and evaluate their progress
• Providing recognition for the project accomplishments of members
• Keeping members informed of other opportunities related to the project
• Being sensitive to risks, and using risk management strategies related to project work
• Participating in volunteer development opportunities to stay current with information, learn new skills, and maintain 4-H standards of quality experiences for youth
• Follow all 4-H guidelines and policies of University of Missouri Extension, the Missouri 4-H program and the local 4-H programs (Clay County, Platte County, and/or Jackson County).

Qualifications:

• Complete and pass volunteer screening with University of Missouri Extension and Missouri 4-H
• Possess a desire to work with and learn from youth, and a sincere interest in the safety and wellbeing of youth
• The ability to organize and motivate youth while nurturing positive youth development, decision-making, responsibility, and leadership in youth
• A strong interest in photography; knowledge and experience preferred, but not required
• The ability to teach using a prepared lesson plan and/or 4-H project resources (no expert or technical knowledge required!) and the Experiential Learning Model (to be covered in training)
• The ability to communicate effectively with youth, parents, other adult volunteers, and staff, both verbally and written
• A willingness to become familiar with the philosophy and guidelines of University of Missouri Extension and the Clay County 4-H Program

Resources/Training Available:

The University of Missouri Extension’s Clay County 4-H program agrees to:

• Provide training opportunities (local and regional) that will help meet the needs of volunteer leaders, members, and parents
• Provide Project Leader literature
• Provide appropriate curricula, newsletters, and other resource materials
• Provide the screening required for volunteers
• Listen to ideas to help improve the 4-H program
• Provide recognition and awards to Project Leaders

Benefits:

• Experience working with, learning with, and learning from youth
• Training to enhance personal skills and knowledge
• Opportunity to meet new people and participate in many aspects of 4-H

Report to:

Emily Reiersgaard, 4-H Youth Development Specialist

(816) 407-3490 or reiersgaarde@missouri.edu