Kansas 4-H Action Teams serve to bring youth, volunteers, agents, and specialists together to provide leadership in the development of a project subject matter or program including planning and conducting of one or more state events or activities. It assures grassroots involvement, provides leadership opportunities, and creates a cadre of informed, motivated volunteers across the state.

1. Committed to mission of K-State
2. Committed individuals
3. Volunteer led
4. Composed of youth, adults and staff
5. Appointed membership
6. Rotation of terms
7. Geographic representation

The role of action teams is to provide leadership in the development of a project subject matter or program including conducting and managing major state events or activities. Areas of responsibility are to be outlined for each team by the State or Area 4-H Specialist with the approval of Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development. Responsibilities may be modified annually by the State or Area 4-H Specialist with the approval of the Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development based on 1) changing needs, 2) interest of team members, or 3) suggestions from other Extension personnel.

Responsibility areas may include:

     1.  Participating in team meetings as requested (annually 2-3 times a year)
     2.  Conducting appropriate statewide events or programs
     3.  Assisting with training of volunteers
     4.  Reviewing and making suggestions to State 4-H Department for
 
          --leader training materials and programs
          --members’ materials
          --awards programs, as appropriate
          --project exhibition opportunities

     5.  Promoting participation in the project/program area, including donor support if necessary.
     6.  Demonstrating proper financial accountability

Final accountability for accepting team recommendations and implementing Kansas 4-H programs rests with State or Area 4-H Specialists and the Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development.

The need for a 4-H action team in a special area may be suggested by Extension agents, volunteers, or specialists. The decision to establish such a team rests with the Assistant Director, 4-H youth Development who shall confer with the specialists and other Assistant Directors/State Extension Leaders concerned.

Criteria to be considered in selection will include:
     1.  The extent to which agents and volunteers may already be involved with other committee assignments,
     2.  Geographic distribution among Extension’s administrative areas, and
     3.  Securing a balance of interest among team members between youth development and project subject matter expertise.

Ideally a State Action Team shall have a minimum of 15 positions, with 5 adult volunteers, 5 teens (13 years old before Jan.1) and 5 Extension agents. Adult volunteers and teens must be VIP registered with their county/district Extension Unit. A faculty advisor (State or Area Specialist) will serve as an ex-officio member. Total position needs for each team will be determined by the faculty advisor and Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development.

It is suggested that adult volunteer and agent positions will consist of one three year term with terms renewable. The teen positions will consist of a 2 year commitment with an option to renew for another 1 or 2 year commitment.

Final appointment will be made by the State or Area Specialist and the Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development.

A team meets as the occasion warrants, generally no more than two or three times a year. Date, time, and location of meetings are determined by the chair. The agenda is to be developed by the chair and distributed to all team members in advance of the meeting. Travel and lodging expenses will be the responsibility of the individual members.

Each team will elect its own officers/leadership team every year. A temporary chair will conduct the first meeting of a new team, with election of officers/other leadership to be held at the conclusion of the first meeting.

Ad hoc groups involving additional people may be appointed as needed, using the same procedures as used in the appointment of the team.

Names and county/district of action team members will be posted on the team’s website. Program information will be shared via the action team website.