Welcome 4 H Leader Training for Master Gardener

Welcome! 4 -H Leader Training for Master Gardener Volunteers

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

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

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

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

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. ”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camps • Junior 4 -H Camp • Special interest camps

II. Reporting Responsibilities • Compliance • Record Keeping

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

Keeping Records • Members • Volunteers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any Discussion? Thank you for attending!