Professional Development

Sort by:
Updated: April 28, 2021

Planning and Facilitating a 4-H Public Speaking Workshop


Maryland 4-H Youth Development programs incorporate experiential learning opportunities that promote development of life skills including communication/public speaking. This fact sheet provides a framework for planning and facilitating a public speaking workshop and includes suggested learning activities that can be adapted for various youth audiences.
Updated: April 20, 2021

Speaking of Appreciation: Ways to Incorporate Informal Recognition into Your Program

Authors: Jamie Morris

Volunteer recognition is one of the seven steps to volunteer administration according to the ISOTURE Model. It is often an overlooked aspect of volunteer development, but can play an important role in creating a sense of belonging in volunteers and a culture of appreciation in your program. This factsheet using The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Work Place to identify ways to help professionals and others show appreciation to volunteers.
Updated: March 29, 2021

Helping Your Child Become Money Smart (FS-962)

Authors: Lacie Ashby

Children, teens, and young adults learn their money management skills from a variety of sources, such as school, media, and peers. But parents have the greatest influence on their children’s financial decisions. In fact, 56 percent of young adults say they rely on their parents for financial guidance. Money management must be learned and practiced. It’s important for children to learn about the value of money before they actually have any. Start early in your child’s life to instill habits and build on them as your child grows and learns.
Updated: January 26, 2021

Preparing 4-Hers for Interview Success


Interviewing can be intimidating and stressful but teaching 4-Hers essential skills in this area will help them be successful. This publication provides youth development professionals with a resource when teaching 4-Hers about interviewing for teen leadership positions, Out of State trip interviews, and employment. Additionally, this publication can be a tool directly provided to 4-H youth who are planning to interview.
Updated: January 20, 2021

Maryland 4-H Groups/Affiliates Financial Handbook (FS-959)


The following guidelines will help your 4-H group fulfill its responsibilities for properly handling public funds.