IMPERIAL COUNTY 4-H EMERALD STAR INFORMATION
WHAT IS AN EMERALD STAR? The Emerald Star is a county award for service to the community and/or to 4-H. Its purpose is to encourage older members to attain a higher level of leadership development through an individual program of planning, action and evaluation/reflection; promote the development of mentoring relationships between a member and leaders; and to create opportunities to conduct 4 -H activities outside the community club which will benefit the local community and/or 4-H as a whole. The project must provide a service above and beyond the normal scope of a project (i.e., a County Field Day, a teaching video, a written project manual). The Emerald Star Plan must be a total of 6 hours or more to qualify.
WHAT DOES AN EMERALD STAR APPLICANT DO? An Emerald Star applicant must present a plan of proposed leadership to a selection panel. This proposed plan must be submitted to either the 4-H Office via email (jlgarcia@ucanr.edu) on or before 4PM on the last Friday in October. The proposed plan includes the following documents: Imperial County Emerald Star Application and Plan and the Emerald Star Time Schedule/ Plan of Action. Once the plan is approved, it must be completed and submitted to the County on the current year's County Record Book due date. The completed application packet must include: Imperial County Emerald Star Application and Plan, Time Schedule and the Self-Evaluation form. Applicant(s) must have an adult leader designated as an Emerald Star Advisor (member may enlist their own Advisor).
WHO MAY APPLY FOR EMERALD STAR? (QUALIFICATIONS) Any 4-H member that is in 9th grade or above and has completed at least 2 years in 4-H. Project may be an individual or team effort. For teams, all team members must meet first two criteria and submit individual applications and documentation within the team plan.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR EMERALD STAR? Prepare an Emerald Star Plan and Application and submit it to the 4-H Office by the date set by the Imperial County 4-H Leader’s Council (4PM on the last Friday in October). If a team is working on the plan or project, each individual involved should prepare an application and reflect their role in the overall plan. Each applicant (team or individual) must meet with their Emerald Star Advisor to discuss the application and presented plan. Each Applicant must turn in their application and plan to the 4-H office by due date set by the Imperial County 4-H Leader’s Council (4PM on the last Friday in October). If the application for the proposed plan is accepted, the applicant(s) will carry out their Emerald Star Project. After completion of the project, a written self-evaluation (a summary, answering predefined questions), optional pictures/supporting materials and the Emerald Star Application will be completed and returned to the 4-H Office by the County Record Book Judging date. The Emerald Star advisor must approve and sign the final report in order for the applicant(s) to receive their Emerald Star. Emerald Stars will be announced at Achievement Night/Star Awards. The Emerald Star Selection Panel will decide which applicants will become Emerald Star. There is no quota of Emerald Stars to be selected. awards each Emerald Star award winner will receive an Emerald Star patch for their hat.
WHAT SHOULD THE PLAN BE? The applicant must present a plan of proposed leadership to be offered on a multi-club basis, County or area level or in the community during the following year. Some examples are: Hold a project workshop or field day. Coordinate a judging contest. Make or improve a slide/video or information pamphlet for County use. (Should be in an area where there is a need). Hold a mini fair for a non-traditional 4-H audience. Prepare or update project materials. Please remember these are only example ideas. Be creative! Your plan can be something that has been done before and needs to be repeated or something that no one has ever done but fills a need in the 4-H Program or community.
IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN DECIDING ON AN EMERALD STAR PLAN: 1. Is it something useful, something that is needed? 2. Does it provide a chance for you to demonstrate leadership beyond the project level in your own club? 3. Is it a project you can handle -- area, cost, numbers, time, skills you have or can acquire, people involved? 4. Has a time schedule been prepared that is feasible? 5. Review plan with your Advisor before submitting to committee.
How can I apply?
Please call our office and find out how (442) 265-7700.