Recruiting for 4-H Cloverbud members can be as easy as “ABC.” Here are three great audiences where you may find new members:
Alumni- Former members of your county 4-H program may be great resources for new Cloverbud members. Because Cloverbuds is a relatively new program (started in Ohio in 1995), some former members may have kids or grandkids who could participate, but they don’t know about the program. Advertise Cloverbuds in your 4-H newsletter or on your county Facebook page where you might catch the attention of alumni. Provide them with basic Cloverbud information: age requirements, locations of clubs who have Cloverbud members, and upcoming county-wide Cloverbud events.
Brothers and sisters of current members- This is often the best source of members for the Cloverbud program. Siblings of members often come to club meetings so be sure they are involved in Cloverbuds. An excited Cloverbud can be the one who keeps a family coming to meetings.
Community families- If you want to take your Cloverbud program beyond your past and current families, use your local newspapers. Plan an event for the 5-8 year old population and publicize it in your community. At the event, make 4-H Cloverbud registration available so families can sign up.
When building your Cloverbud enrollment, keep in mind that one adult is required for every six Cloverbud members. If you are successful with Alumni, Brothers and sisters, and Community families in growing your Cloverbud program, you may also need to look at recruitment of new volunteers. It can be a vicious circle- growing club membership and providing leadership for the growing clubs- but it’s a great problem to have.