The Minnesota 4-H Adult Volunteer Association (M4-HAVA) is a non-profit organization for 4-H adult volunteers, 4-H alumni, Extension Educators and other people interested in promoting youth development in Minnesota.

When did M4-HAVA begin?
In 1984, a committee of Minnesota adult 4-H volunteers was formed to put together a state organization. In 1986, the first annual Minnesota 4-H Adult Volunteer Association Form was held and M4-HAVA (affectionately known as “MAVA”) was formally “born.” Officers and a Board of Directors were elected and a constitution was established. Membership requirements were defined.

What is the purpose of M4-HAVA?
To challenge and assist volunteers to become better trained and more dedicated for the benefit of the 4-H member

To support, promote, and strengthen the 4-H program by working closely with Extension Educators and the Center for 4-H Youth Development

To provide a unified, strong voice and support system to keep 4-H a strong basis for youth development

What can M4-HAVA do for you?
Help expand your leadership skills and 4-H knowledge. M4-HAVA provides training opportunities such as the M4-HAVA Forum held each spring and one-day regional training workshops held in the fall. Provide you with information and greater awareness of the 4-H program. The “MINNESOTA VOLUNTEER” newsletter is published six times a year. Each issue provides a valuable avenue of communication for volunteers to keep updated on 4-H activities and opportunities. Give you opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences. New ideas are created when someone shares an experience that they have had at local, county or state events. Give you opportunity to refine your own personal leadership skills. M4-HAVA can provide numerous opportunities to enhance your leadership skills beyond the local club and county level. It also provides state recognition for leadership achievements. Give you access to new friends. The annual M4-HAVA Forum and other activities will give you many opportunities to develop new friendships.

What else does M4-HAVA do?
Blue Ribbon Award Program
Each year, M4-HAVA sponsors the Blue Ribbon Award Program in three separate areas: (please make these as links) Blue Ribbon Adult Volunteer, Blue Ribbon Clubs, and Blue Ribbon Counties. These awards are unique in that they recognize EXCELLENCE IN PARTICIPATION. Each area has a simple form to complete and mail back to M4-HAVA officers. Every Minnesota County Extension Office should have a set of these forms in their M4-HAVA file.

The “Blue Ribbon Volunteer” award is given only once. The “Blue Ribbon Club” and “Blue Ribbon County” awards are annual and may be achieved each year. M4-HAVA encourages volunteers, clubs and counties to complete these forms to receive the recognition they deserve for their 4-H involvement.

Minnesota State Fair Volunteer Center
M4-HAVA coordinates and operates the Volunteer Center in the 4-H Building during the Minnesota State Fair. It is a great opportunity for exposure and promotion of M4-HAVA to Minnesota adult volunteers and alumni.

Outstanding Volunteer Award Program
M4-HAVA sponsors the annual “Outstanding Volunteer” awards each year. One adult volunteer from each of the four M4-HAVA districts is chosen from nominations that have been submitted to the Awards and Recognition Committee. The recipient is then presented with their award at the annual M4-HAVA Forum held each spring.

The Board of Directors includes President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer and Past President. The other Board members are district representatives for each of the four M4-HAVA districts: Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast. Each of the district Board members serve a three-year term using a rotation system.

An advisor from the Center for 4-H Youth Development is appointed to serve on the

M4-HAVA Board. There are also four Regional Extension Educators on the Board, one from each of the four M4-HAVA districts.

The Board of Directors meets 6-8 times a year and makes recommendations, decisions, and plans for the Minnesota 4-H Adult Volunteers Association.

Established Committees
Board members take responsibility for a committee and encourage M4-HAVA members to volunteer to serve on these committees.

Some of the established committees are: Public Relations, Membership, Newsletter, Legislative Awareness, Finance, Nomination, Awards and Recognition, and State Fair Volunteer Center.

Minnesota 4-H Adult Volunteer Association Forum

Each year, M4-HAVA sponsors, plans and operates the Minnesota 4-H Adult Volunteer Association Forum. Held in the early spring at various Minnesota locations, volunteers from across the state have the opportunity to gather for a fun and motivating experience.

Keynote speakers, workshops and swap sessions challenge, educate and encourage 4-H adult volunteers. District caucuses allow volunteers to submit candidates for election to the Board of Directors. Each county also selects a “County Representative” who is responsible for getting M4-HAVA information to volunteers in their county.

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting is held in conjunction with the M4-HAVA Forum.

Legislative issues are discussed and M4-HAVA members vote to express a unified voice on certain issues. Business of the Association is carried out and the Election of the Board of Directors takes place. Each county is entitled to have 2 voting delegates who are given the responsibility of casting their county's vote during the Annual Meeting.

Click here for information on joining M4-HAVA.