Emerald Star

WHAT IS AN EMERALD STAR?

The Monterey County Leaders Council Awards Committee identified the need of leadership opportunities for younger members. As a result, the 4-H Emerald Start rank (a county rank), was developed to fulfill this need. 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).

WHAT DOES AN EMERALD STAR APPLICANT DO?

An Emerald Start applicant must present a plan of proposed leadership to a selection panel. They must complete the attached plan by the current year's County Record Book due date, submit a self evaluation on their plan (a one page summary after completion), and show good leadership qualities and overall 4-H work throughout the year.

WHO MAY APPLY FOR EMERALD STAR? (QUALIFICATIONS)

Any 4-H member that is in 6th grade or above (or is 11 years old or older).
May be an individual or team effort, but everybody in the team must first two criteria.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR EMERALD STAR?

Prepare an Emerald Star Plan and Application and submit it to the 4-H office prior to the deadline. If a group 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 go to the scheduled interview which will cover the application and presented plan.
If the application is accepted (following interview), the applicant 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 prior to the established deadline.
A final interview will be scheduled by the selection panel, and the results of the Emerald Star project will be discussed.
The Emerald Star Selection Panel will decide which applicants will become EMERALD STARS. There is no quota of Emerald Stars to be selected.
Emerald Stars will be announced at Achievement Night.

AWARDS

Each Emerald Star award winner will receive and Emerald Star pin 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 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:

Is it something useful, something that is needed?
Does it provide a chance for you to demonstrate leadership beyond the project level in your own club?
Is it a project you can handle -- area, cost, numbers, time, skills you have or can acquire, people involved?
Has a time schedule been prepared that is feasible? (If you wish to have a County event, it must be brought before Leaders Council and approved 3 months in advance).
Review plan with your 4-H Project Leader before submitting to committee.

Emerald Star Application (word)

Emerald Star Application (pdf)