What is the Program Leadership Team?
The Ventura County 4-H Program Leadership Team serves as the county's Volunteer Management Organization (VMO), the volunteer leadership structure authorized by the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program.
Every California county 4-H program is required to have a Volunteer Management Organization to help guide countywide programming, support volunteers and youth members, and strengthen local 4-H opportunities. The Ventura County 4-H Program Leadership Team fulfills this role by bringing together youth members, adult volunteers, community partners, and University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) staff to support and grow the Ventura County 4-H program.
Working in partnership with Ventura County 4-H staff, the Program Leadership Team helps plan, promote, and carry out countywide educational programs, events, activities, outreach efforts, and resource development opportunities that benefit youth throughout Ventura County.
Our Purpose
The Ventura County 4-H Program Leadership Team exists to support the mission of the California 4-H Youth Development Program by:
- Providing opportunities for youth and adult volunteers to work together in partnership.
- Supporting the growth and success of Ventura County 4-H.
- Helping develop and implement countywide programs, events, and activities.
- Encouraging leadership development among youth and volunteers.
- Supporting outreach efforts that expand access to 4-H opportunities.
- Building partnerships that strengthen local 4-H programming.
- Assisting with program planning and resource development efforts.
- Ensuring county programs align with the goals and values of the California 4-H Youth Development Program.
How the Program Leadership Team Operates
The Program Leadership Team operates under approved Ventura County 4-H Operating Procedures and in accordance with University of California and California 4-H policies.
The county leadership structure includes the Ventura County Oversight Committee (OC) Team responsible for supporting the administrative management of countywide programs, activities, events, and finances.
The OC Team includes:
- Ventura County 4-H staff
- Youth representatives
- Adult volunteer representatives
- A Volunteer Finance Manager
The OC Team works collaboratively to review county program plans, approve budgets, evaluate program needs, and support the successful operation of countywide 4-H activities.
County Committees
The majority of county programming is coordinated through volunteer-led committees. These committees provide educational leadership, plan countywide events, and create opportunities for youth development, learning, and community engagement.
4-H Grows Committee
The 4-H Grows Committee supports outreach, inclusion, and program expansion efforts throughout Ventura County. The committee works to ensure that 4-H opportunities are accessible to youth from diverse backgrounds, interests, and communities.
Presentation Day Committee
Coordinates Ventura County Presentation Day and supports youth participation in public speaking, demonstrations, illustrated talks, interviews, and other communication-focused educational events.
Fashion Revue Committee
Coordinates Ventura County Fashion Revue and promotes educational opportunities related to clothing construction, textiles, consumer science, sewing, and personal presentation.
Large Livestock Committee
Provides educational leadership and support for projects involving beef, dairy cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and other large livestock species while promoting animal science knowledge and responsible animal care.
Small Livestock Committee
Provides educational leadership and support for projects involving rabbits, cavies, poultry, pygmy goats and other small animal projects while promoting animal science knowledge and responsible animal care.
Record Book Committee
Supports the Ventura County Record Book Program through education, training, evaluator recruitment, and coordination of the county record book evaluation process.
Scholarship Committee
Supports the Ventura County 4-H Scholarship Program by coordinating scholarship opportunities, promoting applications, recruiting reviewers, and overseeing the scholarship review and selection process. The committee works to recognize and support members who have demonstrated leadership, achievement, and commitment to 4-H.
Youth Leadership
Youth voice is an essential part of Ventura County 4-H. Intermediate and Senior 4-H members serve in meaningful leadership roles throughout the county program, including committee participation and county leadership opportunities.
By working alongside adult volunteers and 4-H staff, youth gain valuable skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, decision-making, and civic engagement.
Get Involved
The success of Ventura County 4-H depends on dedicated volunteers and youth leaders who are willing to share their time, talents, and ideas.
Opportunities to get involved include:
- Serving on a county committee
- Assisting with countywide events and activities
- Supporting outreach and membership growth efforts
- Providing educational leadership in project areas
- Participating in county leadership initiatives
Whether you are a youth member, parent, volunteer, alum, or community partner, we welcome your involvement in helping Ventura County 4-H thrive. Please fill out this interest form to be considered.
Resources
- Program Leadership Team Operating Procedures
- Committee Information and Opportunities
- County Event Calendar
- Meeting Agendas and Minutes
- Volunteer Resources
Contact
For more information, please contact Ventura County 4-H staff.