The Louisiana 4-H Master Volunteer Achievement in Continuing Education (ACE) program is designed to assist volunteers in the development of specialized skills as 4-H volunteers by participating in quality training experiences, processing learning experiences, conducting service activities/projects and developing a Master Volunteer ACE portfolio.


Program objectives include:

1. Improve volunteer feelings of self confidence and influence in the organization
2. Increase the quality of program delivery for 4-H members in Louisiana
3. Build a base of committed volunteers to increase program capacity
4. Develop an infrastructure to expand exponentially the reach of 4-H youth development in Louisiana

The Louisiana 4-H Master Volunteer ACE program follows these general guidelines:

• Candidates must have at least one year of 4-H volunteer experience as of December 1 of the current year and must be at least 18 years of age.
• Recognition for achievement will be presented at the annual 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Conference.
• Workshops/service activities included in portfolio must have been completed within two calendar years of the date submitted.
• Each component of the portfolio must be completed and submitted as one document at any time during the program year. However, judging will be done in January and/or July. The portfolio will be resubmitted as each level is added to the original. It will be returned at the annual volunteer leader conference.
• Participation in state-level master volunteer training weekends is not required but may be helpful in getting established with the program.
• Those attending state master volunteer training conference will receive a large, three-ring binder for their materials. Those not attending that training meeting will be responsible for providing their own binder for their portfolios.
• Printed materials will be available online or may be obtained from a local Extension office or the State 4-H Office upon request.

Overview

Section 1 Transcript and Personal Data Form

A standardized form to be completed and inserted in this section will include general information about the individual completing the process.

Section 2 Statement of Philosophy of Youth Development

Guidelines are provided to assist the volunteer in developing a statement of not more than 250 words (about one page of typed text) outlining the individual’s personal philosophy on youth development.

Section 3 Core Components

This section will include the reflection work sheets (one per workshop) and other evidence of participation in training sessions, seminars, workshops and other educational opportunities addressing the core requirements for each level of achievement.

Section 4 Elective Credits

This section will include the reflection work sheets and other evidence of participation in training sessions, seminars, workshops and other educational opportunities addressing the required elective credit hours for each level of achievement.

Section 5 Service Activities

This section will include service report forms to document service to 4-H at each level of achievement.

Section 6 Self Expression

This section will provide an opportunity for the volunteer to present additional information utilizing creative media. This might include: scrapbook-type entries with photos and captions, artwork or creative writing. This section would be an opportunity for those who are more creative to present their information more personally. Guidelines are provided detailing limits on numbers of pages, etc.