Keith G. Diem
0009-0005-8606-2070

Specialist

professor and Extension specialist emeritus, UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Gainesville FL

Publications

Making Learning Fun

Keith G. Diem and Judy Levings

4-H learning methods and sound curriculum materials are well suited to small groups of youth in a variety of settings, including clubs, camps, schools, home-schooling, and "alternative" learning environments. Using a variety of creative teaching methods is essential for getting the attention of youth and adults.

Protecting Youth and Volunteers by Planning Ahead, Reducing Risk

Keith G. Diem

The UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program is committed to the safety and well-being of its youth as well as the volunteers who help deliver 4-H programs under the supervision of 4-H faculty and staff. All things in life involve some sort of risk. This is especially true when working with youth, but there are many ways that volunteers can minimize this risk and lead safe 4-H activities. Proper planning and common sense certainly go a long way. Although not to be considered legal advice, here are some facts and issues to know and keep in mind while serving as a 4-H volunteer.

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Planning a Successful Field Trip

Written by K. G. Diem. Revised by Karen Henry, Claire Davis, Heather Kent, Melinda Souers, Paula Davis, and Candi Dierenfield.

Field trips can be great experiences for youth to learn project content and life skills. Field trips also contribute to the experiential learning philosophy of 4-H. This publication includes some suggestions to make field trips educational, safe, and fun.

The Value of 4-H to Youth in Florida and Beyond

Keith G. Diem

To maximize the strengths of the 4-H Youth Development Program and to promote its value to the public and funding agencies, Extension staff must know the value of 4-H as it is perceived by others. Since parents are key stakeholders in the 4-H program because they approve of their children being members and they are taxpayers and voters, this descriptive survey research involving a randomly selected sample of parents of 4-H club members in Florida aimed to determine what value 4-H brings to youth members, what problems 4-H faces, and what other beliefs parents have about 4-H.

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Selecting a Name for Your 4-H Club

Keith G. Diem, Marilyn N. Norman, and Joy C. Jordan. Revised by Jessica Emerson, Candi Dierenfield, Shreemoyee Ghosh, David Hafner, Amber Norris, Melinda Souers, Paula Davis, and Heather Kent

This is one part of the 4-H Volunteer Training series. It was originally published in 2005 and revised in 2012. It was updated in the summer of 2023 and is now published in 2024.

4-H Volunteer Training Series: The ABCs of 4-H: A Primer for 4-H Volunteers

Written by Keith G. Diem and Sarah Hensley. Revised by Candi Dierenfield, Shreemoyee Ghosh, Jessica Emerson, Paula Davis, Nicole Crawson, Bailea Scarborough, and David Hafner.

This information sheet is the introduction to the 4-H Volunteer Training Series (VTS). The series contains a wealth of information, from how to start a club, to planning field trips, to how to work with youth. This part was originally published in July 2014 and then revised in July 2018. It was updated in the summer of 2023 and is now revised in September 2024.

4-H Volunteer Training Series: How to Start a 4-H Club (for Youth Ages 5–18)

Keith G. Diem, Joy Jordan, Dale Pracht, and Judy Butterfield. Revised by Candi Dierenfield, Nicole Crawson, Jessica Emerson, Shreemoyee Ghosh, David Hafner, Baliea Scarborough, Paula Davis, Melinda Souers, and Dallas Meringolo.

This is one part of the 4-H Volunteer Training series. It was originally written in 2005, adapted in 2014, and updated in 2023.

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Adopting Club Bylaws

Written by Keith G. Diem. Revised by Candi Dierenfield, Karen Henry, Shreemoyee Ghosh, Melinda Souers, Abbey Tharpe, Claire Davis, and Paula Davis.

Why does a 4-H club (for youth ages 8–18) need bylaws? It is for the same reason our country needs a constitution! Fair and written rules protect the rights of all members. The following is a suggested format for 4-H bylaws, which may be adapted to meet local conditions.

Keith G. Diem 0009-0005-8606-2070