Unlike many 4-H volunteers, Lindsay Dalluge was never involved in 4-H growing up. But that didn’t deter her from getting involved as soon as her daughter was old enough to join as a Cloverbud.
Cloverbuds are 4-H members in kindergarten through second grade who explore and learn by doing fun, age-appropriate activities guided by adult and teen volunteers.
“I had always walked through the 4-H buildings at the county fair, and was excited for my daughter to be old enough to participate,” said Lindsay Dalluge, University of Minnesota Extension 4-H program volunteer in Brown County. “I thought it would be fun to do specific activities for the young ones, so I worked with the club leader to develop activities specifically for Cloverbuds.”
Education has always been a passion for Dalluge. She strives to be a positive role model, not only for her own children, but also for other 4-H’ers.
“I love working with Cloverbuds because they are so energetic and excited, and so ready and willing to learn,” said Dalluge. “And I want to help them keep that wonder.”
She puts a special emphasis on making sure all members—especially the younger Cloverbuds—feel comfortable, welcomed and excited.
“Our 4-H club is very large, especially when we have our monthly meetings, and it can get kind of confusing and a little overwhelming for the young ones that aren't familiar with parliamentary procedures and whatnot,” said Dalluge.
To prevent the overwhelm of younger 4-H’ers, Dalluge, along with other fellow volunteers, plans Cloverbud-specific activities during monthly meetings.
“They can ask questions, and we practice doing the pledge,” she said. “We explore different project areas each time because that was something that was a little confusing to me, too, as a new 4-H’er. So far, we’ve explored baking, physics, gardening and more.”
She also instituted a buddy system called “Cloverbuddies,” which pairs younger youth and first-year members with youth leaders who are more familiar with 4-H.
“Cloverbuddies are youth who are interested in helping younger members feel comfortable,” said Dalluge. “When we joined 4-H, the club president introduced herself to my daughter during our first year and asked her questions about herself. My daughter thought that was the coolest thing ever, and she felt seen and special– which was what gave me the idea!”
Her creativity, warmth and willingness to try new things have brought a fresh perspective to the potential for 4-H in her community.
“Lindsay is exceptionally talented at being welcoming, and in an organization that has a lot of potential, that skill is key to including Cloverbuds and first-generation members in particular,” said Janessa Palmer, Extension educator in Brown County. “Lindsay is talented at breaking down larger 4-H programming and structure into relevant questions for staff, and bite-sized information for new members. She uses her skills in life coaching to encourage others and help them to break down their goals into achievable tasks.”
Learn more about becoming a 4-H volunteer.
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