“I Dare You” Award – Senior Level Award
DANFORTH – “I DARE YOU” AWARD GUIDELINES
History of the Danforth- “I Dare You” Award
Mr. William H. Danforth’s book, “I Dare You” was first published in 1931. It is still considered one of the most influential books in the area of personal motivation. Now in it’s 28th printing, the book is published and distributed by the American Youth Foundation through its I Dare You Committee. The award is offered as recognition of excellence in character and well-balanced development as well as demonstrated leadership.
Minimum Criteria
The Danforth – “I Dare You” is a National 4-H award, recipients will be awarded at the county level and will meet all criteria so the quality of the award can be maintained. The following criteria will be considered the minimum. Any 4-H member not meeting these criteria will not be considered for the award. The organization may choose not to award the Danforth – “I Dare You” if there are not 4-H members in the county who actually exceed the minimum criteria. The maximum number of Danforth – “I Dare You” recipients in Brazoria County will not exceed two (2). The Danforth – “I Dare You” can be won only one time.
Criteria for Selection:
A. The 4-H member must be at least 15 years of age but not over 19 years of age as of August 31 of the current 4-H year and have completed at least three (3) years in 4-H including the current year.
B. The 4-H member must submit an Awards Program Record Book for county competition in the year the 4-Her is to be considered for the Danforth – “I Dare You” showing at least three (3) years of 4-H experience. An application for the award must be completed and returned to the Brazoria County Extension Office on the same date as Record Books. There will be no exceptions. The application should be paper clipped to the outside front cover of the Record Books.
C. Project Activities during the 4-Hers’ years in 4-H, the member must have:
- Completed projects in three (3) different project areas that are detailed in the Record Book.
- Participated in and completed one or more activities in at least three (3) of the following areas in the current year.
a. Educational Presentation
b. Contests
c. Project Exhibits
d. Camps
e. Leadership Lab
f. Citizenship Activities
g. Public Relations-Examples: demonstrations, speeches, poster displays, club exhibits, project shows, radio, TV, newspapers, special projects
h. Other (may include fund raising, State and National Congress, etc.)
i. Project activities
D. Leadership – During the applicant’s years in 4-H, the 4-H member must have done the following:
- Served as an officer or committee chairman at some level of the 4-H organization club, county, district, state and/or
- Served as teen leader in an activity or project with, or under the supervision of an adult volunteer leader.
E. Community Service, Citizenship, Character – The 4-H member must have participated in one or more community service activities such as:
- Working or counseling with 4-H members
- Communities Service projects, either individual, group or club type projects, contributions to school, church and community.
- Must have motivated other 4-H members through participation in demonstrations, projects and/or exhibits.
- Character should include attitude and personal growth in accepting responsibilities and serving others.
Selection Procedures
The Brazoria County Adult Leaders will review and screen the applications for Danforth – “I Dare You” before they are judged.
All applicants will be interviewed by a panel of two (2) judges. The panel will be selected from former Gold Star Winners, 4-H Leaders and/or County Extension Agents. Brazoria County 4-H Extension Agents, Leaders, Parents, or other Relatives will not be eligible to judge. The interviews will be conducted in the Extension Office or in a specified location.
No makeup interviews will be given unless prior approval has been received by the Brazoria County Adult Leaders to allow for a taped interview.
The Danforth – “I Dare You” recipient(s) will be awarded the Mr. William H. Danforth’s book, “I Dare You”. They will also be eligible to attend the national Leadership Conference hosted by the American Youth Foundation. There are scholarships available to you for funding by the program. Visit the American Youth Foundation webpage and also remember to visit their scholarship page.
