Volunteers are the Heart, Hands, Head, and Health of 4-H!
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The 4-H Youth Development model is successful because of our caring adult volunteers. Individuals who decide to volunteer make a real difference whether it be directly through club/program management, education and mentoring or indirect through various program support roles.
Volunteer Role Summaries:
- 4-H Club Leader or Co-Leader. Provides the overall leadership of a club. Club leaders usually meet with their club once or twice a month, working with members and their families to coordinate club activities, including educational programs, community service projects, and fundraising. Time commitment: 5-10 hours per month, including planning time.
- 4-H Project Leader. Leads a specific 4-H Project, such as Agriculture, Cooking, Electric, Presentations, Sewing, Knitting/Crochet, Animal, Wildlife, Recycling, etc. Time commitment: Volunteer 6+ hours of educational instruction, usually 4-6 weeks with 1-2 hours per week for a special interest project (short term commitment); or 5-10 hours per month for a project club (long-term commitment – see club leader description).
- 4-H Activity Leader/Helper. Leads or assists with a variety of activities within 4-H clubs or the county 4-H program. This can be similar to a 4-H Project Leader. For example, a 4-H activity leader/helper may volunteer to work with the Henderson County sewing program. Being a volunteer in this capacity has more flexibility. You could also chaperones 4-H events. Time commitment: varies, as needed.
- Administrative/Managerial. Works behind the scenes. Depending on their skills and preferences, this volunteer may help with fundraising, event planning, managing social media, recruiting new volunteers, or judging 4-H projects. Time commitment: varies.
- Advisory. The 4-H Advisory Council is a team of community, civic, and 4-H leaders who work with the 4-H staff to guide and support the local program. Time commitment: Six meetings yearly and a 3-year rotation.
Application and Screening: All 4-H volunteers must APPLY through 4-H Online, submit references, satisfactorily complete a background check (every three years), and agree to the 4-H Code of Conduct and Protection of Minors Regulation (annually). We are committed to creating a safe environment for learning and participation, for children and their families.
Training: Once accepted, volunteers will receive training appropriate for their selected roles. 4-H Club Leaders are required to attend at least 2 training sessions each year.
If you are interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer, contact Hannah Worrell, 4-H Agent, to learn more: (828) 697-4891 or hannah_worrell@ncsu.edu
