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Become a Leader

Volunteers ARE the heart of 4-H

A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.

Paraphrase from an essay, “Within My Reach” by Forest Witcroft

There are many volunteer opportunities available: volunteers provide leadership for projects or clubs, manage county or state events and activities, take programs into schools, and help with special interest activities. Volunteers are the core of delivering 4-H Youth Development. Volunteers support the 4-H’s mission of teaching others and enhancing personal growth.


4-H members are helped by adult volunteer leaders. Every 4-H club has one or more adult leaders. These volunteer leaders:

  • Help teach boys and girls.
  • Help organize the club.
  • Help officers and assist at meetings.
  • Inform parents about 4-H.

There are different Types of 4-H leaders:

  • Club Volunteer:  This person works at the Club Level and includes the following but does not have the option of enrolling in a project.  A club volunteer who also volunteers in a project should also enroll as Project Volunteer.
    • General Club Leader: The main club leader and organizer who works with general club meetings.
    • Club Activity Leader:  Responsible for one or more activities. Some examples are recreation, record keeping, public presentations or community service activities.
    • Club Resource Volunteer: Available to the club as a resource with knowledge of club level information.
  • Project Volunteer:  This person works at the Project Level and includes the following but does not have the option of enrolling in a club.  Project Volunteers in a club should also enroll as a Club Volunteer.
    • Project Leader: Works with members on their specific project work.
    • Project Activity Leader: Responsible for one or more activities. Some examples are recreation, record keeping, public presentations or community service activities.
    • Project Resource Volunteer: Available to the project as a resource with knowledge of club level information.
  • Activity Volunteer:  Reserved for County volunteers
  • Program Volunteers:  Reserved for County volunteers
  • Teen Leader: Works under the guidance of an adult. Helps with activities and events or helps members with their project work.

4-H Volunteers are valued by WSU Extension and the 4-H Youth Development Program. 4-H volunteers and extension staff work together as a team.

How Do I Become A 4-H Leader?

Call the 4-H office at your WSU Pierce County Extension office if you would like to start your own club. We will arrange an orientation meeting explaining 4-H guidelines and will give you the materials and publications needed for your new club.

The Process:

  1. Complete the 4-H Youth Development Volunteer Application
  2. You will be screened by national background check database to work with 4-H youth
  3. You must complete the Put The Child First Training (enrollment key = PIERCE4H)
  4. You must complete the five part Washington State 4-H Volunteer Orientation (enrollment key = PIERCE)
  5. After being accepted by a Club On-line enrollment can done at https://v2.4honline.com  (Enrollment guides can be found at https://extension.wsu.edu/4h/member-resources.)

All adult leaders are required to attend Volunteer Leader Training by a 4-H agent. These classes are held throughout the 4-H year.

QUESTIONS?

Contact shelley.friend@wsu.edu