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:
- Complete the 4-H Youth Development Volunteer Application
- You will be screened by national background check database to work with 4-H youth
- You must complete the Put The Child First Training (enrollment key = PIERCE4H)
- You must complete the five part Washington State 4-H Volunteer Orientation (enrollment key = PIERCE)
- 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.