Volunteer Resources

We are glad you are considering being a volunteer with 4-H! The 4-H program reaches out to kids and their families to build skills for life. Check us out! 4-H has a hundred different hands-on projects to offer.

Your time, knowledge, and heart for youth could make a big difference in the quality of life in your community. Washington State University Extension will provide you the support and training you’ll need along the way. You will be a valued partner in helping grow kids. Find your local Extension Office to learn more about how to become a volunteer.

Whatever you have to offer, we have a place for you. Our volunteer opportunities range from a one-time experience to an on-going relationship between you and 4-H. These opportunities are available at the club, county, or 4-H administrative level. We match your skill and preferred interests with our needs. Others may lean towards participating at county events for one or more days throughout the year. There are also on-going opportunities to lead a group of young people in an interest area or in the club setting. Your skills and talents are very much needed to assist our young people as they grow and develop.

As a 4-H volunteer, you will become affiliated with our state’s land grant university, Washington State University. You instantly have the resources of WSU Extension at your fingertips. Additionally, you enjoy the benefit of WSU liability coverage and L & I coverage should you be injured while volunteering.

Becoming a 4-H Volunteer

Complete a Volunteer Application
Complete an in-person, phone or zoom interview with WSU 4-H Staff
Complete an in-person or on the phone interview with a WSU 4-H Staff
Complete and pass a national criminal background check
Complete all in-person and online training requirements
Create a profile on 4-H Online

If you would like to volunteer with a specific Club, contact that Club leader and they will let you know the best ways to help their Club.

If you are open to participating with any Club that needs adult support contact the 4-H Office and we will put you in touch with specific clubs based on your location, interest and availability.

Types of 4-H Volunteers

General Club Leader

Assumes primary responsibility for the club
Assists members and other volunteers to enroll in 4H Online and select projects, and to meet all required deadlines.
Helps members understand and practice parliamentary procedure
Builds youth leadership within the club (helps organize the election of officers, partners older members with younger ones, etc.).
Assists members plan, carry out, and evaluate their yearly 4-H program.
Teaches demonstration/public presentation skills.
Provides guidelines and examples for completing the 4-H Record Book.
Consults, and uses as appropriate, 4-H curriculum to teach leadership skills or other relevant topics.

Project Leader

Helps members to: identify project goals, create plans to reach them, and understand
project requirements.
Consults, and uses as appropriate, 4-H curriculum to teach project skills.
Holds project meetings to help members learn and to complete their 4-H projects.
Supports 4-H members in successfully completing their 4-H year.
Teaches judging skills.
Helps members with the project section of their record book, if applicable

Resource Leader

Serves as a source of expertise/adviser for a Club, example a professional photographer who gives a 1 day photography workshop.