Volunteer with King County 4-H

4-H Club Leader

Club Leaders (also called Organizational Leaders) are volunteers who guide a 4-H club, working alongside youth and adults to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Responsibilities:

• Create a safe, welcoming space where all youth feel they belong
• Support youth voice by encouraging leadership, decision-making, and youth–adult partnerships
• Plan meetings, agendas, and educational activities with youth officers and volunteers
• Recruit and mentor adult and youth volunteers, and involve families in projects and club life
• Help connect the club with the broader community through service projects and partnerships
• Keep members informed about county programs, events, and opportunities
• Ensure the club follows 4-H and WSU Extension policies, including annual charter renewal

What You’ll Gain:

• Leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Opportunities for professional and personal growth
• Training and support from county 4-H staff
• The satisfaction of empowering young people and strengthening your community

Time Commitment:
About 4–10 hours per month, for at least one year.

Requirements:

• Interest in working with youth and families from diverse backgrounds
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to youth development and experiential learning
• Completion of 4-H volunteer enrollment and background check

4-H Project Leader

Project Leaders (also called Key Leaders or Resource Leaders) guide youth through specific 4-H project areas, helping them learn skills, explore interests, and connect with their community. Project Leaders may work with a small group of youth at the club level or coordinate projects across a county.

Responsibilities:

• Create a safe, welcoming environment that supports positive youth development
• Help youth set project goals, plan meetings, and reflect on their learning
• Encourage youth voice and leadership in teaching, decision-making, and service opportunities
• Support families by providing resources and involving parents/guardians in the project
• Introduce youth to new experiences such as tours, workshops, or community service projects
• Recruit and mentor adult and youth volunteers
• Share information on county and state events, project requirements, and opportunities to exhibit work
• Partner with community members to strengthen project support and visibility
• Maintain communication with youth, volunteers, and 4-H staff, and follow WSU Extension and 4-H policies

What You’ll Gain:

• Leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Training and support from county and state 4-H staff
• Opportunities to connect with community partners
• Personal growth in confidence, problem-solving, and time management
• Satisfaction of helping young people learn, grow, and thrive

Time Commitment:
2–10 hours per month, depending on the project. Meetings may be weekly, monthly, or seasonal. A minimum one-year commitment is encouraged.

Requirements:

• Interest in working with youth and families from diverse backgrounds
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) the project subject area
• Completion of 4-H volunteer enrollment and background check

4-H Activity/Event Volunteer

Activity and Event Volunteers help organize and lead special 4-H activities, workshops, and events. They may serve on planning committees, judge events/fairs or take the lead for a specific program, working with youth and adults to create positive, educational, and fun experiences.

Responsibilities:

• Work with other volunteers, community partners, and 4-H staff to plan and deliver events
• Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all youth
• Support youth voice by involving them in decision-making, leadership, and teaching roles
• Encourage family involvement in activities and learning experiences
• Help youth reflect on and celebrate their learning
• Recruit and support adult and youth volunteers
• Identify and secure community resources to strengthen events
• Maintain communication with youth, families, and 4-H staff
• Assist with paperwork and follow WSU Extension and 4-H policies

What You’ll Gain:

• Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
• Opportunities to connect with community partners
• Training and support from county 4-H staff
• Confidence, problem-solving, and time management skills
• Satisfaction of helping youth, families, and the community grow through shared experiences

Time Commitment:
2–15 hours, depending on the size and scope of the event. Orientation training is provided.

Requirements:

• Interest in working with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Organizational skills, enthusiasm, and patience
• Completion of 4-H volunteer enrollment and background check

4-H Adult Advisor/Chaperone

Adult Advisors and Chaperones work as part of a team with other volunteers and 4-H staff to ensure that youth have a safe, inclusive, and positive educational experience at events, activities, or trips.

Responsibilities:

• Create and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all youth
• Support youth voice by encouraging leadership, decision-making, and youth–adult partnerships
• Assist with planning and organizing educational experiences with committees or volunteers
• Provide guidance and support to youth and adult volunteers in leadership roles
• Communicate program policies and expectations to youth, families, and volunteers
• Partner with community members to strengthen events and opportunities
• Show appreciation to volunteers and community supporters
• Maintain open communication with youth, families, and 4-H staff
• Follow WSU Extension and 4-H policies, including training and orientation requirements

What You’ll Gain:

• Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
• Training and support from county and state 4-H staff
• Opportunities to connect with community partners
• Confidence, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Satisfaction of ensuring positive and safe experiences for youth

Time Commitment:
Varies by event or educational experience. Includes planning meetings, event time, and required training.

Requirements:

• Adults age 21+ with an interest in supporting youth and families
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Patience, organization, and enthusiasm for positive youth development
• Completion of 4-H volunteer enrollment and background check