New Leaders Tip 6: Opportunities for 4-H Volunteers

Program Contact

Amy Alder, 4-H Program Manager
Phone Number509-962-7565 Email Address • amy.alder@wsu.edu

Adapted from Missouri 4-H’s “Letters to New Leaders” series. They are originally posted at these links: Letter 1 (PDF), Letter 2 (PDF), Letter 3 (PDF), Letter 4 (PDF), Letter 5 (PDF), Letter 6 (PDF).

As you become more comfortable with the various aspects of the 4-H program, you will want to challenge yourself to take on new leadership experiences. You, as well as club members, are gaining knowledge and new skills.

4-H leaders have many opportunities to learn more about the program or specific subject areas, make new friends, and develop additional skills. Check with your local 4-H volunteer staff for resources and support.

Build a 4-H Youth Team

As you polish your delegation skills, remember that older youth leaders can be an untapped source of leadership for your club organization, and they may lead a project or an activity. Club leadership gives members an opportunity to help others and to grow an develop skills through practice.

Youth leaders may be teenagers, although there is no exact age for young people to take on club leadership. Youth leaders are important. Other kids relate to them and respect their position. They should be responsible youth who show concern for the club and other members.

Encouraging all members to take on leadership helps them be ready for formal leadership assignments.

Local Opportunities

If you have not already attended a county training, talk to your local 4-H staff to find out when the next one is scheduled and attend. Trainings may be role-specific or different from other 4-H volunteer orientations.

Leader Training

One of the best ways to stay up-to-date with the 4-H program, learn new skills, and find out what others are doing is by attending county club or project leader training meetings and updates.

County Committees

Consider becoming active in a county 4-H or extension council to expand your group communication skills along with other adults and youth who represented their 4-H groups and can serve as mentors.

Consider one of several other 4-H volunteer leader roles: county fair volunteer, contest coordinators, camp volunteers, day camp volunteers, or activity leaders at other events.

Regional staff may be able to coordinate meetings between multi-county 4-H volunteers to gain new knowledge and 4-H friends.

Online Opportunities

Cooperative Extension features a National 4-H Volunteerism Resource Hub that links to resources for volunteers.

Additional Resources

The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture hosts a 4-H and Positive Youth Development page that includes a list of related resources on a variety of subjects.