{"id":1192,"date":"2024-03-11T13:53:38","date_gmt":"2024-03-11T20:53:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ext100.wsu.edu\/skagit\/?page_id=1192"},"modified":"2026-10-05T18:01:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T01:01:10","slug":"leaders","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/leaders\/","title":{"rendered":"Resources for Leaders"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Volunteer Resources<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The Volunteer Resources page is designed to give 4-H volunteers one convenient place to find the information, tools, and materials they need to be successful in their roles. Here you\u2019ll find training resources, required forms, program guidance, helpful links, and other materials to support you throughout the 4-H year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New & Prospecitve Volunteers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Interested in becoming a Certified 4-H Volunteer? Learn more about volunteering and how to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a 4-H Volunteer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

4-H volunteers are caring adults who give their time, skills, and experience to support the WSU 4-H Youth Development Program. Volunteers serve as positive role models and mentors, helping create safe, welcoming, and meaningful learning experiences for youth. Volunteer opportunities include a variety of leadership and support roles, allowing individuals to contribute to 4-H in ways that match their interests, skills, and availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Certified 4-H Volunteer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Certified 4-H Volunteers<\/strong> are adults who have successfully completed the WSU 4-H volunteer screening and certification process and are officially approved to serve in leadership roles within the 4-H program. They may lead clubs and projects, supervise youth activities, teach skills, mentor members, and support county and club programming. Certified Volunteers work in partnership with WSU Extension staff to provide safe, positive, and high-quality experiences that support the goals and standards of the WSU 4-H Youth Development Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age Requirements for 4-H Volunteers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

4-H volunteers must be at least 18 years old<\/strong>. Individuals who enroll as Certified 4-H Volunteers cannot also be enrolled as 4-H Youth Members and may not switch back to youth membership after choosing to enroll as a Certified Volunteer. Youth members who are interested in developing their leadership skills can still take on meaningful responsibilities through the 4-H Leadership Project<\/strong> or by serving as a Youth Officer<\/strong> under the guidance of a Certified 4-H Volunteer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of 4-H Volunteers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Certified 4-H Volunteers can serve in a variety of roles depending on their interests, experience, and how they would like to support the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Club Leader:<\/strong> Provides overall leadership and management for a 4-H club, helping guide club operations, activities, and members throughout the program year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Leader:<\/strong> Leads youth in one or more 4-H project areas, helping members build knowledge and skills through hands-on learning experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resource Volunteer:<\/strong> Supports 4-H events, activities, and programs that may not be connected to a specific club or project area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volunteer Applicant:<\/strong> An individual who is currently completing the volunteer screening and certification process and has not yet been approved as a Certified 4-H Volunteer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why become a Certified Volunteer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Certified 4-H Volunteers are essential to making 4-H experiences possible. By becoming certified, you can take an active role in leading clubs and projects, teaching skills, mentoring youth, and supporting activities and events. 4-H club activities require at least two Certified 4-H Volunteers to be present<\/strong>, so having trained and committed volunteers helps clubs provide safe, positive, and meaningful opportunities for youth throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I become a Certified Volunteer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Becoming a Certified 4-H Volunteer<\/strong> involves completing several steps designed to prepare you for your role and help ensure a safe, positive environment for 4-H youth. The certification process includes a volunteer application, reference checks, an interview with 4-H staff, required volunteer trainings, 4-H Online enrollment, and a background screening. All required steps listed below must be successfully completed before an applicant can be approved as a Certified 4-H Volunteer.<\/strong> Skagit County 4-H staff will help guide you through the process and answer questions along the way. Completion of the required steps does not guarantee approval, and the 4-H Coordinator may discontinue the volunteer screening process at any point.<\/p>\n\n\n

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