4-H Volunteer Leader Resources Volunteers are the heart of 4-H!
Inspiring young minds to think for themselves. Watching the light bulb click above a youth's head. Witnessing the tears of a victory. Receiving a hug to thank you for your years of caring.
We all have our individual reasons as to why we volunteer, but it only takes a smile on a young person's face to simply remind us of the good we are doing.
In California, there are more than 20,000 adult volunteers making a difference in the lives of 130,000 thousand youth in the 4-H youth development program. Being a 4-H volunteer is a rewarding and meaningful experience for adults as they instill values in youth, become part of a larger family, create better opportunities for their children and other youth, and have fun too!
In addition to making a difference in the lives of young people, volunteers have many opportunities for their own personal and professional development through the 4-H youth development program.
The 4-H Project Leaders' Digest will help answer some of the questions you may have concerning your new role!
Child abuse and neglect are important concerns in the California 4-H Youth Development Program. This on-line course will show you key indicators for identifying child abuse, outline and clarify the law, and lead you through interactive exercises of real life situations. This course does not qualify you as a volunteer leader. In any case of suspected child abuse, please notify your local County Extension Office and 4-H staff members.
4-H Volunteer e-Learning Course
This free e-Learning course is designed to help 4-H volunteer leaders learn basic information about their volunteer duties.
State 4-H Leaders' ForumThe State 4-H Leaders Forum provides a weekend retreat for 4-H volunteers across California to gather for training, education, networking, relaxation, and fun.
4-H Volunteer Councils
Sectional 4-H Leaders' CouncilsEach of the four sections in California has a volunteer council composed of adults and youth who are interested in expanded opportunities beyond their county.
State 4-H Leaders' CouncilThe State 4-H Leaders' Council shall consist of at least twenty-four (24) representatives of the four 4-H sections, plus the President of each Section Council.
National 4-H
Cooperative Curriculum System - National 4-H CCS provides 4-H
curriculum to programs across the states. There are more than 190
experientially based products available.
4-H National Diversity Site
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The national cooperative extension agency has a diversity committee that
is focused on issues within the 4-H.
4-H After School Program
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This is the national website for helping staff and volunteers host
traditional clubs in after school settings, as well as try out other types
of delivery modes.
4-H Email Lists - Connect with other 4-H volunteers via our e-mail listservs. Share ideas, ask questions, and network via these e-mail groups!
Ohio 4-H Resource Page
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A list of interesting resources from Ohio that support leaders. Most
useful is a series of .pdf files that provide in-depth information on
ages
and stages.
New Jersey 4-H Volunteer Leader Page - This has interesting series titled the "Leader Training Series" in one 5 page handout it explores experiential learning, another discusses what "life skills" means in the 4-H youth development program and finally one speaks of the 7 modes of delivery in the 4-H youth development program.
