4-H Focus: So many ways to volunteer with 4-H

The 4-H program relies on volunteers to help youth reach their full potential through youth-adult partnerships and research-based experiences. We wouldn't be able to do all the great things without the help of so many amazing volunteers county and statewide. There are so many different ways that you can volunteer with 4-H include being a 4-H Club leader, 4-H Judge, project leaders, mentors, and many more fantastic opportunities.

One of the most significant roles for volunteers in 4-H is the club leaders. Club volunteers provide overall leadership to club or group organization, overseeing the structure and operation and serving as the club's contact with Extension staff and other 4-H volunteers.

Project volunteers help members plan and conduct projects. Sometimes project volunteers assist with clubs that are organized around one project area, and sometimes a project volunteer assists youth interested in a specific project area, but the youth belong to a club with members interested in many different project areas.

The often not thought about volunteers are 4-H judges. They help support learning and growth opportunities for youth through the project judging experience at local county fairs. It allows adults to share their expertise with 4-H youth by judging projects that interest them.

Becoming a volunteer is as easy as six simple steps: Decide you want to volunteer, contact your local ISU Extension office to learn of the opportunities, watch orientation videos, complete background screening, attend local training, and show your skills, knowledge, and talents while having fun with youth!

If volunteering with youth and the 4-H program interests you, please reach out to Grace Davidson at the Jefferson County Extension office at 641-472-4166 or gkd@iastate.edu.