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4-H Youth Development Home »  Volunteers
Volunteers Perform Many Roles
Volunteers Perform Many Roles
Volunteers Educate
Volunteers Provide Local Learning Opportunities
Volunteers Climb to New Heights
Volunteers Climb to New Heights!
Volunteers Go on Adventures
Volunteers Go On Adventures
Leaders
Volunteer Leaders Rock!
Volunteers Teach Outdoor Skills
Volunteers Teach Outdoor Skills

Volunteers

Welcome to Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development.
4-H Youth Development volunteers are valued partners in working with youth!

The Possibilities are Endless

Volunteers In 4-H Youth Development Programs:

-Lead workshops to share knowledge with young people
-Chaperone field trips and leadership conferences
-Work in partnership (adults and youth) to lead 4-H clubs, activities and events
-Help plan and conduct events
-Recruit other volunteers
-Develop and evaluate 4-H Youth Development programs
-Contribute through promoting and supporting 4-H

Links to Get Started

  • 4-H Community Club Central - Discover resources and tools to start, strengthen and revitalize 4-H community clubs.
  • 4-H Projects - Resources on a wide variety of major topics . . . from art to woodworking, from computers to rabbits, from clothing to small engines.
  • Calendar and Events - Explore events, state teams and other educational opportunities on the state, national and international levels.
  • 4-H Afterschool - Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development staff members are partnering with schools and other community based organizations to improve the quality and quantity of Afterschool programs.
  • 4-H Volunteer USA - You will find resources on working with youth, 4-H partners and helpful links, tools and resources for 4-H Youth Development volunteers.
  • Project Leader Training - Statewide leader trainings are offered at various times and locations around the state. Check this site to see what is coming soon.
  • Youth in Governance - Youth and adults working together in positions of authority to make decisions and take action to strengthen organizations, communities, and our democratic society.

General Information

How to Volunteer

Volunteering is a privilege. All that's needed is a desire to provide quality educational programs and experiences with youth. Previous 4-H Youth Development experience is not necessary. For more information, contact the 4-H Youth Development staff member at your County UW-Extension Office.

All 4-H Youth Development Volunteers working with youth are required to complete the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Protection program, which includes:

  • a background check for arrest and conviction records;
  • participation in a volunteer orientation program; and
  • annually signing the Volunteer Behavior Expectations form.

4-H Volunteer Leader Roles

In 4-H, most volunteers lead projects for a local year-round club or short-term 4-H group. But there are many ways that volunteers get involved.

Special Opportunities

  • Wisconsin 4-H Adult Leader Council - The Wisconsin 4-H Adult Leader Council (ALC) includes an adult representative from each county. A Executive Committee is elected representing 4-H adult membership by districts.
    • Fall Forum- The Fall Forum is the annual meeting of the Wisconsin 4-H Adult Leader Council and the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Leader Council (YLC). The meeting includes informational, educational, business, and networking agenda items. Each county is represented on ALC by an adult volunteer leader. In addition a youth representative from each county is invited to Fall Forum. As part of the business meeting, the ALC elects the Executive Board. YLC holds their elections and business meeting.
    • PDF Volunteer Expense Form (1page, 59.7 KB)
  • North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Forum - Join youth and adult 4-H volunteers from the 13 states and three Canadian Provinces of the North Central Region. It is a time of learning, networking, and fellowship.
    • 2007 4-H North Central Region Volunteer Forum - October 12-14, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Information is now available for news releases for participants. Forum evaluation will be posted soon.
    • 2008 North Central Region Volunteer Forum - November 6-8, 2008. Columbus, Ohio. Keep watching this site for updates. Call for proposals are due January 15.
    • 2009 North Central Region Volunteer Forum will be October 1-4, 2009 hosted by Nebraska. See you in Lincoln.
  • MS-Word icon 2008 Chaperone Opportunities Information-Application (4 pages, 56KB) - There are many opportunities to get involved as a chaperone on the state level. (Space Camp, Citizenship Washington Focus, National 4-H Dairy Conference, National 4-H Congress)
  • PDF File 2008 Chaperone Opportunities Information-Application (4 pages, 48KB) - There are many opportunities to get involved as a chaperone on the state level. (Space Camp, Citizenship Washington Focus, National 4-H Dairy Conference, National 4-H Congress)
  • Junior Fair Judge - Those with special skills in particular project areas may be interested in serving as a Junior County Fair Judge. The application can be found at the Wisconsin Dept of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection link: http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/licenses/fair_judge.pdf.

Working with Youth

4-H Youth Development volunteers primarily work with 4-H members. Volunteers have an important role in helping 4-H members grow and develop.

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