4-H Club Volunteer Opportunities

4-H Club Volunteer Opportunities

There are many roles to fill with WVU 4-H Clubs, and we need caring adults to fill them. Click on the links below to see examples of volunteer position descriptions.

Are you ready to partner with 4-H? Contact your county office for an application.

Help youth grow and reach their full potential through monthly club meetings and fun, educational club activities.

Assist the 4-H Club Leader in supporting members, volunteers, and county 4-H faculty and staff in creating and conducting meaningful experiential educational opportunities to help youth grow and reach their fullest potential.

West Virginia 4-H members have the opportunity to grow and learn about topics that interest them through 4-H projects. A 4-H project is a combination of hands-on activities, record keeping, leadership, and communication opportunities. Project volunteers guide 4-H members enrolled in projects and assist them in expanding their knowledge through learning experiences, demonstrations, and exhibits. Project volunteers can share the expertise they have with club members and use their experiences to create a more expansive learning environment.

Community Service Project Coordinators serve a valuable role by assisting club members in the planning, conducting, and evaluating of community service projects. These volunteers will oversee the project and lend guidance as needed to the club members.

 Volunteers have a vital role to play in 4-H clubs, community service, civic engagement, and camping programs. There are many ways to volunteer, and the needs may vary from county to county. 4-H volunteers at large may lend their assistance in a variety of ways to clubs, county Extension personnel, and the youth of their county. Willing hands are appreciated at every level.

Specialty Volunteers

Many counties have needs for specialty volunteers such as shooting sports instructors or equine volunteers. These positions require a firm understanding of the subject matter and may require further training or certifications. The position needs may vary from county to county.

The position description will vary for each 4-H Club.

Time Required:

• Average of one hour of planning time for every one hour of club activity.
• Two hours each month to attend leaders’ meetings or additional training.
• Additional time may be committed at the discretion of the volunteer.

Position Purpose:

• Supports members, volunteers, and county 4-H faculty and staff in creating and conducting meaningful, experiential educational opportunities to help youth grow and reach their fullest potential.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide overall 4-H club leadership.
• Coordinate members’ and parents’ activities and involve all volunteer leaders.
• Maintainn the smooth operation of the club through regular and timely communication with club members, parents, guardians, and families.
• Commit to the principles of positive youth development and the growth of young people.
• Plan and coordinate club activities and club meetings.
• Recruit new members, including underserved youth.
• Recruit assistant, project, and activity leaders when needed.
• Report all accidents/incidents to the county faculty/staff immediately.

Skills and Abilities Needed:

• Ability to be a positive role model for youth
• Dedication to youth and sensitivity to their abilities, interests, and needs
• Ability to provide emotional support in stressful situations
• Ability to be non-biased
• Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork
• Good Judgment
• Initiative

Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of the WV 4-H program or willingness to learn.
• Willingness to uphold the policies and procedures of WVU Extension.

WVU Extension Agrees to:

• Provide orientation and training opportunities to assist Volunteer in being successful in their position.
• Provide access to educational materials and resources.
• Provide appropriate recognition of members for their service.
• Collaborate to fulfill the goals of the Volunteer.

The position description will vary for each 4-H Club.

Time Required:

• Average of one hour of planning for every one hour of club activity.
• Two hours each month to attend leaders’ meetings or additional training.
• Additional time may be committed at the discretion of the volunteer.

Position Purpose:

• Assist the 4-H Club Leader in supporting members, volunteers, and county 4-H faculty and staff in creating and conducting meaningful experiential educational opportunities to help youth grow and reach their fullest potential.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Assist with overall 4-H club leadership.
• Work with the 4-H Club Leaders to maintain the smooth operation of the club through regular and timely communication with club members, parents, guardians, and families.
• Commit to the principles of positive youth development and the growth of young people.
• Provide a safe environment for all youth.
• Assist with the planning and coordination of club activities.
• Recruit new members, including underserved youth.
• Assist in planning and coordinating club activities in addition to the club meetings.

Skills and Abilities Needed:

• Ability to be a positive role model for youth
• Dedication to youth and sensitivity to their abilities, interests, and needs
• Ability to be non-biased
• Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork
• Good Judgement
• Initiative

Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of the WV 4-H program or a willingness to learn.
• Willingness to uphold the policies and procedures of WVU Extension.

WVU Extension Agrees to:

• Provide orientation and training opportunities to assist Volunteer in being successful in their position.
• Provide access to educational materials and resources.
• Provide appropriate recognition of members for their service.
• Collaborate to fulfill the goals of the Volunteer.

The position description will vary for each 4-H Club/Project.

Time Required:

• Project meetings planned by the group (minimum six hours of instruction).
• Special project activities, tours, achievement day, county fair, etc.
• Attendance at training sessions.

Position Purpose:

• To help Club and Assistant Club Leaders in working with 4-H members enrolled in project(s) to support and guide their learning of knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Specific Responsibilities:

The 4-H Project Volunteer works with the Club and Assistant Club leaders by:

• Conducting a minimum of 6 hours of instruction or 5-7 project group meetings, workshops, tours, or field trips.
• Involving experienced junior/teen leaders in teaching.
• Encouraging parents/guardians to provide appropriate project support at home.
• Giving individual support as needed to project members.
• Helping members establish goals and plan for their project work.
• Planning a sequence of learning experiences so that the project appeals to beginners and more advanced learners.
• Working with members regarding records, demonstrations, exhibits or other project-related activities.
• Encouraging members to complete project work as planned.
• Helping members evaluate their progress in the project area.
• Helping project members know the requirements for exhibiting.

Skills and Abilities Needed:

• Dedication to youth and sensitivity to their abilities, interests, and needs.
• Time and energy to devote to the project; a desire to continue learning in the project area.
• Knowledge of the subject matter and/or a willingness to attend training.
• The ability to share decision-making and responsibilities with youth.
• Enthusiasm, patience, and understanding.

Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of the WV 4-H program or a willingness to learn.

WVU Extension Agrees to:

• Provide orientation and training opportunities to assist Volunteer in being successful in their position.
• Provide access to educational materials and resources.
• Provide appropriate recognition of members for their service.
• Collaborate to fulfill the goals of the Volunteer.

The position description will vary for each 4-H Club/Project.

Time Required:

• 4-6 hours in the months before, during, and following the project.
• At least two months before community service activity through completion and wrap-up of the event.

Position Purpose:

• To assist club members in planning, conducting, and evaluating a club community service project. To process the experience with members as part of the overall project.
• Success criteria: The successful completion of a club community service project where the members were actively involved in the planning, conducting, and evaluation of the activity.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Assist club in doing a needs assessment to determine the needs in the community.
• Assist club in surveying members to determine interest in and abilities that can be used to conduct a community service project.
• Assist club in listing possible community service options, deciding which project to pursue, and in developing a plan.
• Identify location and obtain necessary permission in advance.
• Develop a financial budget for the project.
• Develop a risk management plan for the activity and review it with the Club Leader, Volunteers, and Youth Members.
• Work with Club Leader and Agent to obtain needed equipment or supplies.
• Advertise the opportunity through mass media representatives and Unit Extension Youth Staff concerning your plans. Publicize the efforts of your club and the 4-H program.
• Assist the club in documenting their efforts using photos, videos, and written notes.
• Assist the Club Leader to compile a written summary report for the club.

Skills and Abilities Needed:

• Dedication to youth and sensitivity to their abilities, interests, and needs
• Ability to be non-biased
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Delegation
• Managing people
• Good judgement

Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of the WV 4-H program or a willingness to learn.
• Willingness to uphold the policies and procedures of WVU Extension.

WVU Extension Agrees to:

• Provide orientation and training opportunities to assist Volunteer in being successful in their position.
• Provide access to educational materials and resources.
• Provide appropriate recognition of members for their service.
• Collaborate to fulfill the goals of the Volunteer.

The position description will vary for each 4-H County.

Time Required:

• Hours and days of the week are variable, based upon the needs within the county program and the interests of the volunteer.
• Attendance at training sessions as needed for specific activities.

Position Purpose:

• To help support 4-H members and guide their learning of knowledge, skills, and attitudes in many project areas. Volunteers have a vital role to play in 4-H clubs, community service, civic engagement, and camping programs. There are many ways to volunteer, and the needs may vary from county to county.

Specific Responsibilities:

The 4-H General Volunteer responsibilities vary depending on specific county needs and may include working with clubs and/or county offices in:

• Assisting Club leaders with enrollment, bookkeeping, or interpreting projects to potential members.
• Teaching members in an area of personal interest.
• Involving experienced junior/teen leaders in teaching.
• Working with members regarding records, demonstrations, exhibits or other project-related activities.
• Providing county office support.
• Assisting with county activities throughout the year.
• Assisting with or leading community service projects.
• Supporting youth in the completion of charting requirements.
• Being a chaperone at events or conferences.

Skills and Abilities Needed:

• An interest in youth and an understanding of how they grow (life cycles).
• An appreciation of informal education and a desire to help youth learn by doing.
• Time and energy to devote to the organization and a desire to continue learning.
• The ability to share decision-making and responsibilities with youth.
• Enthusiasm, patience, and understanding.

Qualifications:

• Adults 18 years of age or older, including parents of 4-H members, and adult friends of 4-H with skills to share may serve as volunteers.

WVU Extension Agrees to:

• Provide orientation and training opportunities to assist Volunteer in being successful in their position.
• Provide access to educational materials and resources.
• Provide appropriate recognition of members for their service.
• Collaborate to fulfill the goals of the Volunteer.

WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
The WVU Board of Governors is the governing body of WVU. The Higher Education Policy Commission in West Virginia is responsible for developing, establishing, and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the state’s four-year colleges and universities.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to provide this content in alternate formats upon request. Contact the WVU Extension Service Office of Communications at 304-293-4222.