Volunteers Perform Many Roles

Volunteers Provide Local Learning Opportunities

Volunteers Climb to New Heights!

Volunteers Go On Adventures

Volunteer Leaders Rock!

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. Project Leader Training is available at this website. Additional training opportunities are available throughout the year. Information can be sought from your county 4-H Youth Development Staff.
• 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.
• 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.

• 4-H Volunteer Leader Roles and Resources (2 pages, 43 KB)
• . 4-H Youth Development Educators and County 4-H Leader Organizations Identifying the specific roles of the 4-H Youth Development Educator, 4-H Leader Organizations, 4-H Boards and Committees is important to insure quality educational programs for 4-H members and effective organizations. This document outlines these roles and accountability so the work of the groups can be accomplished, improve communication, and assist in developing operational guidelines and bylaws. (Update 1-2011)

Special Opportunities

• Wisconsin 4-H Adult Leader Council - The Wisconsin 4-H Adult Leader Council (ALC) includes one 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 (ALC) and the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Leader Council (YLC). This link includes information and registration for the annual Fall Forum.
  • Volunteer Expense Form
• North Central Region Volunteer Development Website
• 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.

  • 2011 North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Regional E-Forum The 2011 NCRVF will be an E-Forum. A series of educational sessions will be held from 6:30-8:30 pm (CST) on November 7, 17, and 22 at county Extension Offices throught the state. All youth and adult 4-H volunteers will have access to exciting and new training and resources that will strengthen their volunteer roles.
  • 2012 North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Forum In Wichita Kansas Hold October October 11 - 14, 2012, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Wichita, Kansas for the next face-to-face NCRVF. The web site will be updated as information becomes available.
• 2012 Adult Advisor Opportunities Information-Application (3 pages, 70KB) - There are many opportunities to get involved as an Adult Advisor on the state level. (Space Camp, Citizenship Washington Focus, National 4-H Dairy Conference, National 4-H Congress)
• 2012 Adult Advisor Opportunities Information-Application (3 pages, 189KB) - There are many opportunities to get involved as an Adult Advisor 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://datcp.wi.gov/uploads/Animals/pdf/JudgesApplication_1_07.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.

• Ages and Stages of 4-H Youth Development - by Jamie Tomek, Extension Assistant; Mary Jo Williams, State 4-H Youth Development Specialist. Missouri 4-H Youth Development Programs
• Meeting the Needs of Youth: Tips for 4-H Leaders (2 pages, 130 KB) - 4-H leaders are essential partners in creating a positive environment by focusing on the strengths of youth and providing positive ways for youth to meet their four basic needs: Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity.
• 12 Tips for Chaperones and Adults Working with Youth This tool provides helpful insights into a successful chaperone experience. It was developed by Kay Hobler.

Recognition for Volunteers

Salute to Excellence: Volunteers are, undeniably, the "heart and soul" of 4-H, and in an age when time is at a premium, Salute to Excellence serves as an opportunity to acknowledge our volunteers' unwavering dedication to the 4-H Youth Development movement.

Each year, state 4-H programs are invited to nominate two outstanding individual volunteers, one in each of two categories. The Lifetime Volunteer Award is given to an individual who has spent 10 or more years volunteering for 4-H. The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who has volunteered for 4-H less than 10 years.  Recipients of the 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Recognition Awards are chosen from nominees submitted by state 4-H offices

The Wisconsin State Adult Leader Council is working in cooperation with Yvonne Horton, Interim State 4-H Youth Development Program Director and the Strengthening 4-H Clubs Work Team to solicit nominations and provide a review process for selection of these prestigious awards. For selection purposes at the State level, please submit the completed 2011 Salute To Excellence Nomination Form Nominations must be submitted to Yvonne Horton no later than October 10. Applications must be complete in order to be considered. Please submit applications electronically. Criteria and more information is located at Salute to Excellence Volunteer Recognition Awards. Do not submit applications at this website. Wisconsin has a process for selection for state awardees and submission for regional consideration. Wisconsin awardees are recognized at the Annual Fall Forum.

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