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Volunteer Opportunities

WHAT DOES VOLUNTEER BASED MEAN?

Volunteers are essential to the continued growth and development of a successful 4-H program. A volunteer may be a 4-H parent, relative or friend or a supporter of 4-H. Volunteers may serve as judges, club or project leaders, chaperons, resource persons or promoters. These unique individuals give not only their time, approximately 220 hours per year, but also their resources, donating over $1.9 billion.

Oklahoma’s cadre of more than 8,500 adult volunteers has found that as they help young people develop skills, they cultivate a few of their own. Adult volunteers develop self confidence and other leadership skills, effective communication, planning and goal setting, management and group dynamics. They develop skills they can use in other leadership roles in their churches, civic organizations and communities. Many volunteers use the skills they develop as 4-H volunteers to launch themselves into new jobs.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

As volunteers develop new skills and interests, new opportunities open for them at the county, district or state levels. The following are some of the leadership roles open to adults in the 4-H program:

	• Organization Leader
	The organization leader coordinates the overall club program and the activities of members and other volunteers. He or she serves as the club’s communication link to the County Extension staff and adult and/or youth leadership and advisory groups.

	• Project Leader
	Project leaders work with groups of members who are enrolled in the same project. They help members set their individual project goals, teach new skills through project meetings, prepare for related activities such as public speaking or judging activities, project records and prepare projects for exhibit.

	• Activity Leader
	Activity leaders work with groups of members participating in 4-H activities. Health, safety, conservation, recreation, community involvement and other activities involve groups of members or the entire club membership under their leadership.

	• Resource Person
	Short term commitment opportunities are also available as speakers, presenters, judges and donors.

	• Boards and Committee Members
	Volunteers are needed to serve on advisory boards, assist in resource development, and as partners in youth and volunteer development coalitions.

	• Volunteer Training
	The Oklahoma 4-H Program offers training workshops for volunteers at the county and district level and in special conferences and training meetings at the state and national level. Late in July, Oklahoma 4-H volunteers gather for their annual conference. Volunteers and educators attend workshops where they share ideas. Outstanding 4-H volunteers are recognized at this time also.

To learn more about becoming a 4-H volunteer, contact your County 4-H Educator at your respective County Extension Office.

County Extension Offices

Oklahoma 4-H volunteers must complete an application and those applications are then screened before they are eligible to work directly with youth unsupervised.

For more information about the procedure contact your respective OSU County Extension office at the respective link above, or click on the following link:

Volunteer Certification