Become a 4-H Volunteer!
Adult, teen and college student volunteers play a very key role in 4-H Youth Development and are as diverse as the population of the state. They can provide leadership to a local 4-H club, help to plan events, or serve on a program committee to provide direction for 4-H in New York State. Volunteers are valued and recognized by staff and administration, and training is provided.
To learn more about 4-H volunteer opportunities and to obtain a volunteer application form, contact the 4-H staff at your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office. Scroll on the CCE Association chart and visit your local Association's website for contact information.
Why Volunteer?
4-H is an experiential learning youth education program for boys and girls ages 5-19. Its practical life skills education in science and technology, healthy lifestyles and citizenship can reach any kid ... anywhere ... any time through 4-H clubs, camps, after-school programs and events. 4-H volunteers and professionals have a great deal of latitude in determining when, where and how 4-H “learn-by-doing” activities take place. 4-H volunteers do make a difference.
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. With the guidance of 4-H volunteers, youth:
- Learn by doing
- Develop leadership and life skills
- Make new friends
- Give back to the community
- Build connections with others
- Prepare, do and share
More and more youth need the values, skills and guidance 4-H offers. 4-H volunteers are supported by 4-H professionals through local Cornell Cooperative Extension offices.
People volunteer for 4-H for many reasons. One obvious benefit is to help guide and counsel our country’s future citizens and leaders. Volunteers themselves also grow as a person, develop new leadership skills, meet new friends and have great adventures!
Resources Available for 4-H Volunteers
4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities. Explore Northeast regional, statewide and district volunteer forums to hone 4-H volunteer skills.
National 4-H Resources. Written for 4-H volunteers, these links include ideas for optimizing club meetings to youth development philosophy.
For 4-H Club Leaders.
Note: Local programs may have more specific policies than the national guidelines. Contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office for more details about volunteering, training opportunities, and volunteering for 4-H in your community.