Volunteer With 4-H!

Volunteers make a difference in our programs!  Imagine a young person's satisfaction at learning a new skill, or at doing a job well. Imagine your own satisfaction at watching a young person blossom. You can help our young people as they gain confidence and self-esteem - essential ingredients for happy, productive citizens.

Whether you want to be a club leader or work with kids on a short-term project, there's a role for you in 4-H. Many volunteer roles involve working directly with youth while others do not. Some volunteers are engaged with the program for a long period of time, such as leading a 4-H Club for several years. Others volunteer on a one-time, short-term or even an annual basis, for example, being a homework helper at an after school program, volunteering at a special interest workshop, serving as a judge for public speaking or for an event at the 4-H Youth Fair. In whatever role you may choose to volunteer, our 4-H office can provide training, resources and support that can help make your volunteer position as rewarding as possible for everyone involved.

Prospective volunteers complete an application form. In addition, those who volunteer to work directly with youth will be asked to consent to a criminal background screening at Cooperative Extension's expense, as a means of ensuring the safety and security both of our volunteers and of the people we serve through our programs.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are several types of volunteer roles that contribute to the success of the Chenango County 4-H program. Some volunteer positions are tied to a specific local club and some help out at the county level. Below is a general description of the most common volunteer opportunities. Contact the 4-H office for more details about these or other volunteer positions.

Organizational Leader

The organizational leader establishes and maintains a club structure that supports 4-H Youth Development activities for school age youth within a defined area. He/she works with the project leader, activity leader and youth in planning the club program; arranges for meeting facilities; complies with Cornell Cooperative Extension procedures; ensures that all enrollments, program registrations, and reports are filled out and turned in to the county 4-H office; keeps the 4-H Educator staff informed about activities, accomplishments and problems. An organizational leader may also act as a project leader.

Project Leader

The project leader provides instruction and guidance to 4-H members when doing a project. The key component of the project leader's role is teaching; the "classroom" is wherever the members meet in order to work on their project(s). Project leaders may also assist with project-related activities on the county level and guide members in the selection of projects and the completion of project reports.

Activity Leader

The activity leader is responsible to help members plan for and participate in one or more specific activities the club has included in its yearly plan. These include such things as community service, public presentations, special celebrations, trips, etc.

Resource Leader

Resource leaders are volunteers who are selected by Cooperative Extension staff to aid, train and work with 4-H club leaders or members on a short-term basis. They have a specialization in a certain program area and have undergone training or have completed a certification program. Resource leaders often teach workshops or serve as evaluators at fairs and contests. Some examples of resource leaders are: Master Sewer, Master Gardener or SAREP instructor.

Last updated August 19, 2019