4-H Volunteer Recruitment

What is 4-H?

Four-H is America’s largest out-of-school educational program for youth. Over six million youth nationally now participate in 4-H, under the guidance of Extension trained adult volunteers or Extension staff members. One of every six Americans has been affiliated with 4-H as a member. It is estimated that nearly 45 million American adults are former 4-H members. An American idea, 4-H has spread to over 80 other countries.

Four-H is an informal, practical, learn-by-doing, fun, and educational program for boys and girls, ages 5 through 18, from all racial, cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Membership is open to all youth in this age range without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, or religious affiliation.

The 4-H program has been serving the needs of boys and girls for nearly 100 years. In fact, Virginia 4-H has been actively working to provide educational opportunities for youth since 1909. America's largest youth program, as well as that within the Commonwealth of Virginia, 4-H now reaches over 6.8 million boys and girls throughout the United States. In Virginia, we now serve over 140,500 boys and girls, ages 5-18.

4-H is based on seven (7) foundations:

1. Community centered,
2. Volunteer led,
3. Extension staff supervised,
4. Research-based,
5. Home and family oriented,
6. Publicly and privately funded, and
7. Responsive to change.

Volunteer Led 4-H Clubs/Groups

Among the basic premises on which 4-H is different than other youth serving agencies and groups (there are many) include that 4-H clubs/groups are locally determined, and volunteer led. This allows more youth to be reached through 4-H club programs. The volunteers work under the guidance and supervision of the local 4-H Agent, or 4-H Program Assistant in charge of the unit 4-H program. 

Expectations for a Virginia 4-H Volunteer

Virginia 4-H volunteers are adults (or older teens) who have agreed to fill defined roles in planning, implementing, and evaluating the local 4-H program. Volunteer roles include a variety of leadership and assisting duties. Volunteers are expected to set a positive example for youth at all times and to follow the responsibilities of role for which they have been assigned. The unit 4-H Extension Agent, or 4-H Program Assistant in charge of the unit 4-H program, establishes the job description and guidelines for all volunteers. Expectations include:

• Abide by the 4-H policies and procedures at all times
• Complete and submit an annual Volunteer Leader Enrollment Form
• Keep 4-H Agent (or 4-H Program Assistant) informed of club activities
• Meet with the 4-H club on a frequent basis, based on the 4-H Agent’s job description
• Be willing and able to assist youth in 4-H club programming
• Abide by and complete the duties of the specific job for which they serve as a 4-H volunteer, as outlined by the 4-H Agent (or 4-H Program Assistant)

If you are interested in becoming a Virginia 4-H Volunteer please call the  Virginia Cooperative Extension Office at 540-862-0369 or mail to Christine Hodges, 4-H Youth Development.