There are many different ways to help support the 4-H program, regardless of whether
you have children enrolled in 4-H or not. You do not need previous experience with
4-H to volunteer. There are opportunities to work directly with children, or work
'behind the scenes' with 4-H programs. It all depends on your interest and talents.
Working Directly with Children
Club Leader
JOB DESCRIPTOIN: Club leaders meet with their club once or twice a month, working
with members and their families to coordinate club activities. Often, several leaders
will work as a team dividing the responsibilities for managing the club. Such divisions
are based on the volunteer's interests and skills, and may include leading educational
programs, coordinating field trips, organizing fundraising projects, or planning
for community service activities.
TIME COMMITMENT: Most club leaders spend about 5-10 hours per month planning for
meetings and meeting with the club members.
Click here to read a detailed job description.
4-H Volunteer Application (Create a Family Account and then enroll yourself as a Volunteer)
4-H Club Leader Monthly Reporting Form
Special Interest Instructor
4-H offers many short-term educational programs that generally meet after school
or in the evenings, or during the day when school isn't in session. A wide range
of topics are offered, depending on the volunteers available, and their skills.
Examples are: sewing, woodworking, horticulture, electricity, and quilting, beekeeping
and horses.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Special Interest Instructors prepare the materials and lead classes.
For many topics, 4-H has leaders' guides, with prepared lesson plans, and members
manuals available. Volunteers determine the number of participants and establish
the age limits for their class. Most classes are offered to children in one of three
age groups: 5-8, 9-12, or 13-18.
TIME COMMITMENT: The time commitment varies depending on the topic. Often, special
interest groups meet for 4-6 weeks, 2 hours per week.
Working Behind the Scenes
Judge
JOB DESCRIPTION: 4-H offers many competitive events throughout the year, and lots
of judges are needed to share their positive comments and expertise. Judges are
needed who are knowledgeable about the following topics: sewing, talent, gardening,
baking, art, and photography. Judges evaluate each child's work using a written
evaluation form.
TIME COMMITMENT: Depends on the event. 1-2 hours typically.
4-H Advisory Board Member
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Advisory Board is the guiding body of the 4-H program. It is
made up of a team of 10-15 community, civic, and 4-H leaders who work with local
staff to guide and support the local program.
TIME COMMITMENT: Board members usually meet quarterly for about 2 hours per meeting
and assist with programs and activities throughout the year.
4-H Summer Program Volunteer Assistant
JOB DESCRIPTION: Serve as a chaperone for program participants, ages 5-19 including
helping with roll call, preparing and serving snacks, helping youth to comprehend
and follow instructions and assist the 4-H staff as necessary to ensure that all
youth are safe.
TIME COMMITMENT: Varies according to the length of the workshops.
We invite you to join the 28,000 men and women who volunteer to help 4-H youth in North Carolina each year. YOU can make a "REAL DIFFERENCE" for the youth in your community -- giving them something postive and meaningful to do!
