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Volunteer with 4-H
In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We recognize that every child has valuable strengths and can have real potential to improve the world, show what it means to be a true leader and create opportunity for all. Across the U.S., a network of more than 500,000 4-H volunteers provides caring and supportive mentoring to six million young people to help them succeed at home, in school, and in their future. In Delaware, UD Cooperative Extension supports volunteers through our offices in each county.
Why volunteer?
Youth need the time and talents adults can share with them now more than ever. The most important person in the life of a young person outside of their family is a caring and trusted adult who mentors, teaches and guides a child along the path of learning by doing.
Volunteer opportunities
- Organizational Leader: A volunteer who manages and organizes a 4-H club.
- Club Project Leader: A volunteer in a 4-H club who leads one or more project groups.
- Club Activity Leader: A volunteer who takes responsibility for certain activities done by a 4-H club during the year.
- County Club Leader: A volunteer that would do training and activities at the County level.
- Special Interest (SPIN) Leader: A volunteer who encourages youth, including underserved families, to investigate topics that may not be typical 4-H projects.
Become a 4-H Volunteer Today!
Become a 4-H Volunteer today and help create life-changing experiences for youth in your community, county and state.
Contact:
Dr. Ernesto B. Lopez
State 4-H Extension Volunteer Specialist College of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Delaware
302-985-1213
elopez@udel.edu
Volunteer application, forms and guidebook
- Application packet (four forms) (A completed packet from a potential volunteer is the application form, two completed reference forms, and the signed volunteer expectations.)
- Interest inventory [pdf]
- Volunteer screening policy [pdf]
- University of Delaware Cooperative Extension volunteer handbook [pdf]
- University of Delaware nondiscrimination policy
FAQ
Yes. Some teach members how to do things and are called project leaders. These leaders usually have a special interest or skill, such as photography, computers, clothing or gardening. Others who help a group get organized and run their meetings are called organizational leaders. Activity leaders coordinate a designated activity of the 4-H club, such as Family Night, tours, community service, club exhibits, recreational events, public speaking and fundraising.
Sure, if they have the time and interest. Sometimes big clubs delegate these jobs and have several project leaders to meet all the interests that 4-H members have.
Anyone 13 years of age or older may be a junior leader. These teens assist organizational, project, and activity leaders in guiding the 4-H club or by leading a club or project group on their own. Junior leaders also give leadership to county 4-H events.
That depends on the size of the club, how old the members are, time available by the adults, and how varied member interests are.
Your primary resource is the Cooperative Extension office in your county — the office secretary, the Extension 4-H agent and other Extension agents can help you. Your name will be put on a 4-H leader’s mailing list. You will be invited to training meetings, where you will be given the materials you need to organize a 4-H club. Ask for the name of an experienced leader near you with whom you can talk or call on when you have questions. The Delaware 4-H leader handbook is an excellent resource of written information to guide the 4-H leader. In addition, county and state 4-H leader training sessions are held throughout the year.