4-H Leadership

In 4-H, youth learn through opportunities in which they master life challenges, cultivate independence with guidance from caring adults, gain a sense of belonging within a positive group, and share a spirit of generosity with others. Volunteers are essential to help youth make the most of these learning opportunities. According to recent research, youth who are provided with positive adult interactions grow to become strong, confident young adults (Tufts University, 2006).

4-H volunteer leaders are older youth and adults that are working to make a difference in the lives of young people. As a 4-H volunteer, you can:

• Lead youth in projects within community clubs or after school clubs or at annual project discovery day
• Serve as an adult chaperone or counselor for camps and other educational trips
• Develop and support community service opportunities for youth to make a difference in their communities
• Provide overall leadership for organizing a 4-H club
• Work with other adults and older youth to such as drama, music, recreation or other educational activities
• Serve as a member of a county committee or board
• Create new educational programs or activities for youth
• Or provide assistance in the Extension office as needed.

With a variety of flexible options, volunteers can decide on their level of involvement, based on their skills and time available. Opportunities exist for volunteering year-round, short-term or on a one time basis.

Adults are more than just a volunteers in 4-H – they are instrumental in inspiring the next generation.

Volunteering is a privilege.  All that’s needed is a desire to provide quality educational programs and experiences with youth.  Previous 4-H Youth Development experience is not necessary.

All 4-H Youth Development Volunteers working with youth are required to complete the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Protection program, which includes:

• a background check for arrest and conviction records, done when first applying and repeated once every four years.
• participation in a volunteer orientation program
• annual reenrollment with includes a Volunteer Behavior Expectations agreement.

4-H Volunteer Leader Roles and Resources

There are several ways that volunteers, both adults and older youth, can be involved as leaders in the Lincoln County 4-H program.  Most volunteers lead projects for local year-round clubs, but there are many ways that volunteers get involved.

4-H Board of Directors – Members of the Board of Directors make a commitment to the county leaders and 4-H families to serve as a liaison, and act on their behalf in decision making policies. They usually meet once a month and assist in planning and making decisions for carrying out the 4-H program. The Board Of Directors consists of no less than seven (7) and no more than eleven (11) directors. The Board of Directors shall include not less than two youth directors who are in 8th grade and older in the year of their election to the Board of Directors. Adult directors serve for two year terms and youth directors serve for one year terms. Position Description 

Organizational And Co-Organizational Leaders are responsible for the overall organization of their 4-H club as directed by the members and families. These leaders serve as the contact leader with the Board of Directors and UW-Extension Office. Organizational and Co-organizational leaders cannot do everything. They should involve members and leaders in planning and carrying out the club’s yearly program.

Project Leader – Project Leaders are adults or older youth who work with a specific project in a club. They help members plan their project and assist them in carrying it through. At various times during the year leader training meetings may be held for project leaders. Leaders should try to attend these training meetings and communicate updates to youth.

Activity Leader – Activity Leaders are adults or older youth who work with a specific activity in a club. They help members plan their activity and assist them in carrying it through. At various times during the year leader training meetings may be held for activity leaders. Leaders should try to attend these training meetings and communicate updates to youth.

Resource/Key Leader – Resource Leaders broaden and strengthen the county 4-H program in terms of projects and/or activities. Help design and teach project training meeting(s) for leaders and members on a county wide level, serve as a telephone resource in project or activity area, and/or provide project support in other ways on a county level.

Youth Leader – Members who fulfill a leadership position by sharing their experience with younger members, or serving in a leadership capacity. Youth leaders can be involved in local county, district and state level 4-H activities in a variety of ways.