How to Volunteer   Information for Volunteers   Volunteer Recognition

Volunteer!

Adult, teen and college student volunteers play a very key role in 4-H Youth Development and are as diverse as the population of the state. As a volunteer you can serve on program committee, provide leadership to 4-H Clubs or guidance on program direction for 4-H in New York State.  Volunteers are valued and recognized by staff and administration.

FAQs:

When my child joins 4-H, do I have to become a leader? Parents don't have to become 4-H leaders when their child joins 4-H, but most leaders appreciate the assistance of a parent or other adults. This help can range from being a project leader, to driving members to activities, to supplying refreshments for a meeting.

How do I become a volunteer? To learn more about 4-H volunteer opportunities and to obtain a volunteer application form talk to the 4-H staff at your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office. Scroll on the NYS map and click on your county for contact information.

 

4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities. Explore statewide volunteer forums and other trainings to hone your 4-H volunteer skills. For local trainings, contact your local 4-H office.

For Club Volunteers:

NYS 4-H Club Leader and 4-H Cloverbud Handbooks.  These handbooks include statewide policies and procedures. Note that counties may have more specific policies.  Contact your local office for more details.

National 4-H has resources for 4-H volunteers including ideas for optimizing your next club meeting. 

 

Project resources. Subject matter skills taught in projects are the foundation for the youth development. Materials for project work come from Cornell and other land grant universities. Need a resource?  Visit the on-line 4-H Resource Directory.

 

National 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Awards.

Based on county nominations, New York State has nominated our two 2009 winners to vie for one of eight Northeast regional awards. Each will be Volunteer of the Day at 2009 State Fair.

Congratulations to:

  • Jeanne Bear from Greene County, our top Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer (10 or more years)
  • Connie Cockrell from Fulton/Montgomery Counties, our top Volunteer of the Year (less than 10 years)!

Other county Salute to Excellence nominees to be honored as Volunteer of the Day at State Fair:

Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer

  • Victoria Bolton, Steuben
  • Elizabeth "Ippie" Spencer, Chenango

Volunteer of the Year

  • Rhonda Turrell, Chenango.

Talk to your local 4-H staff about nominating a favorite 4-H volunteer in your county. Nominations are due in November. Contact is Kimberly Fleming.

Did you know...Over 22,000 youth are served by the dynamic partnership of volunteers working with staff and administration.