Volunteer with 4-H
Did you know that more than 400 adults volunteer with Cortland County 4-H programs each year?
Volunteering is fun and rewarding, and enables you to share your experiences with others. Do you like birdwatching, cooking, gardening or working with animals? There are many interesting projects and fun things to do in 4-H.
Imagine a young person's satisfaction at learning a new skill, or at doing a job well. Imagine your own satisfaction at watching a young person blossom. You can help our young people as they gain confidence and self-esteem - essential ingredients for happy, productive citizens.
Whether you want to be a club leader or work with kids on a short-term project, there's a role for you in 4-H. Many volunteer roles involve working directly with youth while others do not. Some volunteers are engaged with the program for a long period of time, such as leading a 4-H Club for several years. Others volunteer on a one-time, short-term or even an annual basis, for example, being a homework helper at an after school program, volunteering at a special interest workshop, serving as a judge for public speaking or for an event at the 4-H Youth Fair. In whatever role you may choose to volunteer, our 4-H office can provide training, resources and support that can help make your volunteer position as rewarding as possible for everyone involved.
Prospective volunteers complete an application form. In addition, those who volunteer to work directly with youth will be asked to consent to a criminal background screening at Cooperative Extension's expense, as a means of ensuring the safety and security both of our volunteers and of the people we serve through our programs.
4-H Volunteer Opportunities
An adult volunteer who works with a 4-H club assists the club's members in planning their annual club program, conducting club business and enrolling individually or as a group in one or more 4-H projects. Members of a club are often from a small geographic area and may share an interest in a particular topic, but there must be a minimum of five members, and two volunteer leaders. 4-H staff assist with the application and screening process, and provide orientation, on-going training and access to resources.
4-H project leaders help the Organizational Leader "teach" the educational component of the club program. They help organize and facilitate a series of project lessons, usually 4 - 6 meetings. Project leaders help members complete project record books and prepare work for evaluation at the 4-H Youth Fair.
Lead a one-time activity at a 4-H Club meeting, or judge 4-H entries at the county fair. Share a skill or interest you have with an existing club or after school program, or help out at an organized workshop. Or you may choose to be a chaperone, provide transportation or simply accompany a youth group to a special event or activity.
Individuals may participate as members of standing (long-term) or special (temporary, ad hoc) committees. Committee members often have less direct involvement with youth and serve in more of an administrative role in the 4-H program.
This volunteer group meets monthly with the 4-H Program Leader and provides overall direction and support for the entire 4-H program. Other committee opportunities are available.
This position is for teen 4-H members with an interest in leadership development within the 4-H program. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, mentoring younger 4-H members, serving on the 4-H committees, 4-H Youth Fair Board, Jr. Camp Counselors, and internships. Developing leadership and fostering responsibility are two fundamental components of this position.
Frequently Asked Questions
First, decide which program within the 4-H program you want to volunteer for. Next, fill out a Volunteer Application, available here on our web site, and send it in. We'll call and talk with you about your interests and how you'd like to be involved.
No. 4-H volunteer leaders simply need to enjoy spending time with children and youth, and be willing to help them learn and develop.
No. Volunteer leaders solicit help from other volunteers. In addition, volunteer leaders can attend training to help them feel more comfortable and knowledgeable in specific areas. Our 4-H Office also has curricula and other information on many subjects, and can help you identify activities and opportunities for your club or project.
No. Just let the 4-H office know what you are interested in and the amount of time you have available, so we can direct you to the perfect volunteer opportunity (short or long-term).
There are no costs involved in becoming a 4-H volunteer leader!
Those who volunteer to work directly with youth will be asked to consent to a sex offender and criminal background screening at Cooperative Extension's expense, as a means of ensuring the safety and security both of our volunteers and of the people we serve through our programs.
Rebecca Ireland-Perry
4-H Team Leader
rli3 [at] cornell.edu (rli3[at]cornell[dot]edu)
607-391-2660 x406