4-H Volunteer Leader Resources

We all have our individual reasons as to why we volunteer, but it only takes a smile on a young person's face to simply remind us of the good we are doing.

In California, there are more than 20,000 adult volunteers making a difference in the lives of 130,000 thousand youth in the 4-H youth development program. Being a 4-H volunteer is a rewarding and meaningful experience for adults as they instill values in youth, become part of a larger family, create better opportunities for their children and other youth, and have fun too!

In addition to making a difference in the lives of young people, volunteers have many opportunities for their own personal and professional development through the 4-H youth development program.

The 4-H Project Leaders' Digest will help answer some of the questions you may have concerning your new role!
4-H Volunteer Leader Digest (PDF)

http://groups.ucanr.org/Safe_Spaces/

Child abuse and neglect are important concerns in the California 4-H Youth Development Program. This on-line course will show you key indicators for identifying child abuse, outline and clarify the law, and lead you through interactive exercises of real life situations. This course does not qualify you as a volunteer leader. In any case of suspected child abuse, please notify your local County Extension Office and 4-H staff members.

4-H Volunteer Trainings

California 4-H Volunteer Orientation Video

4-H Volunteer e-Learning Course

This free e-Learning course is designed to help 4-H volunteer leaders learn basic information about their volunteer duties.

State 4-H Leaders' Forum

The State 4-H Leaders Forum provides a weekend retreat for 4-H volunteers across California to gather for training, education, networking, relaxation, and fun.

4-H Volunteer Councils

Sectional 4-H Leaders' Councils

Each of the four sections in California has a volunteer council composed of adults and youth who are interested in expanded opportunities beyond their county.

State 4-H Leaders' Council

The State 4-H Leaders' Council shall consist of at least twenty-four (24) representatives of the four 4-H sections, plus the President of each Section Council.

More 4-H Volunteer Resources

National 4-H Volunteer website - This website provides many more resources for you!

Experiential Learning Toolbox - Resources and activities for hands-on learning methods.

National 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System - National 4-H CCS provides 4-H curriculum to programs across the states. There are more than 190 experientially based products available.

4-H National Diversity Site - The national cooperative extension agency has a diversity committee that is focused on issues within the 4-H.

4-H After School Program - This is the national website for helping staff and volunteers host traditional clubs in after school settings, as well as try out other types of delivery modes.

4-H Email Lists - Connect with other 4-H volunteers via our e-mail listservs. Share ideas, ask questions, and network via these e-mail groups!

Ohio 4-H Resource Page - A list of interesting resources from Ohio that support leaders. Most useful is a series of .pdf files that provide in-depth information on ages and stages.

New Jersey 4-H Volunteer Leader Page - This has interesting series titled the "Leader Training Series" in one 5 page handout it explores experiential learning, another discusses what "life skills" means in the 4-H youth development program and finally one speaks of the 7 modes of delivery in the 4-H youth development program.

National Association for Multicultural Education - This is a link to educators committed to all areas of diversity.

Multicultural Passport - An interesting website with basic information on different cultural groups.

California Ethnic and Multicultural Archives - This has particularly good information regarding Native American populations and other groups in California.

California State Fair Information - The official website of the California State Fair.

California Women in Agriculture - A group of dedicated volunteers that focus on maintaining agriculture in California.

American Camping Association - Has ideas for job descriptions in camps, useful hints around large groups and camping.