4-H/Youth

VOLUNTEER TITLE: 4-H Advisory Committee Member

TIME COMMITMENT: One to two year commitment of scheduled meetings as specified by the current Advisory Committee. 

PURPOSE: Support and advise 4-H professionals about the current and future needs of county youth, volunteers and families in order to promote and foster involvement in 4-H Youth Development Programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Help plan, conduct, evaluate and recommend hands-on, experientially based educational programs for youth and volunteers based on county needs
• Lead and assist with educational clinics, workshops, fundraisers, and promotional events
• Attend committee meetings and actively participate in the committees’ business, goals, objectives, mission and overall efforts in a positive manner
• Encourage participation from parents, members, families, and the community in 4-H programs and activities at the county, district and state levels
• Keep informed and share 4-H information communicated through the 4-H Youth Development website, social media, emails, etc.
• Inform 4-H Professional(s) concerning training and resource needs of members or volunteers
• Assist in securing resources to conduct, promote, and expand the 4-H program
• Promote favorable public relations and a positive image of the 4-H program
• Participate in educational opportunities to further knowledge and skills
• Work with 4-H Professional(s), volunteers and youth in a positive manner that promotes teamwork and collaboration within the 4-H program.
• Become familiar with and work within the philosophy, guidelines and standards of behavior of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, North Carolina 4-H Program and the Moore County 4-H Program.

SKILLS NEEDED:

• Communication
• Organization
• Planning
• Decision Making
• Analytical
• Leadership
• Teamwork

VOLUNTEER TITLE: 4-H Club Leader

TERM OF RESPONSIBILITY: 1 year minimum, but leaders are encouraged to serve for several consecutive years.

TIME COMMITMENT: Average of one hour of planning time for every one hour of club activity (a typical club meeting lasts between 1 to 2 hours). Two hours bi-annually to attend leaders meetings or additional training opportunities. Additional time may be committed at the discretion of the individual.

PURPOSE: To provide overall 4-H club leadership. This includes coordinating members, parents and involving other leaders. The 4-H club leader communicates with other volunteers, county 4-H staff, club members and 4-H members’ parents and families to maintain smooth operation of the club. Support youth, volunteers and county 4-H staff members in conducting meaningful, educational experiences to help youth grow and reach their fullest potential. 4-H club leaders can be an individual, a team or a group of people that have specific roles that fulfill the 4-H club leader responsibilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Commit to young people and their growth in all areas.

• Be dedicated to youth and be sensitive to their abilities and needs.
• Help members gain life skills such as decision making, problem solving, self-responsibility, accountability, communication, goal setting, citizenship, caring relationships, leadership, healthy lifestyle choices and career exploration skills in project work.
• Encourage youth to learn and experiment with new ideas, techniques and skills.
• Provide feedback to members, letting them know when they are doing a good job and advising them when they need to improve. Praise youth for the progress they make.
• Inform and encourage members, parents and other volunteers to actively participate in 4-H opportunities.

2) Provide a safe environment for all youth.

• Follow all guidelines and policies of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the North Carolina 4-H and the Moore County 4-H program.

3) Coordinate project activities (meetings, work sessions, demonstrations, educational tours).

• Attend club meetings and activities. If unable to attend, make arrangements for another approved 4-H volunteer to oversee activities.
• Recruit new members, including underserved youth, when the club has openings.
• Guide the club in setting goals, planning and carrying out activities.
• Read 4-H newsletters and information from the Moore County Cooperative Extension office and share with members, parents and other volunteers.
• Inform members and parents of project requirements and deadlines.
• Welcome parents’ ideas, activity and project assistance, cooperation, support and attendance at 4-H activities.

4) Work closely with the county Cooperative Extension staff.

• Communicate with staff regarding learning activities and materials, problems and participation in county, area, state and national events.
• Collect enrollment and other information needed by Cooperative Extension office and adhere to deadlines.
• Keep county 4-H staff member informed of club activities.
• Participate in two or more volunteer development opportunities each year.
• Submit year-end reports, including financial, to the Cooperative Extension office by the deadline.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Sincere interest in working with youth and adults in the community.
• Ability to communicate with youth and adults.
• Ability to resolve conflict positively and constructively.
• Ability to organize, plan, delegate responsibility and carry out assignments.
• Available time to carry out the club leader role.
• Willingness to seek out resources and information.
• Be a positive role model for youth.
• Motivate and foster positive self esteem, decision making, problem solving, responsibility, leadership, career exploration and other life skills in youth.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE: Cooperative Extension provides leader training and subject matter training upon request.

REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers must meet the following requirements before participating as a 4-H volunteer: complete and return the NC 4-H Volunteer Application, 4-H Volunteer Agreement and Standards of Behavior, 4-H Club Leader Position Description and Agreement, complete and pass a background check, and attend a new leader orientation.