Ohio 4-H Youth Development
OSU Extension
4-H Volunteers

PRACTICE the power of leadership,

DRILL the seeds of knowledge,

TRAIN the hearts & minds of 4-H'ers,

CONDITION the spirit by giving of themselves and encouraging 4-H'ers to give of themselves,

CHEER 4-H'ers on with their time, caring, enthusiasm and skills,

CUT the buds of disappointment and

SCOUT the roots for success,

RECORD growth and change in 4-H TEAMS "club membership" and FANS "parent involvement",

PLAY out the 4-H Motto… To Make the Best Better,

No matter what the FOUL or GOAL, they help every 4-H'er LEARN BY DOING for the perfect 4-H SEASON.

by Patty House

Volunteering

4-H coaches help their players "learn by doing" for the perfect 4-H season.

You, along with more than 22,000 caring adults, 4-H alumni, and teens, accept the 4-H volunteer pledge to "Make a Positive Difference" in young people’s lives. 4-H club advisors coach club members, serve on committees, lead program opportunities, and raise awareness and support for 4-H. You give time, energy and talents to model the four H’s. Consider yourself the stem of the 4-H clover providing the essential support for positive and rewarding 4-H experiences.

How Does the 4-H Team and You Benefit?

Ohio 4-H club advisors and volunteers are currently coaching nearly 100,000 4-H club members and 300,000 total 4-H youth. According to research on volunteering conducted by Independent Sector, your time as a volunteer in Ohio is worth $16.10 per hour (2004 data). However, beyond the financial benefit, volunteers are the faces of our organization’s enthusiasm, knowledge, resources, and creativity.

Maybe you have chosen to be a 4-H club advisor to become more involved with your children, to give back what you received as a member or to make a difference in others. Regardless, you can expect to grow emotionally, socially and intellectually. Smiling kids will touch your heart, new friendships will form and you will learn longside your members. We are glad you have chosen 4-H to sharpen your leadership skills and give back in your community while learning alongside young people.

How Can You Excel as a 4-H Club Advisor?

  1. Review Volunteering Through 4-H Position Descriptions to learn about club advisor roles and other 4-H volunteer opportunities, responsibilities and qualifications.
  2. Assist other adults in completing the 4-H Volunteer Application, Screening and Orientation Process to join your 4-H club as advisors or volunteers with the County 4-H Program.
  3. Attend 4-H Volunteer Development Trainings to improve continuously your abilities and skills in working with 4-H youth and families.
  4. Encourage 4-H teens to become involved in Youth Volunteer Opportunities at the county, regional and state levels.
  5. Celebrate your volunteer service to the 4-H organization through Volunteer Recognition awards and programs.

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