4-H Volunteer Information

******NOTICE******

If your club has not had a representative to the previous volunteer training, the last training will be Tuesday, February 12, 2008 6:30 - 8:30 at the Extension  Office. In order to be a club someone must attend or make arrangements with Cassie for separate training.

Thank you for visiting our website of 4-H Volunteer Information.   If you are interested in being a 4-H volunteer, we hope the followingwill provide you with useful information.   

Effective November 1, 2002, Ohio State University Extension implemented a new volunteer selection policy and procedure.  All individuals interested in volunteering with Ohio State University Extension and working with a member of a vulnerable population (minors, elderly over age 65, or individuals with disabilities) must adhere to new selection procedures.

While the actual order of implementation may vary from county to county, all potential volunteers will:

1. Receive a position description;
2. Complete a volunteer application and return to the county Extension Office;
3. Have references collected by Extension professionals;
4. Complete an interview;
5. Submit to a criminal history fingerprint record check;
6. Sign and agree to abide by the volunteer standards of behavior.
7. Complete and return an interest checklist form.

This information may be updated periodically and will be kept on file for a minimum of three years following the receipt of your application or the termination of your involvement as an Ohio 4-H volunteer (whichever is longest).  The release of information will follow The Ohio State University and Ohio State University Extension operating procedures and will be in accordance with Ohio Law.

Serving Others in your community can bring immense satisfaction as you help them grow, learn, develop, and succeed.  Additionally, volunteering provides you an opportunity to gain new skills, help others, and meet new friends.  we hope that you recognize the tremendous benefits of volunteering and will join us in helping assure that everyone involved has a positive, educational experience.

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to the potential of working with you.  Through this process, should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 992-6696.

Volunteer Position Description

4-H Youth Development

Ohio State University Extension

Meigs County

Position Title:

4-H Club Advisor

Time Required:

Conduct 4-H club meetings, attend Advisory Committee meetings and participate in countywide trainings and other relevant events.

Location:

Meigs County, Ohio

General Purpose:

• Serve as a liaison between the county Extension Office/county 4-H professional and 4-H members, their parents, and other volunteers with regard to 4-H club programs;

• Support 4-H professionals, volunteers, and members in conducting meaningful educational experiences to help youth grow and reach their fullest potential;

• Inform and encourage members, parents, and volunteers to actively participate in appropriate 4-H opportunities.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Be committed to young people and their growth in all areas;

• Advise 4-H club members regarding their contributions and participation in club activities;

• Be dedicated to young people and sensitive to their abilities and needs;

• Encourage 4-H members' and parents' interest and participation;

• Welcome parents' ideas, cooperation, support, and attendance at 4-H activities;

• Follow all 4-H guidelines and policies of the Ohio State University Extension, Ohio 4-H program, and county 4-H program;

• Recruit new members when the club has openings;

• Attend all (or most) of the club meetings and activities;

• Read 4-H newsletters and literature from the county Extension Office and keep members, parents, and others informed;

• Participate in one or more volunteer development opportunities each year;

• Be aware of 4-H projects available, help members select projects and encourage parents to support their child's project work;

• Inform members and parents of project evaluation requirements and dates;

• Continually provide feedback to members, letting them know when they are doing a good job and advising them when they need to improve;

• Praise members for the progress they make.

An individual serving as a 4-H Club Advisor must have:

• The ability to teach and motivate youth while nurturing positive self-esteem, decision making, responsibility, and leadership in the youth;

• A sincere interest in teaching and sharing knowledge and skills with youth and adults in an educational setting;

• The ability to organize information and materials and delegate responsibility;

• The ability to work and communicate effectively in verbal and written forms;

• The ability to motivate members, parents, and other volunteers to assume leadership positions;

• The ability to work with minimal supervision from professional staff;

• A sincere interest in working with other volunteers and professional staff in an educational setting;

• A willingness to become familiar with and work within the philosophy and guidelines of Ohio State University Extension, Ohio 4-H program, and county 4-H program.

Ohio State University Extension Service agrees to:

• Provide training opportunities that will help the volunteer meet the needs of members, volunteers, and parents;

• Provide appropriate manuals, pamphlets, audio-visual aids, newsletters, and other resource materials;

• Have professionals available to consult with volunteers on a one-to-one basis;

• Provide opportunities for professionals to listen to volunteers ideas to help improve the 4-H program in Meigs County;

• Provide appropriate recognition and awards to volunteers and youth.

View and print our Volunteer Application