4-H 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