Minnesota Operation: Military KidsExtension > Youth Development > Minnesota 4-H > Volunteering with 4-H
Volunteering with 4-H
4-H is investing in its most valuable asset: Volunteers
4-H’s research-based, learn-by-doing model equips kids with skills such as problem solving, decision making and communicating -- essential for them to succeed in school, college, careers and communities. Volunteers have a role to play in 4-H clubs, after-school programs, community service, civic engagement and camping programs.
We will provide you with the training and resources you need to volunteer – you provide the passion for helping youth succeed!
4-H offers a number of training opportunities throughout the year where volunteers learn about leading clubs, projects and more. Our new volunteer training includes five 30-minute modules. Read more about online training.
The value of volunteering
Last year, nearly 14,000 adult volunteers contributed more than 1.3 million hours of service (a value of $22 million!) to support the positive development of Minnesota's youth. Minnesota 4-H could not operate without their participation. Volunteers say they benefit from staying involved, too. There are many ways to volunteer, including short-term volunteering such as judging at the Minnesota State Fair or a county fair, or longer-term involvement such as leading a club. Learn more about volunteering by contacting your local Extension office.
Hear from a 4-H volunteer
"I get to see the growth of the kids"
Tom Pierson, Carver County volunteer and former Pipestone County 4-H member
Why volunteer?
Just as 4-H and its youth members benefit from the involvement of 4-H volunteers, volunteers benefit too! As a volunteer, you may be able to
- Teach young people in an area of personal passion
- Feel pride in making a big impact in the lives of others -- both youth and adults
- Develop new and current skills in teaching and in your area of interest
- Understand your community better and make a positive difference in it
There are many ways to volunteer, including short-term volunteering such as speaking at a club meeting or serving as a resource person or longer-term volunteering: such as leading a club. Learn more about local volunteer opportunities to volunteer by contacting your local Extension office.
Application process
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Minnesota 4-H Youth Development Program. We are pleased that you are considering to join more than 14,000 talented 4-H volunteers from across the state who are helping youth reach their full potential through their involvement in 4-H. For assistance with the volunteer screening process, please review the instructional letter (192 KB PDF) for details on the three steps to becoming a Minnesota 4-H volunteer:
- STEP A - Application: (MUST BE DONE FIRST) The Interactive Application (171 K PDF) may also be completed electronically, printed, signed and mailed to the Extension office.
- STEP B - Background Check: (choose online OR print option below) Available online at The McDowell Agency, Inc. website. For assistance, see instructions for online entry (499 KB PDF)
OR
A paper copy of the Background Check Release (155 KB PDF) can be printed and mailed or faxed to The McDowell Agency, Inc. (fax number and address are on the form). - STEP C - Volunteer Orientation: View the 30-minute 4-H volunteer orientation and submit a survey response, which will let staff know you have completed the orientation process.
Once you have completed all three steps of the screening process, you will be notified of your volunteer status by the regional Extension office and entered into 4HOnline as a screened volunteer.
Volunteer Code of Conduct
Our volunteers adhere to a strict code of conduct.
Training for new and continuing volunteers
4-H offers a number of training opportunities throughout the year, including online, where volunteers learn about leading clubs, projects and more.
Adult volunteers are 4-H’s most valuable asset in delivering the youth-led, adult guided programs that support youth as they acquire the skills they need to learn and lead in their lives.
4-H has developed a statewide system of training and resources to equip adult volunteers with the skills, knowledge and resources to successfully guide Minnesota youth in their positive development. The comprehensive and multi-format system of training and support is provided to the thousands of volunteers who deliver 4-H youth development programs to young people across the state.
Check here periodically to learn about in-person training opportunities to help enhance your volunteer skills and knowledge throughout the year.
New volunteer orientation
Orientation is part of the volunteer screening process and an excellent introduction to 4-H for new and prospective volunteers. You will learn how volunteers fit into the larger picture of 4-H and the University of Minnesota and review our philosophy, policies and procedures. More info.
Training opportunities for continuing volunteers
Online training - now available!
4-H has developed a series of dynamic, interactive 30-minute online training modules help volunteers build their volunteer skills and knowledge from home. Learn more.
Fall volunteer training - Wonder! Question! Discover!
Each fall, statewide volunteer training is offered at locations across the state. These trainings provide relevant and current training to all interested club volunteers. Check back here for information about the 2013 volunteer training.
In 2012, the training was "Wonder! Question! Discover! -- Expanding 4-H Learning". Participants used hands-on science and engineering design activities to try out inquiry-based learning. Learn more.
The fall 2011 training was "We are connected: Youth engagement through service learning". As options for service learning, the following two annual national events provide the opportunity for clubs to join in with other organizations across the country and world to serve.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is January 21, 2013
- Global Youth Service Day is April 26-28, 2013
Youth Work Institute classes
The Youth Work Institute provides you with the latest research on youth development and practical ways to apply it to your daily work. We have a class for you!
Minnesota 4-H Adult Volunteer Association Forum
The M4-HAVA is statewide organization that 4-H volunteers can join. Its annual forum is a great place to meet other volunteers from around the state, develop new ideas, learn leadership fundamentals, learn about club development and participate in hands-on activities.
- February 14-16, 2013 - St. Cloud
North Central Regional Volunteer Forum
The NCRVF is a 12-state organization that 4-H volunteers can join. Every two years, it hosts a training and development conference designed for all 4-H volunteers. Participants learn ways to strengthen adult-youth collaboration, explore partnership opportunities between 4-H and other youth programs, obtain new and innovative ideas, and network with volunteers from across the 12-state North Central Region, including three Canadian provinces. In off years, volunteers may participate in an online learning experience. Learn more.
4-H events
- To view county or local club events, visit the county web site.
- To view statewide events, view all 4-H events
Resources for leading a club
If you lead a club, there are many valuable resources available to you from Extension county staff and on this website.
- Leading a club web page - includes the following:
- 4HOnline - online enrollment data access for club leaders
Resources for volunteering in a project area
Our curriculum committees have chosen the best resources from Minnesota, other states, and national 4-H curricula. These are all available on the project-specific pages, and can be accessed from our project selection guide.
Service-learning opportunities
These annual national events provide the opportunity for clubs to join in with other organizations across the country and world to serve. These web sites provide access to a variety of resources, downloads and many project ideas.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is January 21, 2013
- Global Youth Service Day is April 26-28, 2013
