4-H Volunteer Opportunities

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4-H Club Leadership

The 4-H club must have one adult leader called an organizational leader. The organizational leader is responsible for ensuring all members and leaders fill out an enrollment form and a medical release form. Leaders may choose the age group or gender they are most comfortable working with. Mixed gender clubs are recommended. Information on projects and ideas for club activities are available at the 4-H office, 734-4453.

Leader Guidelines working with “Cloverbuds”

While not all leaders will choose to enroll Cloverbuds in their club, for those who do, these Guidelines for working with Cloverbuds have been established. Additional guidelines are available at the 4-H office and potential leaders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these guidelines.

Listed below are policies that must be followed:

Staff and/or volunteers (youth or adult) who will be working with cloverbuds must receive training related to working with this audience.

The volunteer (youth or adult) should meet the following criteria:

• Have knowledge of the child he/she is working with .
  Have a working understanding of developmental characteristics of this age group.
• Is familiar with, or has been adequately introduced to, the subject matter/topic the youth will be introduced to.
• For youth who are not as developed physically, emotionally, or intellectually, the ration must be 1:1 (especially regarding hands-on activities).

Who Volunteers?

Parents, friends, and family members are all encouraged to help out the club and county program. There are several opportunities for volunteers to serve on any of the countywide committees.

Transporting Youth

All adult volunteers involved in transporting youth (other than their own), will need to have an enrollment form on file and must complete and sign a Motor Vehicle Record Request Permission Form in order to be covered by our liability insurance.

Insurance

Each 4-H member and adult volunteer whose enrollment form is on file at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office, is protected automatically by accident insurance. Insurance coverage begins when the enrollment form is received. The 4-H staff must be notified within 24 hours of an accident. The insured must be participating in a 4-H activity or event. Further information about insurance is available from Cornell Cooperative Extension- Chemung County.

Leader Policy

Leaders - The adult leaders of 4-H clubs are “volunteers” , all 4-H Leaders and co-leaders are considered Category I* Volunteers.
A 4-H leader must be at least 21 years old. 4-H volunteers must complete an application, background check and have references checked before becoming leaders.
All new 4-H leaders must go through a “leader training” which will be conducted by an Extension 4-H staff member. “Leader Trainings” will be held as a group at a given date supplied by the 4-H office. Individual trainings are also available for those leaders unable to attend a group leader training.

Co-Leaders - For those adults between the ages of 18-21 who want to be actively involved with the leadership of a club, may serve as co-leaders until such time as they turn 21 at which time they may become full fledged leaders. Co-leaders are also considered Category I* volunteers.

Note: All existing 4-H leaders are now required to attend a “leader training “ as a refresher course once every 3 years to keep their leader status in good standing within the county.

Project Leaders - Project leaders are teen 4-Hers to adults who assist with a particular project. Project leaders are considered Category II* volunteers.

Volunteer Categories

Category I Volunteer - (Program Volunteer) An individual whose primary volunteer role involves direct work with program participants throughout the calendar year (EX: leading a 4-H/youth club, Master Gardener, teaching a series of classes, etc.) Background checks will be required. Category IA volunteers are those who will require fingerprinting because of additional requirements.

Category II Volunteer- (Casual Volunteer) An individual who accepts a limited volunteer assignment (Ex: teaching a short-term course, assisting with fund development, serving on a program committee, etc.) Since casual volunteers do not receive background checks, they must not have on-going or unsupervised contact with youth, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities.

4-H Fair Helpers

Adults and teens are needed to assist during fair. No experience required. Set up work completed the week before the Fair; dismantling after the Fair. This may involve climbing a step ladder. Training and supervision provided.

4-H Presentation Judges

Each year about 150 individual 4-H members prepare a demonstration, illustrated talk, speech or performance to be critiqued by a team of two judges. This event is held each Winter. Judges need only attend one evening or afternoon session, critiquing 4 - 6 presentations. Training is provided.

4-H Teaching Opportunities

4-H offers volunteers the opportunity to teach; usually 30-40 minute classes on the subject of your choice. Suggestions for topics in science, performing arts, creative arts, nutrition and wellness are welcome. Some experience with youth required.

4-H Event Chaperone

4-H Event Chaperones work with Cornell Cooperative Extension staff and other volunteers to supervise and provide guidance and occasionally transportation for youth participants of educational events. Chaperones will work cooperatively with staff, youth, and other adults in order to maximize the educational value of the experience and to ensure the safety of all participants. Chaperones must be at least 21 years of age. Persons between 18 and 21 are permitted to serve as chaperones provided they are under the supervision of a chaperone at least 21 years of age.

County 4-H Leadership Opportunities

Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of activities such as:

• Serving on the 4-H Advisory Committee;
• Serving on the 4-H Horse Council;
• Planning the annual 4-H Fair and other special events;
• Helping with Old MacDonald’s Farm;
• Planning Achievement Night; Marketing, promotion, recruitment;
• Involving youth in community service; producing an annual Yearbook;
• Soliciting donations and sponsorships;
• Locating and organizing 4-H Alumni;
• and Organizing fundraisers.

4-H requires that each prospective volunteer complete an application, reference check, criminal background check, DMV check (if chaperone responsibilities require transportation of others), and attend an orientation.

The Chemung County 4-H Handbook

NYS 4-H Club Leader Handbook - Projects

NYS 4-H Cloverbud Leader Handbook

CCE Youth Protection Guidelines

Estimated dollar value of volunteer time

Volunteer Enrollment form

DMV Check Form

CCE Volunteer Application