Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be a 4-H volunteer?

Any adult with an interest in young people is welcome to volunteer. You do not need to be an "expert." Parent, professionals, homemakers, teachers, youth leaders, and other caring adults serve as 4-H volunteers. The only requirements are enthusiasm and a desire to work with young people.

What does a 4-H volunteer do?

A 4-H volunteer...

• Leads 4-H youth clubs, programs, and events
• Chaperones youth activities and field trips
• Serves as a board member or judge working on 4-H fairs, animal science shows, camps, or on advisory boards
• Supports and creates local community service opportunities
• Offers resources for community learning programs
• Teaches UMass Extension youth program and National 4-H Council curricula
• Shares his or her special knowledge and interests with young people
  

Are there other 4-H volunteer opportunities?

Yes! 4-H volunteers also serve on camp or program councils, teach workshops, raise funds, recruit new members or volunteers, judge at fairs and contests, or work with an Educator as a middle manager who organizes events. 4-H is flexible and can be suited to a variety of lifestyles!

How is 4-H unique?

4-H is unique because:

• You work with young people in a home- or community-based setting
• You select the focus of your club’s activities
• You decide on your level of involvement, based on your skills and time available
• Programs involve connecting family and youth in their local community setting
• All programs are co-educational
• 4-H requires only a small annual member participation fee
• Your child can find his or her special talents, gain confidence and practical life skills for the future

What support is available to 4-H leaders?

Youth development and project literature is provided to 4-H volunteers at little or not cost. View a sample project. 4-H volunteers have a strong local advisory governance system (see Volunteer Management and Treasurer’s Resources) and receive support from University of Massachusetts Extension System Specialists and other 4-H volunteers.

What are the benefits of volunteering for 4-H?

• Guiding young people in hands-on learning experiences that help increase confidence and self-esteem
• Accomplishing more within the tried and true 4-H organization than you might be able to do on your own
• Building new organizational and personal alliances
• Working together with young people on issues both you and they care about
• Being part of building strong, vital communities and families in your local area
• Experiencing good times, learning from youth and discovering something new about yourself and others
• Increasing your interpersonal and professional skills with non-profits and volunteer organizations
• Knowing you are part of a successful one-hundred-year-old organization which conveys youth development skills and knowledge through a world-wide volunteer network
• Becoming familiar with University of Massachusetts and Cooperative Extension learning materials
• Being a local representative for high-quality 4-H programs based on UMass Amherst and Cooperative Extension teaching and research
• Knowing that your volunteer work helps the University reach into many local communities to increase practical skills and knowledge and improve support for youth families, and communities in Massachusetts
• Becoming part of USDA’s premier youth development program and National 4-H Council exciting national programming
  

And most of all, you’ll
Gain the satisfaction of knowing that you have worked to make a positive
difference in a young person’s life

Join 4-H now!

General and Board volunteer applications.