Volunteer Resources and Development
Sign up Today!
The Indiana 4-H Youth Development Program has a variety of volunteer opportunities available. We rely heavily on adults who care about the development of youth in order to deliver positive youth development experiences to our youth. All individuals must successfully complete a volunteer application and screening process and participate in training provided by your County 4-H Educator prior to becoming an Official 4-H Volunteer. Contact your county Purdue Extension Office
Contact Your County Extension OfficeVolunteers are essential to the 4-H Program and help multiply the efforts of 4-H Professionals to reach more youth, provide more opportunities and SPARK more interests in 4-H!
4-H Volunteers serve under the supervision and discretion of the county 4-H Educator.
4-H Volunteers must annually enroll in 4-H Online which includes the following steps starting in the fall of 2024.
4-H Volunteers must have an approved enrollment in 4-H Online before assuming volunteer duties such as working with youth, raising funds or making 4-H decisions.
After contacting your county office for more information, click here for instructions to enroll as a NEW volunteer with Indiana 4-H!
New in 2024. It is important that all volunteers know what responsibilities they have been assigned by their 4-H Educator, and these documents can also help educate and recruit new volunteers.
Back to Basics webinar February 28, 2024
- Experiential Learning PPT
- Experiential Learning video
- Learning Styles of 4-H Youth PPT
- Learning Styles of 4-H Youth
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Webinar to introduce the Spring 2023 Back to the Basics Resources (April, 2023)
- PPT from April 2023 Webinar
- Creating a Positive Youth Development Environment
- Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development
- Essential Elements (PPT)
- See p. 5 of the 4-H Mentor Manual
- Communicating Effectively
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Webinar to introduce Back to the Basics Resources (November, 2022)
- Keeping 4-H Fun
- Parent Involvement
- Effective Club Management
- Conflict Management
- Volunteer Conflict Management
These modules have been created for youth (including teen leaders and 4-H Club Officers) and adult 4-H volunteers, as well as Extension professionals. Each module includes a series of tips, resources, and activities to help make operating your 4-H club “EZ”. The goal is to share promising practices of organizing a 4-H Club that youth and adult volunteers can implement together.
All youth need opportunities to be involved in activities unique to their own talents and interests. Inclusive 4-H resource sheets, videos, and supporting materials provide guidance on how we can involve those with a wide variety of ability levels.
The Indiana 4-H Volunteer Development Committee developed lessons plans and supplemental resources based on the Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity. Some of these plans are useful as training tools for 4-H Volunteers, while others are designed to be shared with 4-H members in a club setting.
Resources housed on the National 4-H Council website require login access. Resources include original Volunteer Research and Knowledge Competency Model research and lesson plans, Everyone Ready, Fact Sheet series and National 4-H Volunteer e-Forum resources.
VRKC MODEL & LESSON PLANThe North Central Region hosts a volunteer e-Forum for staff and volunteer across the 12-state region. Click on this link to learn more about the current e-Forum topics and registration information. Check with the 4-H Educator in your County to determine how to attend an e-Forum.
Volunteer Resources provided by through the 4-H Program Leaders Working by the National 4-H Volunteer Charter Group. Resources include updated Volunteer Research and Knowledge Competency factsheets, activities and slide decks along with resources shared by other 4-H Professionals.