4-H Volunteer FAQ

Thank you for your interest in the Florida 4-H Volunteer Program! The Leon County 4-H Youth Development Program is a hands-on, practical educational program that focuses on building life skills in the areas of Healthy Living, Civic Engagement, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in young people ages 5 to 18.

If you have any questions, please contact us at leon4h@ifas.ufl.edu or (850) 606-5200.

You asked. We answered. 

• What is 4-H

  4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization.  There are 6.5 million young people enrolled in the 4-H program across America and approximately 230,000 within the State of Florida.  This non-formal, practical educational program for youth is the youth development program of Florida Cooperative Extension – part of the University of Florida IFAS. 

• What type of volunteer are you looking for?

  4-H typically looks for volunteers who are passionate about youth development, and are willing to share their time, expertise, and skills to help young people grow and learn. Here are some qualities Leon County 4-H looks for in their volunteers:

  1. Commitment: Volunteers should be willing to commit their time and energy to 4-H programs and activities. Club meetings usually last 1- 2 hours and meets once or twice a month. 

  2. Mentorship: Ability to work with youth, guide them, inspire them, and help them develop skills and confidence.

  3. Leadership: Capable of taking initiative, planning activities, and leading groups.

  4. Communication: Strong communication skills to effectively interact with youth, parents, and other volunteers.

  5. Adherence to 4-H's values and mission: Aligning with the organization's core values and mission, and promoting a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment.

  6. Safety consciousness: Prioritizing the safety of the youth and complying with 4-H's policies and guidelines.

• What is a 4-H Club

  A 4-H club is a group of five or more 4-H members (from at least three different families) and is guided by two or more adult volunteer leaders. The size of the club depends on the age of the members, the places they have to meet, and the leadership available. The ideal club is big enough to have fun together but small enough for everyone to feel a part of the group.

  4-H clubs are required to hold at least nine business meetings per year. Depending on what the group wants to do, most clubs meet once or twice per month during the schoolyear to work on projects, take field trips, and engage in service-learning opportunities. The 4-H year runs September 1 to August 31. Sometimes, members may have to be enrolled in a club project by a certain time to be eligible for some activities, such as the fair.

• How many leaders should a club have?

  That depends on the side of the club and the ages of the members. At least two background-screened and fingerprinted leaders are required. 

• Do I need a specific skillset or background to be a 4-H volunteer?

  While having specific skills or expertise can certainly be beneficial in volunteering for Leon County 4-H, it's not strictly necessary. Our organization values diverse backgrounds and experiences, and there are various roles within 4-H that can suit a wide range of interests and skill sets.

  What's most important is your willingness to mentor and guide youth, your commitment to the time and responsibilities involved, and your alignment with the values and mission of 4-H. Whether it's facilitating a club meeting, teaching a workshop, helping organize events, or simply providing general support, there's a place for everyone in 4-H.

  The organization also provides training and resources to help volunteers learn about their roles and responsibilities. So even if you don't come in with a lot of experience in youth development or a specific topic area, you can still be a successful 4-H volunteer as long as you're open to learning and dedicated to serving the youth in your community. 

• Will I receive any training?

  Yes, as a new 4-H volunteer, you can expect to receive training to help you succeed in your role. Leon County 4-H provides an orientation and training sessions for volunteers to learn more about the organization's mission, values, and program guidelines.

  Training often includes topics such as youth development principles, working effectively with different age groups, planning and conducting meetings, risk management, and how to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.

  Additionally, you may receive specific training related to your volunteer role, whether that's leading a club, mentoring a project, organizing an event, or something else. Training may be conducted in-person, online, or through a combination of both.

  The aim of these training sessions is to ensure that you're equipped with the knowledge and resources to provide a positive and impactful experience for the youth participants. As always, for more specific information about volunteer training, it's best to reach out to your local 4-H office.

• How do I apply to be a volunteer?

  The Leon County 4-H Volunteer Application Process follows these steps:

  1. Contact the Leon County 4-H office: This should be your first step. We can provide you with information on current volunteer opportunities, the specific needs of their programs, and the application process.

  2. Complete the Application: You'll be asked to fill out a volunteer application form, which typically includes details about your background, skills, interests, and availability.

  3. Interview: A one-on-one interview with the 4-H Team will be scheduled. This is an opportunity for you to see if your interests and the needs of the program align.

  4. Screening/Background Check: For the safety of the youth participants, Leon County 4-H requires a background check for all prospective volunteers. 

  5. Training: If your application is accepted, you will need to attend a volunteer training session. This training is designed to prepare you for your volunteer role and may cover topics such as 4-H's mission and values, youth development, and your specific duties.

  6. Placement: After your training is completed, you'll be placed in a volunteer role that fits your interests and the program's needs. Placement occurs every Fall and Spring semester for community clubs. 

  Learn more by visiting the Volunteer Application Process page. 

• I am a teacher; can I start a 4-H school club?

  Absolutely! As a teacher, you are well-positioned to start a 4-H club at your school. The 4-H program encourages educators to become involved and form clubs because they recognize that teachers already have a significant relationship with students and can help facilitate the 4-H experience within the school setting. 

  Leon County 4-H provides teachers with various types of support, including curriculum development and resources. We help teachers identify appropriate 4-H curriculum materials, provide training on how to use those materials, and offer guidance on incorporating 4-H principles and methods into their classroom teaching. We can also help facilitate access to other resources within the UF/IFAS and 4-H network, like subject matter experts or local community partners.

  Additionally, youth who are 4-H members are eligible to attend state events and apply for 4-H scholarships. 

• I am a teacher; why should I start a 4-H club?

  Starting a 4-H club as a teacher can bring numerous benefits to your students, your school, and your professional development. 

  1. Youth Development: 4-H programs are designed to help youth develop critical life skills like leadership, citizenship, and communication. These are skills that complement their academic learning and are important for their overall personal development.

  2. Hands-on Learning: 4-H clubs often emphasize "learning by doing." This experiential approach can enhance students' understanding of various topics and encourage them to apply their knowledge in practical, real-world contexts.

  3. Interests Beyond Classroom: A 4-H club can explore topics beyond the regular school curriculum, providing students with the chance to pursue their personal interests, whether that's in fields like STEM, agriculture, arts, public speaking, or others.

  4. Community Service: Leon County 4-H participates in community service activities. This provides students with opportunities to give back to their communities, understand societal needs, and develop a sense of responsibility. It can also help students form bonds with other youths and promote a sense of belonging.

  5. Professional Development: As a Leon County 4-H teacher volunteer, you will be provided with additional experiences and skills in youth mentoring, project management, and community outreach.

  6. Partnership with 4-H Network: Starting a 4-H club connects your school with the broader 4-H network and the University of Florida, providing access to resources, training, and potential collaborations that can help you professionally.