How to Become a Polk County 4-H Volunteer

The Polk County 4-H program relies on trained volunteers to help provide supportive learning opportunities throughout the county.

With limited faculty and staff; trained, competent, caring volunteers are crucial for the overall success of any 4-H program. These volunteers serve in roles ranging from club leaders, project leaders, advisory committee members, to various other activities volunteers.

The purpose of a strong volunteer system is to efficiently and effectively expand the 4-H delivery system and reach new audiences. Polk County 4-H serves a vital role in providing youth and adults with constructive and meaningful activities that enhance the family structures.

• How do I become a 4-H Volunteer?

   

  1. Decide that you want to help kids grow and explore their futures

  2. Check out some of the different volunteer experiences (volunteer roles) with Florida 4-H

  3. Contact your local County Extension Office to learn about 4-H in Polk county and discuss your possibilities with your 4-H Agent

  4. Choose a volunteer role and complete an Adult Volunteer Profile through 4honline

     Background screenings are a part of the Volunteer Application process

  5. Successfully complete the annual OYCS Youth Protection Training. Training results will be e-mailed to the State Volunteer Coordinator (SVC)

     The Youth Protection Training website requires Internet Explorer as the web browser

  6. Complete and submit the Florida 4-H Volunteer Packet to your local County Extension Office

  7. Attend scheduled fingerprinting appointment and await eligibility status from 4-H Agent

  8. After you receive your official appointment letter, attend a county orientation and training

  9. Prepare to share your skills, knowledge and talents while having fun with kids

• How do I become a Polk County Club Leader?

  • Contact the County 4-H office at 863-519-1041 for the application starting April 1

  • Submit the completed application to the office by 5:00 pm, May 1.

  • Applications will be reviewed by the Polk County 4-H Association for consideration based on alignment with the mission of the overall 4-H program.

  • Applications that are chosen for a second round of review will be contacted for an onsite interview at the Extension office during the weeks of May 18 and May 25.

  • Following the interview process, all applicants will be notified of their status by Friday, July 19.

  • Volunteers that are chosen to start new clubs for the 2020-2021 program year will be required to attend the New 4-H Club Leader Training Series. Dates are July 30, August 6, August 13, and August 20, 2019 (all Tuesdays). The time is 6:00-9:00 p.m. each evening.