Volunteer with 4-H!

Volunteers make a difference in our programs! Imagine a young person's satisfaction at learning a new skill, or at doing a job well. Imagine your own satisfaction at watching a young person blossom. You can help our young people as they gain confidence and self-esteem - essential ingredients for happy, productive citizens.

Whether you want to be a club leader or work with kids on a short-term project, there's a role for you in 4-H. Many volunteer roles involve working directly with youth while others do not. Some volunteers are engaged with the program for a long period of time, such as leading a 4-H Club for several years. Others volunteer on a one-time, short-term or even an annual basis, for example, volunteering at a special interest workshop, serving as a judge for public speaking or for an event at the 4-H Youth Fair. In whatever role you may choose to volunteer, our 4-H office can provide training, resources and support that can help make your volunteer position as rewarding as possible for everyone involved.

Prospective volunteers complete an application form. In addition, those who volunteer to work directly with youth will be asked to consent to a criminal background screening at Cooperative Extension's expense, as a means of ensuring the safety and security both of our volunteers and of the people we serve through our programs.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are several types of volunteer roles that contribute to the success of the Broome County 4-H program. Some volunteer positions are tied to a specific local club and some help out at the county level. Below is a general description of the most common volunteer opportunities. Contact the 4-H office for more details about these or other volunteer positions.

Organizational Leader- establish and maintain a club structure that supports 4-H Youth Development activities.

Project Leader—share your skills, talents and special interests in a single project area. For example: clothing, dogs, rabbits, horse, bicycling, livestock, woodworking, photography, etc.

Activity Leader-Help members plan for and participate in one or more specific activities the club has included in its yearly plan.

Resource Leader-Train and work with 4-H club leaders or members on a short-term basis; specialize in a specific program area.

Short Term Volunteer-Teach a special interest program, and/or assist a 4-H group with a special project.

Teen Volunteer-Serve as a teen leader and/or as a teen assistant at the county fair (age requirement may apply).

Last updated September 27, 2023