How to Become a 4-H Leader

Volunteering to be a 4-H Leader can be a rewarding experience for both you and the youths whose lives you touch. You can assist children to gain life skills and more self confidence during a couple of hours in the afternoons for two or more days a month. To begin the process, review the information outlined here.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide what type of volunteer you want to be. You may choose to be a project leader, activity leader or a general organizational leader. There are also leadership roles as resource volunteers, junior leaders, teen leaders or collegiate leaders.
2. Complete the 4-H volunteer application.
3. Mail the application to your local county extension office. You will be notified once your application has been approved and accepted.
4. Participate in a 4-H New Club Leaders session. This should last about 2 hours. Optional online training is provided as well.
5. Start your volunteer service. Prepare to teach youths about topics that are of interest to them.
6. Gather a group of youths together who have similar interests and discuss what project your group will choose to pursue. Pick a name for the club and schedule meeting times and dates.
7. Enroll your new group at your local county extension office and pay any fees due.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to enter your completed projects at the county fair.