Welcome to the hub for Jefferson County 4-H volunteers. On this page, you will find information on becoming a new volunteer, as well as resources for current volunteers.
Why volunteer for 4-H?
Youth involved in 4-H are 4x more likely to give back to their communities, 2x more likely to make healthier choices, and 2x more likely to participate in STEM activities! Through a variety of programs, 4-H’s unique hands-on approach gives kids the opportunity to learn by doing and build life skills.*
Youth-adult partnerships are an important component of 4-H. Volunteers can serve as role models, mentors, and advisors for 4-H youth, helping them to strengthen their leadership by taking active leadership roles working alongside volunteers and staff. By working together, youth and adults become more connected and responsive to the needs of the community and gain new energy, perspective, and ideas.**
Overall, 4-H helps youth pursue and develop a fulfilling future, stronger communities, and a thriving world!
*4-H Impact – National 4-H Council
New Volunteers
Who can volunteer for 4-H?
Any adult 18+ who can pass a criminal history check and completes required training! You are not required to have children in 4-H in order to volunteer. We value the diversity of our volunteers and invite volunteers of all backgrounds to apply!
Accommodations are available for volunteers by request.
Please note: Trip chaperones must be 21+, and volunteers cannot be currently enrolled in high-school. Current high-school students who would like to pursue similar positions should enroll in 4-H and become junior leaders. Anyone interested in volunteering but under 18 should also enroll in 4-H and pursue student positions.
What are the roles of a 4-H Volunteer?
Volunteers must be willing to amplify youth voices, create safe spaces, and support experiential learning programs. Beyond these overarching responsibilities, it is up to each volunteer to determine their role! Possibilities include: teaching activities, mentoring youth, leading groups, supporting programs, and chaperoning travel. If they would like, volunteers can further specialize their roles by choosing program areas to support. For more information on program areas, please visit: Projects – Wisconsin 4-H. In order to nurture youth-adult partnerships, it is helpful if volunteers consistently engage in 4-H, but one-time or event-only volunteers are also welcome. There will be volunteer opportunities shared on a regular basis, or volunteers can develop their own programs!
How do I become a 4-H volunteer?
1. Complete the 4-H Volunteer Interest Form
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2. Within one business week, you will receive an email containing next steps as follows…
Step 1: Enroll in 4HOnline and agree to the Division of Extension Volunteer Behavior Expectations.
Step 2: Complete Criminal Background Check* (information will be sent via email to all new potential volunteers once a person has enrolled in 4HOnline)
Step 3: Complete Annual Required Volunteer Training, Experiential Learning, and Youth-Adult Partnerships training.
Step 4: Complete any additional requirements if necessary for your selected roles.
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3. Following the completion of all requirements, you will receive an email with the information to sign-up for volunteer opportunities.
*A background records check for arrest and conviction records will be completed every two years for continuing 4-H volunteer leaders.