4-H Volunteerism
Colorado Clover Guide >> 4-H Volunteerism
Colorado 4-H: A Volunteer Portrait
The Colorado 4-H Program had over 10,000 volunteers involved in 2005-06. Their time was valued at over $25 million as they provided direct service with youth—teaching, guiding, and advising them in community-based groups. It has been and continues to be fundamental to how we deliver educational programming. The majority of volunteers are actually recruited by existing volunteers—friends, neighbors, acquaintances, parents of children who ask other parents.
Volunteers are individuals from whom we are seeking a commitment in time for the meaningful and valuable cause of youth development. Our system supports volunteers to be at their best in working with youth
To become a volunteer, contact your local Colorado State University Extension office and ask for a position description to learn more about volunteer opportunities/responsibilities. A completed application will get you on track for working with youth in our program. Reference and background checks are commonplace as we strive for a safe learning environment for children. We are looking for good people who will help children grow and develop. We want volunteers who have the knowledge and skills to do what is requested, like to work with youth and other volunteers, are dependable and trustworthy, are easily accepted and respected by others. Your enrollment form completes the process and gives you rights and privileges with 4-H Youth Development.
To orient you to 4-H Youth Development Programs, there are video tape/DVD, on-line, and face-to-face options, depending upon when and where you enroll. We want you to understand the organization, our philosophy and mission. You’ll learn about working with youth and our “learn-by-doing” model. County, district, state, and regional training programs are available to help you attain the knowledge, attitudes, and skills which improve the level and quality of your performance.
Being a volunteer in 4-H is a privilege, not a right; with those privileges come a variety of benefits. Satisfaction, recognition, leadership skills, and appreciation from others are high on the list for our volunteers. In addition, you are insured for liability in your volunteer role by the State of Colorado. The coverage is the same as for all state employees and assumes that you are acting in good faith and without negligence in the performance of your duties with 4-H. County programs offer health insurance to members and volunteers if injured during 4-H activities.
