Volunteers
Volunteers
Idaho’s 4-H program wouldn’t exist without thousands of volunteers. In every part of the state, 4‑H volunteers coordinate 4‑H community clubs, lead 4‑H projects and help to plan and conduct local, regional, state and national 4‑H events.
People can volunteer with 4-H in many different ways depending on their interests, skills and time available. As a 4‑H volunteer you might:
- Lead a 4‑H project in a subject area that excites you — forestry, fishing, fashion, foods, farm animals and many more.
- Teach workshops at a summer camp or special event. Share your favorite hobby or skill.
- Judge at the county fair or at livestock events and contests.
- Manage 4‑H club logistics. Schedule club meetings, train club officers, recruit parents to help out and be the communication link between your club and the UI Extension office.
- Host visiting 4‑Hers or their chaperones in your home for a month-long summer stay or for yearlong school exchanges.
- Chaperone 4‑Hers at state events or on one-month cultural experiences in Norway, Japan, Argentina, Australia or Finland.
- Help with 4-H fundraising. Contact Friends of 4‑H to learn more.
- Become a certified shooting sports instructor.
To get started as a 4‑H volunteer, contact your local UI Extension office and fill out the volunteer application (pdf) to initiate the process.
Idaho's volunteer association
The object and purpose of Idaho's 4‑H volunteer association is as follows:
- Education. The association will strive to provide tools and opportunities to educate and expand the knowledge of 4‑H volunteers.
- Recognition. The association will acknowledge the efforts and contributions of 4‑H volunteers throughout the state.
- Advocacy. The association acts as an advocate for the 4‑H program to stakeholders and policy makers on behalf of the UI Extension 4‑H program.
- Advise. The association serves as a representative of 4‑H volunteers to advise the UI Extension 4‑H program.
Communication
The association produces the Leaders Corner Newsletter to help you in your role. The newsletter is distributed to Idaho's 4‑H volunteers through ZSuite.
Please like and follow the Idaho 4‑H Volunteer Association on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Idaho4HVolunteerAssociation/.
Meetings
The executive council shall meet four times a year during:
- The annual meeting held in February (typically in conjunction with the Know Your Government (KYG) Conference
- The fall meeting will typically be held in November at a location to be determined
- The summer and winter meetings may be conducted by a Zoom conference meeting
Bylaws
- Idaho's 4‑H volunteer association bylaws (pdf) revised June 2019
Members
4‑H leaders whose counties pay association dues on their behalf may become members. Check with your UI Extension county office to learn whether you are already a member.
Training
Volunteer training is held annually in each county and/or at districtwide events. These events are generally held in the fall near the beginning of the new 4‑H program year on Oct. 1. Additional training modules are available online. Please talk with your local UI Extension 4‑H professional to learn more about volunteer training requirements and opportunities.
Event scholarships
The UI Extension 4-H Youth Development program offers need-based financial assistance for adult volunteers and 4‑H youth members interested in attending leadership events.
John H. Thiessen scholarship (for adult volunteers)
This scholarship is for adult volunteers attending a 4‑H leadership opportunity. Training may be at a regional, state or district-wide level. Training shows leaders how to work with youth, develop organizational skills, deepen their commitment to mentoring youth and allow them to become better 4‑H and community leaders.
Scholarship amounts vary based on availability. Applications must be received by the UI Extension 4‑H Youth Development office at least two weeks before the start of the event.
Doris Roper scholarship (for youth delegates)
This scholarship is for 4‑H members attending a 4‑H leadership opportunity. The Peggy Thiessen (Doris Roper) Scholarship provides access to leadership opportunities for those who cannot otherwise afford to participate. Scholarships are awarded on a needs basis. Recipients shall have shown increasing responsibilities during their 4‑H experience.
Applications must be received by the UI Extension 4‑H Youth Development office by the early bird registration deadline or two weeks before the close of regular registration, whichever comes first.
Recognition
Idaho's 4‑H hall of fame
The Idaho 4‑H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as part of 4‑H's 100th anniversary celebration. It recognizes and celebrates those who have had a significant impact upon the 4‑H program, the lives of thousands of youth and families throughout Idaho.
The inductees represent a broad spectrum of Idahoans who have made significant contributions to Idaho's 4‑H including early pioneers, county professionals, volunteers, supporters and 4‑H alumni.
Distinguished service award
The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is the highest honor that a 4‑H volunteer in Idaho can receive. This award recognizes outstanding volunteer service to the county and district. County award recipients are considered for district recognition and district winners for the statewide award.
Join 4-H
Find your local 4-H program.