Consider sharing your time and talents!

4-H Volunteers are valued partners in working with youth and help make the 4-H program possible. In order to volunteer, previous 4-H Youth Development experience is not necessary. The most important qualification is a desire to work with young people and help them grow through educational experiences and gain positive life skills.  Adult volunteers working together with youth make a difference in the lives of young people.

Volunteers work with Extension professionals to develop the life skills of youth members, thus benefiting the state, employers, and the economy. Volunteers extend the resources of Extension as they work with staff to deliver educational programs. Volunteering is a privilege and we would love to have you join us!

Wisconsin 4-H Volunteers:

Wisconsin 4-H volunteers are valued partners in working with youth! Volunteers help make 4-H possible. Wisconsin’s youth need your help “to make the best better.”

Wisconsin 4-H volunteers are youth and adults working together to make a difference in the lives of young people. Volunteers work with Extension Youth Development professionals to develop the life skills of youth members, thus benefiting the state, employers, and the economy. Volunteers not only have the satisfaction of contributing to the future of young people, they also learn new skills that may advance their careers.

Wisconsin 4-H has over 10,000 adult volunteers and 4,200 youth volunteers.   Volunteers are a major reason for Wisconsin 4-H’s ability to reach well over 48,500 youth throughout the state.

How to become a 4-H Adult Volunteer?

Volunteers extend the resources of Extension as they work with staff to deliver educational programs. Volunteering is a privilege. So, how does one become a volunteer?  First, you will need to have a 4HOnline profile.  If you’re already in the 4-H Online system, do not create a new family profile, just make sure you are entered into your family account and check that you want to be a 4-H volunteer.  This begins the process outlined below.

All adult volunteers 18 and older are required to complete the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Protection program, which includes:

• a background check for arrest and conviction records
• participation in the Volunteers in Preparation Training
• annually signing the Extension Volunteer Behavior Expectations  or (Spanish version here)
• completing the Mandated Reporter Training.
• use the Volunteer Leader Steps check sheet to keep track of your progress

You will sign up to take the Online Mandated Reporter Training for 4-H Volunteers on 4HOnline. And when you create your account you will electronically sign the Extension Volunteer Behavior Expectations – please be sure to read the expectations fully.  To sign up for the 1 1/2 hour Volunteer In Preparation (VIP) training contact the 4-H Program Coordinator at the Trempealeau County Extension Office. The background check will be conducted on you by the state and you will be contacted by GIS through e-mail requesting additional information needed in order for the state to conduct the background check – be sure to be on the look out for this email.  Sometimes it does look like spam.

These steps are critical in protecting our youth.

Become a Youth Volunteer:

4-H youth are offered different volunteer opportunities throughout the year in their projects and clubs.  Some examples of youth volunteer roles include:

• Serving as a club officer
• Assisting leaders and judges at events
• Planning project activities with mentors
• Leading a project activity
• Creating and giving a demonstration at an event/activity

Volunteer Opportunities in Trempealeau County:

There are a lot of different ways that you can volunteer in Trempealeau County.  We would LOVE the help and assistance so we can make the programs the best that they can be!  To volunteer in any of the capacities below, please contact the 4-H Program Coordinator for more information. Here are some examples of how you can volunteer for the Trempealeau County 4-H program:

• Be a Club Leader
• Be a Project Leader
• Join the 4-H Parent and Leaders Association
• Volunteer to help with a project
• Join a committee
• Volunteer at a 4-H event/activity
• Volunteer at the Dairy Breakfast
• Lead a session at Clover College