Volunteers are the Heart of 4-H!
Volunteers are the key to success in the McDowell County 4-H program. Whether you’re interested in starting a club and becoming a club leader or just have a few hours to invest in upcoming 4-H programs, we have challenging and fun jobs for adults and teens who want to make a difference.
4‑H EMPOWERS YOUTH WITH THE SKILLS TO LEAD FOR A LIFETIME. In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. Through non-formal, research-based, and hands-on educational activities, 4-H participants gain knowledge and life skills enabling them to become positive, productive, capable, and compassionate members of their communities. 4-H provides opportunities for youth ages 5-18 years old.
McDowell County Needs You!
Program Areas:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- Agriculture
- Healthy Living
- Citizenship
Volunteer Role Summaries:
- 4-H Club Leader or Co-Leader. Provides the overall leadership of a club. Club leaders usually meet with their club once or twice a month, working with members and their families to coordinate club activities, including educational programs, community service projects, and fundraising. Time commitment: 5-10 hours per month, including planning time.
- 4-H Project Leader. Leads a specific 4-H Project, such as Agriculture, Cooking, Electric, Presentations, Shooting Sports, Wildlife, etc. Time commitment: Lead 6+ hours of educational instruction, usually 4-6 weeks with 1-2 hours per week for a special interest project (short term commitment); or 5-10 hours per month for a project club (long-term commitment – see club leader description).
- 4-H Activity Leader/Helper. Leads or assists with a variety of activities within 4-H clubs or the county 4-H program. Chaperones 4-H events. Time commitment: varies, as needed.
- Administrative/Managerial. Works behind the scenes. Depending on their skills and preferences, this volunteer may help with fundraising, event planning, managing social media, recruiting new volunteers, or judging 4-H projects. Time commitment: varies.
- Advisory. The 4-H Program Committee is a team of community, civic, and 4-H leaders who work with the 4-H staff to guide and support the local program. Time commitment: Two meetings per year, 2-year term.
Training: Once accepted, volunteers will receive training appropriate for their selected roles. 4-H Club Leaders are required to attend at least 2 training sessions each year.
