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	Missouri 4-H 4-H Center for Youth Development

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Application Process

Letters to Leaders

Make The Best Better Series

Other Materials Available

Project Leader Media Presentation

Optional Volunteer Training Resource

	Volunteer Information and Resources Giving time and commitment directly from the heart! Volunteers are central to 4-H programming.  From clubs, to fairs, to special events, there is a place for you to serve the youth in your community!
NEW Volunteer Orientation Missouri 4-H requires volunteers to attend a one time volunteer orientation.  In-person trainings are offered throughout the year in each county or region.  In-person trainings are preferred; however, when absolutely necessary, volunteers may take the online training with a required quiz. Online Volunteer Orientation Website For the login/password, contact your county Extension office or 4-H youth specialist.
Application Process For the protection of 4-H members and volunteers, all volunteer applicants are screened for child abuse and neglect and criminal records prior to their acceptance for the volunteer position. This application process is completed each year. Screening Policy Missouri 4-H Volunteer Application Form LG636 (PDF) Adult Health Form (PDF) Volunteers are required to take a one time volunteer orientation. We recommend the face-to-face orientation; however, an online version is also available. Check with your local Extension office or youth specialist. Back to Top
Letters to New Leaders For those of you who are considering or have become a volunteer 4-H leader, the series of “Letters to New Leaders” was designed to help you in your efforts. Letter 1 – What is 4-H? PDF Version LG901 Introduction to the letter series; What is 4-H?; How does the 4-H program work?; What's more important — the 4-H project or the 4-H boy and girl?; What is the 4-H leader's job? Letter 2 – Getting Started with a 4-H Club PDF Version LG902 How big should our club be?; How to recruit 4-H members.; Where will our club meet?; How often will our club meet?; Is our club name important?; How do I enroll my group as an official 4-H club?; What about project materials?; Are there dues for 4-H membership?; What about insurance? Letter 3 – Planning & Conducting 4-H Club Meetings PDF Version LG903 Club officers and committees.; Teaching the 4-H pledge and motto.; Setting goals with your 4-H club.; Planning a 4-H club calendar and program plan.; Possible agenda items for a 4-H club meeting.; Involving parents with your club.; Tours, activity days, field trips. Letter 4 – Leadership & Teaching Techniques PDF Version LG904 The child-centered approach.; Hundreds of ways to say “very good.”; Helping people learn.; Developmentally speaking.; Leadership styles and how they affect your club.; Techniques of a good leader.; Teaching methods and tools.; What to do about kids who misbehave.; Evaluating your meetings and activities. Letter 5 – 4-H Activities PDF Version LG905 Club activities; County activities; Regional 4-H activities; State 4-H activities; National 4-H activities; International opportunities. Letter 6 – Opportunities for 4-H Leaders PDF Version LG906 Youth leaders; Opportunities at the county/club level; Opportunities at the regional and state levels; Opportunities at the national leve.; Other resources for 4-H leaders; Thanks for volunteering! Back to Top
Make the Best Better Series Each module contains a PowerPoint presentation, Guidelines, Handouts and Quiz Module 1: What is 4-H? Designed to help you share information about 4-H – what it is and the volunteer’s role. PowerPoint Guidelines (PDF) Quiz (PDF) Module 2: The History of 4-H Designed to help you share information about how 4-H started. It provides a historic perspective which let volunteers see where the program started and the changes that have been made throughout the years. PowerPoint Guidelines (PDF) Handouts (PDF) Quiz Module 3: The History of the Cooperative Extension Service Designed to provide information regarding the Land-Grant University System. PowerPoint Guidelines (PDF) Handouts (PDF) Quiz (PDF) Module 4: Risk Management: Liability & Insurance for Volunteers Designed to share how the University of Missouri liability coverage pertains to volunteers. PowerPoint Guidelines (PDF) Handouts (PDF) Quiz (PDF) Module 5: Safety Issues & Expectations Designed to share how the basic responsibilities and expectations keep members safe. PowerPoint Guidelines (PDF) Handouts (PDF) Quiz (PDF) Activity (PDF) Activity Key (PDF) Module 6: Volunteer Screening Designed to help you share information on how the Missouri 4-H screening process works. PowerPoint Guidelines (PDF) Handouts (PDF) Quiz (PDF) Module 7: Making 4-H Appropriate for All Ages Designed to help you share information on how young people develop and to stimulate thoughts on how to work with each of these age groups. PowerPoint Guidelines (PDF) Activity (PDF) Quiz (PDF) Puzzle for 6 to 8 age group (PDF) Puzzle for 9 to 11 age group (PDF) Puzzle for 12 to 14 age group (PDF) Puzzle for 15 to 18 age group (PDF) Module 8: 4-H Leadership Team Designed to help you share information regarding establishing a leadership team for the club. PowerPoint Guidelines (PDF) References (PDF) Quiz (PDF) Module 9: Skillathons, Judging and Demonstrations Designed to help you share information about three learning-by-doing methods that help 4-H’ers develop life skills as well as show others what they have learned. PowerPoint Guidelines (PDF) Handouts (PDF) Quiz (PDF) Module 10: Communication Designed to help you share information regarding communication to volunteers. It will provide suggestions for making communication easier between volunteer leaders, members, parents and staff. PowerPoint Guidelines (PDF) Handouts (PDF) Quiz (PDF) Module 11: Recognition Designed to provide background information individuals should have to recognize youth in appropriate ways and to encourage and to help a member complete reports and records. PowerPoint Guidelines (PDF) Handouts (PDF) Quiz (PDF) Back to Top
Other Materials Available Recruiting Volunteers LG790 (PDF) Provides suggestions for recruiting 4-H volunteers. Recognizing Volunteers LG791 (PDF) Describes ways of recognizing the importance of a job; the quality of the performance, or the person or group that performed the job. Ages and Stages of 4-H Development LG782 (PDF) Helps volunteers understand the developmental stages of children and how that effects their work as a volunteer Learning By Doing PDF Version LG783 Helps volunteers understand the experiential learning model. Leadership Roles PDF Version LG780 Provides information about establishing a leadership team to share the club organizational responsibilities. 4-H Demonstrations PDF Version LG744 Provides an explanation of the educational benefits of demonstrations and describes several types of demonstrations. Judging: A 4-H Teaching Technique LG730 (PDF) Helps volunteers understand the skill and importance of judging and describes how it is done. 4-H Project Leader PDF Version LG784 Describes the role and responsibilities of a project leader. Guidelines for Temporary Food Stands (PDF) Personal cleanliness, good work habits and sound food sanitation procedures are important parts of food handling and service during these events. These guidelines will protect not only those involved in preparing and serving the food, but also those who consume the food. Chaperons (PDF) Guidelines for chaperons who are an important part of 4-H programming! Back to Top
Project Leader Media Presentation PowerPoint slide presentations describing what is involved in being a project leader You are a 4-H project leader. Now what? Ages and stages for project leaders Teaching project demonstrations skills Teaching project judging skills Back to Top

Optional Volunteer Training Resource
Volunteers: The Foundation of Youth Development
A web-based interactive training to help you as a volunteer.
Note: This training is supplemental. It is NOT the required volunteer orientation.

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For more information on volunteer opportunities locally, contact your local 4-H staff in your area.

Contact Information

Last Revised 28-Jan-08

4-H Center for Youth Development

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