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4-H Youth Development

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Become a Volunteer!

Volunteers are Essential to 4-H Youth Development
Volunteers play a vital role in the growth and retention of 4-H membership and the delivery of programs on behalf of the 4-H Youth Development effort. Oklahoma 4-H is committed to providing a safe and positive educational environment for youth, families, volunteers, clubs and programs.

Is Becoming a 4-H Volunteer for You?

A “certified” 4-H volunteers must be 21 years of age and must complete the OK Extension Volunteer screening process. Apply online through ZSuite.

 

Once approved there will be a general 4-H orientation process and annual continuing education expectations.

 

Apply to be a Certified Volunteer

Only “certified” volunteers are permitted to work directly with youth and can serve in one or more of the following roles: club leader, project leader, activity leader, and/or general volunteer.

 

Position Descriptions

Non-Certified Adult Volunteers - Locally there are opportunities to serve as an episodic volunteer. Non-certified volunteers cannot have direct contact with youth without full supervision and a defined role which describes the scope of their responsibilities. Contact your County Extension Office for opportunities to volunteer.

 

Non-Certified Adult Volunteers Form

4-H Volunteer Continuing EducationOklahoma 4-H is dedicated to offering high-quality continuing education to help volunteers enhance their knowledge, skills, and performance in delivering and managing impactful 4-H programs. An informed volunteer base is vital for providing leadership in program planning, development, and delivery at local, county, district, and state levels.

To support these efforts, 4-H provides both subject matter content and a structured framework for program delivery.

 

This framework includes, but is not limited to, the following 4-H models:

Each year, volunteers are required to complete a review of:

  • “4-H Working with Minors”
  • “Respecting Civil Rights”

Additionally, volunteers must earn a minimum of four continuing education credits annually.

 

Opportunities to earn credits include:

  • Programs conducted at the county level with Extension educator.
  • District, state and regional volunteer conferences.
  • Live Webinars.
  • Project specific training such as Shooting Sports Certification.
  • ZSuite Clover Academy
  • Other outside opportunities with direct content application to the 4-H youth development effort must be recognized and approved by the county Extension staff.
Winners of the 2024 Parent Volunteer Award.

Volunteer Recognition

The Oklahoma 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Recognition Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who demonstrate exemplary service to 4-H, while promoting service through volunteerism as both an opportunity and a privilege. Certified 4-H volunteers can be nominated for Volunteer of the Year award (less than 10 years of service) and Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award (10+ years of service) at the local/county/district/state level.
Volunteers must be nominated by county staff by designated January date. Nominees will have an opportunity to be considered for district and state awards by completing the award application – resume, 3 letters of recommendation and a photograph.  Guidelines and application are sent directly to the nominee. Nominees are recognized at the annual 4-H Parent-Volunteer Conference.
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