Volunteer

Join a nation-wide network of over 500,000 volunteers who provide positive mentorship to 4-H members. Volunteers are the backbone of 4-H programs and their support helps youth develop into competent, caring, and contributing members of our community.  Not a 4-H member growing up? Never been a volunteer? That's okay! 4-H programs are enriched by volunteers with a variety of educational, and career backgrounds - even those who have no prior experience with 4-H. Not able to commit a lot of time? We have many opportunities to volunteer beyond being a long-term club leader. Check out some of the ways you can get involved below, or contact Sarah Holden at seholden@ncsu.edu or 828-884-3109. Have another way you would like to volunteer that is not listed below? Please reach out to Sarah to discuss additional possibilities!

4-H grows here
 

Volunteer Opportunities


Community 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.
SPIN Club Leader: SPIN (SPecial INterest) clubs are short-term clubs that focus on one specific topic. SPIN clubs run for six session and are structured similarly to a traditional club. All curriculum will be provided by the 4-H agent and taught by the SPIN club leader. Time commitment: 6-10 hours over the course of six sessions, including planning time.
Activity Leader: Leads a specific 4-H activity usually in a one-time program or part of a short-term workshop series. Topics might include but are not limited to areas like agriculture, cooking, electric, public speaking, shooting sports, wildlife, etc. Curriculum and materials will be provided, but we encourage those with expertise in a specific area to bring their own skills and input into the activity. Time commitment: 1-4 hours of educational instruction, plus 1-4 hours of planning time. Hours may increase if leader does a longer workshop series.
Activity Helper: 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.
Junior Leader: For youth age 14-18 who wish to help lead activities.
Administrative/Managerial: Works behind the scenes. Duties vary depending on skills and preferences. Example activities might include: 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: Three meetings per year, 2-year term.


Application and Screening

We appreciate your interest in becoming a volunteer with Transylvania County 4-H! Please follow the steps below to get started!

Step One: Complete a volunteer interest form. Once submitted the 4-H agent will follow up with you regarding your interests and the needs in the county.

Step Two: If you decide you would like to volunteer then you'll create a profile in 4-H Online.

Step Three: After your enrollment is complete, your 4-H agent will schedule an orientation to help you learn the ropes and set you up for success as a volunteer.

Step Four: To maintain your volunteer status you must complete two trainings annually. These trainings are usually fun and informational events where you can learn all the latest on 4-H and youth development while networking with other volunteers. You also need to re-enroll in 4-H online each year.

Please note: All 4-H volunteers who work directly with youth in any unsupervised capacity (i.e. club leaders chaperones, field trip helpers, team coaches, etc.) are required to complete and pass an NC State background check.

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Written By
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Sarah Holden