Dr. Tim Tanner describes the role of a 4-H volunteer this way: "Do you like rocky road ice cream? Perhaps chocolate with sprinkles? Or maybe orange sherbet is more your style. Good! 4-H without volunteers would be like giving kids a steady diet of vanilla ice cream. Okay, it is still ice cream - but it could be so much better. The variety of interests and skills that our volunteers bring to the mix spices up the 4-H experience and allows us to offer many more opportunities to our youth!"
Volunteers are a key component of a successful 4-H program in South Dakota. These dedicated individuals work with 4-H professionals across the state on projects, programs, clubs, judging and leadership opportunities for young people. You can be a project volunteer or committee member, club leader, Cloverbud leader - there is something for every interest and skillset.
If you'd like to volunteer, even if you only have one day per year, browse the resources below or contact Jenae Hansen-Gross, SDSU Extension 4-H Volunteer Development Field Specialist, or your local 4-H professional to get started.
New volunteers should use the form below to start the application process.
Ways you can volunteer
Help a youth member lead a club: Assist with organizing meetings, finding speakers and helping with other meeting logistics.
Teach a skill: Share your skills by leading a club meeting, workshop or activity devoted to your area of specialty.
Judge projects: Serve as a judge for 4-H exhibits, competitions or performances and provide youth with encouragement and suggestions for improvement.
Plan or help at an event: Volunteer at a county or local event by helping with registration, set-up, clean-up or serving food.
Assist with a specific project: Advise members in their project work to help identify goals, create and implement a plan and reflect on what they learned.
Share your experience: Share with 4-H members about a passion, hobby or skill you have by being a speaker, inviting a 4-H member to shadow you or sharing a testimonial about your educational pathway.
