4-H Volunteers

Volunteer Orientation

Orientation for all volunteers is critical.  Orientation familiarizes the volunteer with Extension and 4-H, and increases their awareness and understanding of the specific expectations and responsibilities of the volunteer role.  Orientation will prepare volunteers for beginning their new roles. 

4-H Volunteer Orientation

Screen shot of 4-H orientation website

All new volunteers are expected to participate in the 4-H Volunteer Orientation Session.  This can be done in a group setting at the county level, one-on-one with an experienced leader, or online at urbanext.illinois.edu/4horientation

A face-to-face meeting with Extension staff and a tour of the Extension office are also recommended.  A number of informational pieces including role descriptions and a 4-H Glossary may be shared at this session. 

Child Protection Orientation

New volunteers may also participate in the short Child Protection orientation session titled “A 4-H Pledge – Keeping Youth Safe” which helps volunteers understand child abuse and neglect, how to recognize and report abuse and neglect, and reviews the Child Safety and Housing Recommendations for the 4-H program.  This session typically lasts 45 minutes.

4-H Overnight Chaperone Orientation

Screen shot of 4-H chaperone website

Chaperones at all levels must complete the Illinois 4-H Volunteer application process and complete the 4-H Overnight Chaperone Orientation. Available at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/4hchaperone

4-H Cloverbud Orientation

All new 4-H Cloverbud Volunteers are encouraged to attend the 4-H Cloverbud Orientation.  This will include an overview of the philosophy and objectives of the 4-H Cloverbud program, developmental characteristics of youth ages 5-7, Cloverbud curriculum, program management, and volunteer management

VALUED Volunteer Orientation Series

Are you a new volunteer eager to learn more about 4-H and Extension? Are you a second or third year leader ready to expand your 4-H club opportunities for your members? Join the VALUED (Volunteers and Leaders United in Educational Discovery) Volunteers program!

The 4-H VALUED Volunteer Orientation Program is offered state-wide annually. Orientation includes six hours of instruction. 

A variety of formats are used for this educational series including face-to-face meetings, fact sheets, discussion guides, self-study packets, web-based learning, and telephone conferencing sessions. 4-H volunteers are asked to enroll in this series and commit to attending the six hours of educational sessions during the 4-H year. Those who complete the series receive special recognition.

If you are interested in participating in the VALUED Volunteer Orientation Program Series contact your local Extension office or Sheri Seibold at sseibold@illinois.edu in early fall.  All new volunteers are welcome to participate in the series.

Letters to New Leaders Series

This is a set of printed materials to go along with the Letters for New Leaders Video/Welcome to the World of 4-H DVD Series available in local Extension offices.  The topics include:

  • What Is 4-H?
  • Starting a Club
  • Planning and Conducting Meetings
  • Leadership and Teaching Techniques
  • 4-H Activities
  • Opportunities for 4-H Leaders

The videos and/or DVD are available on a loan basis from many Extension offices.

4-H Volunteers