The Indiana 4-H Youth Development Program has a variety of involve​ment opportunities available. We rely heavily on adults who care about the development of youth across the state in order to deliver positive youth development experiences to our youth. All volunteers must complete a volunteer application and screening process and participate in training provided by your County 4-H Educator. Individuals annually reaffirm their commitment to serving as 4-H Volunteers.

4H kids with volunteer at outdoor event

Volunteer positions that may be available in your county:

  • Help with a one time event/program
  • Lead a 4-H Club (organize meetings and speakers, provide assistance to youth club leaders)
  • Help with a specific 4-H project
  • Help with an afterschool program
  • Help with a summer program
  • Sit on a county governing board
  • Volunteer on a fair organizing committee
  • Serve as a Judge for 4-H project exhibits

New 4-H Volunteer Orientation​

Are you a new 4-H Volunteer? This series of six modules provides you with a basic overview of the 4-H Program. Included are video lessons, files with the lesson plans included, and a written quiz to test your knowledge on each module.​

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Types of Volunteers

Club volunteer

  • Organizational Club Leader

    Provide support and leadership to a "club" of 4-H members. Share information with members and help individuals achieve their desired results. Recruit parents and other volunteers to assist with programs and projects and serve as the link between the County Extension office and your club.

  • Assistant Club Leader

    Assist the Organizational Club Leader with completing tasks to help the club run smoothly.

  • Other Club Volunteer Role

    Serve in a support role for the 4-H Club as requested by the Organizational or Assistant Club Leaders.

Program volunteer

  • 4-H Committee Member

    Assists with a specific project, event, or other task in support of the County 4-H Program (e.g., 4-H Photography, Fundraising, Communications Contest, etc.).

  • 4-H Council Member

    Serves on a board that works in conjunction with the 4-H Extension Educator to provide direction to the overall county 4-H program in line with state and federal policies.

  • 4-H Fair Board Member

    Serves on a board designed to oversee the operation of the annual 4-H exhibition; may also have responsibilities with a fairgrounds property.

  • School/After-school/Community-based Program Volunteer

    This volunteer utilizes developed Extension curriculum enrichment materials to deliver educational programs within schools, youth groups and after school type programs. Topics vary greatly. Volunteers are provided with materials and orientation to their use.

Project volunteer

  • Subject Matter/Project Leader

    This is a very defined role to assist members with gaining knowledge and subject matter information related to a single project. Most project leaders have some previous experience in a specific area, but if you are willing to learn and be a teacher, plenty of educational opportunities exist

"I love helping the​​ kids get the full benefits from the 4-H program. 4-H has influenced my life in so many ways including watching the children grow in their understanding of their role in the community and their role as an individual and friend. It also helps remind myself of the responsibility I carry ​as an individual even as an adult."

- Indiana 4-H Volunteer

4-H kids and volunteers working together

Volunteer Resources and Development

Visit this page for a wide variety of tools and trainings to support Indiana 4-H volunteers as they serve young people throughout our state.

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4-H volunteers receiving award

Volunteer Recognition

We are so grateful for the contribution of every caring adult who works with 4-H youth! Learn about awards available to Indiana 4-H volunteers, find inspiration to thank volunteers for their service, and more.

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Impact of Indiana 4-H Volunteers

​​​​​In the Fall of 2018 Indiana 4-H Volunteers were invited to participate in a study that allowed them to share the impact that volunteering has on them personally, on the 4-H program, and on their local communities. The summary of the responses for the Indiana 4-H Volunteers who responded is below. Also provided is the summary of the responses from the volunteers across the 12-state North Central Region.

  • Indiana 4-H Volunteer Impact Summary
  • North Central Region Volunteer Impact Summary

Thank you 4-H Volunteers!

Sign up Today!

The Indiana 4-H Youth Development Program has a variety of volunteer opportunities available. We rely heavily on adults who care about the development of youth in order to deliver positive youth development experiences to our youth. All individuals must successfully complete a volunteer application and screening process and participate in training provided by your County 4-H Educator prior to becoming an Official 4-H Volunteer. Contact your county Purdue Extension Office

Contact Your County Extension Office

ADDITIONAL Volunteer INFORMATION

After contacting your county office for more information, click here for instructions to enroll as a NEW volunteer with Indiana 4-H!

RE-ENROLL AS VOLUNTEER