Volunteer Resources and Development

This page includes links to a number of resources that have been developed to support volunteers as they work with the youth in the 4-H Program. These have been developed by Purdue Extension Staff, or borrowed with permission from other 4-H programs around the country.

yearly required volunteer trainings

To be eligible to work with 4-H youth, each volunteer must complete the following three training sessions through 4-H Online when they first enroll as a 4-H volunteer, and each year when they re-enroll as a 4-H volunteer. 

ORIENTATION TO INDIANA 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

A number of entities at the local, state, and national level work together to offer the Indiana 4-H Youth Development program. This orientation provides you an overview of the various individuals and organizations involved, including Indiana 4-H’s tie to Purdue University and the Extension Service.

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE AND GUIDELINES FOR YOUTH SAFETY AND WORKING WITH MINORS

4-H provides a safe place for youth to participate, learn, and grow. Indiana 4-H and Purdue Extension are committed to the well-being of all youth. This module provides all Purdue University volunteers and staff with guidance on how to keep children safe, and what steps to take if you suspect that a child is not being treated properly.

INCREASING CULTURAL AWARENESS AND EQUITY IN EXTENSION PROGRAMS

Nationwide, 4-H and the Extension system is excited to offer opportunities for all youth and adults to participate in our programs regardless of their background, culture, ability level, or interest areas. This module helps us to think about steps we can take to make the 4-H Program more open, welcome, and inclusive to all who choose to participate.

 

Featured Resource

Featured Resource

4-H'ers walking together
Inclusive 4-H

All youth need opportunities to be involved in activities unique to their own talents and interests. Inclusive 4-H resource sheets, videos, and supporting materials provide guidance on how we can involve those with a wide variety of ability levels.

Learn More

Working with students with special needs. These students have unique personalities and want to be treated like other students or 4-H’ers. They just need more help in accomplishing tasks.

- Indiana 4-H Volunteer

More Volunteer Training and Development Resources

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.

Thank you 4-H Volunteers!

Back to Basics webinar February 28, 2024

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  • Webinar to introduce the Spring 2023 Back to the Basics Resources (April, 2023)
    • PPT from April 2023 Webinar

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  • Webinar to introduce Back to the Basics Resources (November, 2022)

These modules have been created for youth (including teen leaders and 4-H Club Officers) and adult 4-H volunteers, as well as Extension professionals. Each module includes a series of tips, resources, and activities to help make operating your 4-H club “EZ”. The goal is to share promising practices of organizing a 4-H Club that youth and adult volunteers can implement together.

 

Visit Site

 

A yearly event for 4-H youth, adult volunteers, and Extension professionals to share ideas and resources to take back to their local 4-H programs. Resources from past sessions are available on the Leadership Summit web page. 

 

Visit Page

The Indiana 4-H Volunteer Development Committee developed lessons plans and supplemental resources based on the Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity. Some of these plans are useful as training tools for 4-H Volunteers, while others are designed to be shared with 4-H members in a club setting.

 

Visit Site 

The Volunteer Research Knowledge and Competency model includes a series of skills that individuals use while they serve as 4-H Volunteers. This site provides links to numerous lesson plans that provide information related to these skills.​

​​VRKC MODEL & LESSON PLAN

The North Central Region hosts a volunteer e-Forum for staff and volunteer across the 12-state region. Click on this link to learn more about the current e-Forum topics and registration information. Check with the 4-H Educator in your County to determine how to attend an e-Forum.

 

Learn More

Unit 1: 4-H Overview

Unit 2: Learning in 4-H 

Unit 3: My Volunteer Role

Unit 4: Stewardship & Risk Management

Unit 5: Adult Behavioral Expectations

Unit 6: Resources to Support 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