We invite you to join the 28,000 men and women who volunteer to help 4-H youth in North Carolina each year. YOU can make a "REAL DIFFERENCE" for the youth in your community -- giving them something positive and meaningful to do!
There are many different ways to help support the 4-H program, regardless of whether you have children enrolled in 4-H or not. You do not need previous experience with 4-H to volunteer. There are opportunities to work directly with children or work behind the scenes with 4-H programs. It all depends on your interest and talents.
Working Directly with Children
Club Leader or Co-Leader
JOB DESCRIPTION: Club leaders meet with their club once or twice a month at the club's decision, working with members and their families to coordinate club activities. Often, several leaders will work as a team dividing the responsibilities for managing the club. Such divisions are based on the volunteer's interests and skills and may include leading educational programs, coordinating field trips, organizing fundraising projects, or planning for community service activities.
TIME COMMITMENT: Most club leaders spend about 5-10 hours per month planning for meetings and meeting with the club members.
Click here to read a detailed job description.
4-H Online 2.0 Volunteer Application Guide (Create a Family Account and then enroll yourself as a Volunteer)
4-H Member Program Handbook (Forsyth County 4-H Basics)
Special Interest Instructor
4-H offers many short-term educational programs that generally meet after school or in the evenings, or during the day when school isn't in session. A wide range of topics is offered, depending on the volunteers available, and their skills. Examples include sewing, woodworking, horticulture, electricity, quilting, beekeeping, and horses.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Special Interest Instructors prepare the materials and lead classes. For many topics, 4-H has leaders' guides, with prepared lesson plans, and members manuals available. Volunteers determine the number of participants and establish the age limits for their class. Most classes are offered to children in one of three age groups: 5-8, 9-12, or 13-18.
TIME COMMITMENT: The time commitment varies depending on the topic. Often, special interest groups meet for 4-6 weeks, 2 hours per week.
Click here to read a detailed job description.
4-H Online 2.0 Volunteer Application Guide (Create a Family Account and then enroll yourself as a Volunteer)
4-H Member Program Handbook (Forsyth County 4-H Basics)
Club Supporter
JOB DESCRIPTION: To support the club leader(s) and/or co-leaders in managing a youth 4-H club. Support the efforts of other leaders, parents, and 4-H'ers to plan, conduct, and evaluate 4-H club meetings, project groups, and activities.
TIME COMMITMENT: Typically around 5 or fewer hours per month.
Click here to read a detailed job description.
4-H Online 2.0 Volunteer Application Guide (Create a FAmily Accounty and then enroll yourself as a Volunteer)
4-H Member Program Handbook (Forsyth County 4-H Basics)
Working Behind the Scenes
Judge
JOB DESCRIPTION: 4-H offers many competitive events throughout the year, and lots of judges are needed to share their positive comments and expertise. Judges are needed who are knowledgeable about the following topics: sewing, talent, gardening, baking, art, and photography. Judges evaluate each youth’s work using a written evaluation form.
TIME COMMITMENT: Depends on the event. 1-2 hours typically.
Click here for a detailed job description.
4-H Member Program Handbook (Forsyth County 4-H Basics)
Activity Volunteer
JOB DESCRIPTION: To support the Forsyth County 4-H Program in various ways; including, but not limited to, acting as a judge for a 4-H contest or leading a group during a specific event.
TIME COMMITMENT: Depends on the event. 1-2 hours typically.
Click here to read a detailed job description.
4-H Member Program Handbook (Forsyth County 4-H Basics)
4-H Advisory Board Member
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Advisory Board is the guiding body of the 4-H program. It is made up of a team of 10-15 community, civic, and 4-H leaders who work with local staff to guide and support the local program.
TIME COMMITMENT: Board members usually meet quarterly for about 2 hours per meeting and assist with programs and activities throughout the year.
Click here to read a detailed job description.
4-H Member Program Handbook (Forsyth County 4-H Basics)
Interested in Volunteering as a Youth?
Reach out to the 4-H Team (4-H Agents and Volunteer Coordinator) to discuss opportunities!
