4-H leaders support youth as they learn by doing by providing guidance and opportunities for meaningful leadership roles in their 4-H club and community.
4-H leaders may be professionals employed by government extension services. They may be teachers in schools. Or volunteers in the community. Regardless of the type of 4-H leader you are, your role is critical to the 4-H movement and experience.
What are the responsibilities of 4-H leaders?
- Develop a caring relationship with members.
- Create a safe environment for 4-H members.
- Provide opportunities for youth to build skills
- Create opportunities for youth to value and practice service to others.
- Allow youth to make decisions and lead.
- Create an inclusive environment.
- Keep up-to-date and trained.
What qualifications/skills do 4-H leaders need?
- Sincere interest in the safety and well-being of youth.
- Desire to facilitate and motivate youth while nurturing self-esteem, decision-making skills, responsibility, and leadership.
- Successfully pass the volunteer training process.
- Ability to organize information and materials and delegate responsibility.
- Ability to work and communicate effectively both verbally and written.
- Desire to motivate parents and other volunteers
- Interest in working in partnership with youth, other volunteers and professional staff in an educational setting.
- Willingness to adopt the philosophy, policies, and procedures of your 4-H organization
Finally, you don’t have to be an expert in a project topic to be a leader! By following the project resources, learning along with your members and involving others, there is no limit to the variety of 4-H clubs or projects you can run!
If you love to learn, enjoy working with youth and want to join our global network of caring volunteers, contact the 4-H program in your region or country to learn more about how to become a 4-H volunteer.