4-H Volunteers
Volunteers are Integral
to the Success of 4-H!
Please consider sharing your time and talents as an adult 4-H Volunteer! If you are interested in leading a project or activity, or chaperoning an event, becoming a 4-H Volunteer is the first step.
Wisconsin 4-H focuses on helping young people grow and thrive by using a positive youth development approach. This means we build on their strengths and create opportunities for them to learn through challenging activities and supportive relationships. Adults play an important role by guiding and encouraging youth as they develop.
Enroll as a Volunteer
All new and re-enrolling 4-H volunteers need to complete enrollment online.
Volunteer Deadlines
- November 1 – Returning Wisconsin 4-H volunteers are required to re-enroll online annually
- December 1 – Required training and background check (if applicable) must be completed
- December 15 – All eligible returning 4-H volunteers will be approved by this date
- Returning volunteers who do not meet the deadlines listed above must enroll as a NEW volunteer and complete all applicable new volunteer trainings
- **IMPORTANT: A submitted application/enrollment form does not mean that an individual is an approved volunteer. Adults who are not approved 4-H volunteers cannot be in custodial care of youth.**
- New volunteers may enroll at any time during the program year.
Beyond Ready Volunteers: Built to Lead, Inspire, and Serve
(Not Required)
While the three trainings below are not required for 4‑H volunteer participation, they provide valuable knowledge and skills to support your growth as a leader.
Grow Green
Grow Green is our introduction and orientation to volunteering in 4-H. Learn more about Wisconsin 4-H, roles & responsibilities, best practices, and how to create positive and safe learning environments for youth.
Essential Elements
These four elements work together to ensure that youth work towards a better future:
- Belonging — in a program that is safe and a positive environment.
- Independence — to have influence over their lives, to see a path and how they can work towards a positive future.
- Mastery — to build on skills and knowledge over time.
- Generosity — by giving back to the larger community in some way through their service.
Supporting Youth Mental Health Training
Supporting YMH, for short—is all about: knowing how to support youth when they’re down, whether it’s simply a bad day or it’s more than that. *Only volunteers serving as overnight chaperones will need to complete
IMPORTANT: Wisconsin 4-H Policy Information
Wisconsin 4-H operates within the guidelines, policies, and procedures of the University of Madison Division of Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture. Check Out all the Wisconsin 4-H Policies for 4-H Membership & Participation, 4-H Camps, 4-H Projects & Activities, and more here. These policies are established to ensure the educational and administrative integrity of all Wisconsin 4-H programs and activities administered by 4-H staff and 4-H volunteers.