The Colorado 4-H Program has over 10,000 volunteers across the state.
Their time is valued at over $25 million as they provide direct service
with youth—teaching, guiding, and advising them in community-based
groups. It has been and continues to be fundamental to how we deliver
educational programming. The majority of volunteers are actually recruited
by existing volunteers—friends, neighbors, acquaintances, parents
of children who ask other parents.
Volunteers are individuals from whom we are seeking a commitment in
time for the meaningful and valuable cause of youth development. Our
system supports volunteers to be at their best in working with youth
To become a volunteer, contact the Archuleta County Extension office
and ask for a position description to learn more about volunteer opportunities/responsibilities.
A completed application will get you on track for working with youth
in our program. Reference and background checks are commonplace as we
strive for a safe learning environment for children. We are looking
for good people who will help children grow and develop. We want volunteers
who have the knowledge and skills to do what is requested, like to work
with youth and other volunteers, are dependable and trustworthy, are
easily accepted and respected by others. Your enrollment form completes
the process and gives you rights and privileges with 4-H Youth Development.
To orient you to 4-H Youth Development Programs, there are video tape/DVD,
on-line, and face-to-face optionsfor training. We want you to understand
the organization, our philosophy and mission. You’ll learn about
working with youth and our “learn-by-doing” model. County,
district, state, and regional training programs are available to help
you attain the knowledge, attitudes, and skills which improve the level
and quality of your performance.
Being a volunteer in 4-H is a privilege, not a right; with those privileges
come a variety of benefits. Satisfaction, recognition, leadership skills,
and appreciation from others are high on the list for our volunteers.
In addition, you are insured for liability in your volunteer role by
the State of Colorado. The coverage is the same as for all state employees
and assumes that you are acting in good faith and without negligence
in the performance of your duties with 4-H. County programs offer health
insurance to members and volunteers if injured during 4-H activities.
Persons interested in volunteering with 4-H should fill out a volunteer
form.
