Adult mentors are the heart of 4-H. By volunteering your time, you help local youth build confidence, learn real-world skills, and grow into capable leaders. Whether you want to lead a club, share a specific skill through a short workshop, or assist with seasonal events, there is a flexible role for every schedule and skill set.

Why Be A 4-H Volunteer?

Volunteers are always valued in 4-H. As a 4-H volunteer, you have the opportunity to not only witness others grow in talent but see yourself evolve as a leader. You will also be rewarded in many other ways, including:

• Volunteers develop knowledge and skills in the areas of child and youth development, organizational planning, and personal and group management.
• Volunteers can watch the development of 4-H members as they become leaders.
• Volunteers can help others and their own families.
• Volunteers meet new people and work with outstanding 4-H members and adults

Why are Volunteers Needed?

Volunteers are the only way that 4-H can reach youth throughout the state. One person alone could not possibly bring the diverse set of skills to our youth that 4-H volunteers can deliver.

Your talents and skills contribute to a well-rounded 4-H learning experience for all members.

Volunteer Types

There are multiple opportunities to be involved as a 4-H volunteer in the North Carolina Program. Some roles you could serve in are:

Certified LEVEL 1 Volunteers

Level 1 volunteers work closely with, interact, supervise, instruct, or otherwise come into direct, non-incidental contact with Minors in a Program/Activity/Event. A volunteer who wants to serve in a direct youth service role must select from our three types of Certified Level 1 volunteers (outlined below).

Level 1 volunteers are required to have a background screening done once every three years (NC State University manages the screening process at NO cost to the volunteer applicant) and complete the Minor's Regulation Training video annually. These include:

Club Leader: The individual who provides leadership for the club or a group volunteer who leads / supports a program and provides overall leadership.

Co-Leader: An individual who provides leadership or assistance with an activity or variety of activities in the club/group program but is not the primary leader. Supporter: An individual serving various roles within the club/group program.

Assistant / Coach: This volunteer provides support in a specific project area for the 4-H program in general. This individual is not associated with a particular club or a group.

Club Assistant / Coach: This volunteer supports the club and/or a group in a specific project area. 4-H Advisory Council Member: An individual who serves as a member of their local 4-H Advisory Council. Program Volunteer: An Individual who acts in various roles in their county, district, and/or state program.

Certified LEVEL 2 Volunteers

Level 2 volunteers work with Extension youth programs in roles that are not linked directly with youth or have limited / supervised youth interaction. A Level 2 volunteer serves in an indirect youth service role, for example, project record/ presentation/ livestock judges, event greeters, etc. Level 2 volunteers are only allowed to serve in roles where they could have direct youth interaction if they are supervised by an Extension employee and / or a Level 1 volunteer. Level 2 volunteers complete the Minor's Regulation Training video annually; however, they do not complete the background screening process. Level 2 volunteers include:

Activity Leader:

Level 2 volunteers work with Extension youth programs in roles that are not linked directly with youth or have limited / supervised youth interaction. A Level 2 volunteer serves in an indirect youth service role, for example, project record/ presentation/ livestock judges, event greeters, etc. Level 2 volunteers are only allowed to serve in roles where they could have direct youth interaction if they are supervised by an Extension employee and / or a Level 1 volunteer. Level 2 volunteers complete the Minor's Regulation Training video annually; however, they do not complete the background screening process. Level 2 volunteers include:

Indirect Youth Volunteer: An individual that provides program/event support that does not involve direct youth interaction or has limited/supervised youth interaction under the supervision of an Extension employee and/or Level 1 volunteer.

Required Volunteer Training

All Level 1 and Level 2 volunteers must complete the following training. This is dictated by Regulation 01.25.18. This training must be completed annually.

• Minors Training Video (in 4-H Online),
• Applicable University policies, procedures, and rules,
• Behavioral expectations, including appropriate conduct when working with Minors and related codes of conduct,
• Risk management best practices, procedures, and guidelines for all Program activities,
• Supervision plan for adequate supervision in light of the number and average age of the participants, the Program activities, and whether overnight stays are involved, and
• Emergency planning, including for medical, severe weather, and other public safety emergencies.