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Volunteering with Ohio State University Extension

Last modified 2007-02-09 11:11

Look here for more information about becoming an Extension volunteer.

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4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Welcome!

We are pleased that you're interested in volunteering with Ohio State University Extension. We are excited that you are interested in serving our community and would ike to share with you some important information about our volunteer selection process.

Effective November 1, 2002, Ohio State University Extension implemented a new volunteer selection policy and procedure. All individuals interested in volunteering with Ohio State University Extension and working with a member of a vulnerable population (minors, elderly over age 65, or individuals with disabilities or impairments) must adhere to new selection procedures.

While the actual order of implementation may vary from county to county, all potential volunteers will:

Receive a position description;
Complete an application and return to the county Extension Office;
Have references collected by Extension professionals;
Complete an interview;
Submit to a criminal history fingerprint record check;
Sign and agree to abide by the volunteer standards of behavior;
Complete and return an interest checklist form.

Please know that this information may be updated periodically and will be kept on file for a minimum of three years upon the receipt of your application or the termination of your involvement as an Ohio State University Extension volunteer (whichever is longest). The release of information will follow The Ohio State University and Ohio State University Extension operating procedures and will be in accordance with Ohio law.

Serving others in your community can bring immense satisfaction as you help them grow, learn, develop, and succeed. Additionally, volunteering provides you an opportunity to acquire new skills, help others, and meet new friends. We hope that you recognize the tremendous benefits of volunteering and will join us in helping assure that everyone involved has a positive educational experience.

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to the prospect of working with you. Through this process, should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (740) 593-8555.

Volunteer Position Description

4-H Youth Development

Ohio State University Extension

Athens County

Volunteer Position Description

Position Title: 4-H Club Volunteer

Time Required: Conduct at least seven meetings per year and participate in county-wide trainings and other relevant events.

Location: Athens County, Ohio

General Purpose:

Serve as a liason between the county Extension Office and county 4-H professionals and 4-H members, their parents, and other volunteers in with regard to 4-H club programs;
Support 4-H professionals, volunteers, and members in conducting meaningful educational experiences to help youth grow and reach their fullest potential;
Inform and encourage members, parents, and volunteers to actively participate in appropriate 4-H opportunities.

Specific Responsibilities

Be committed to young people and their growth in all areas;
Advise 4-H club members regarding their contributions to and participation in club activities;
Be dedicated to young people and sensitive to their abilities and needs;
Encourage 4-H members' and parents' interest and participation;
Welcome parents' ideas, cooperation, support, and attendance at 4-H activities;
Follow all 4-H guidelines and policies of the Ohio State University Extension, Ohio 4-H program, and county 4-H program;
Recruit new members when the club has openings;
Attend all (or most) of the club meetings and activities;
Read 4-H newsletters and literature from the county Extension Office and keep members, parents, and others informed;
Participate in one or more volunteer development opportunities each year;
Be aware of 4-H projects available, help members select projects and encourage parents to support their child's project work;
Inform members and parents of project evaluation requirements and dates;
Continually provide feedback to members, letting them know when they are doing a good job and advising them when they need to improve;
Praise members for the progress they make.

An individual serving as a 4-H club volunteer must have:

The ability to teach and motivate youth while nurturing positive self-esteem, decision making, responsibility, and leadership in the youth;
A sincere interest in teaching and sharing knowledge and skills with youth and adults in an educational setting;
The ability to organize information and materials and delegate responsibility;
The ability to work and communicate effectively in verbal and written forms;
The ability to motivate members, parents, and other volunteers to assume leadership positions;
The ability to work with minimal supervision from professional staff;
A sincere interest in working with other volunteers and professional staff in an educational setting;
A willingness to become familiar with and work within the philosophy and guidelines of Ohio State University Extension, the Ohio 4-H program, and the county 4-H program.

Ohio State University Extension agrees to:

Provide training opportunities that will help the volunteer meet the needs of members, volunteers, and parents;
Provide appropriate manuals, pamphlets, audio-visual aids, newsletters, and other resource materials;
Have professionals available to consult with volunteers on a one-to-one basis;
Provide opportunities for professionals to listen to volunteers' ideas to help improve the 4-H program in Athens County;
Provide appropriate recognition and awards to volunteers and youth.