Volunteers & Leaders
Volunteer work is invaluable to 4-H and our entire community! Trusted adults as volunteers offer youth great environments to learn and grow. 4-H recognizes that adults supporting youth also need some help at times, which is where Extension comes in. The 4-H Youth Development Educator is here to help adults identify and have access to what they need. For more information on adults mentoring youth in 4-H, please view the following sites regarding 4-H Volunteer resources and becoming a Volunteer.
Quick & Helpful Info
Some volunteers lead clubs with the help of their youth members, while others assist in youth learning through specific projects or activities. For club leaders, this is done in existing 4-H Clubs or by creating their own club through our 4-H Process. Being a club leader isn’t the only way to volunteer with 4-H! Other volunteer options to explore in Ashland County are baking for fundraisers, leading an outdoor adventure for a day, hosting a special STEAM or STEM class, and more!
Volunteer Resources and Leaders Association Officers
2024 & 2025 Leaders Association Meetings
Archived Leaders Association Minutes
Annual Charter Forms & AFRs
The 4-H Charter indicates that a 4-H Club or Group is organized in accordance with the objectives of the Wisconsin 4-H program. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension grants 4-H Charters which formally authorizes a Wisconsin 4-H Club or Group to use the 4-H Name and Emblem for educational purposes in accordance with laws and regulations established by Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Record Books & Resources
For Record Book materials that 4-H youth complete, please see the information bar on the 4-H Member Materials page!
Sponsorships & Funding Options
| President |  Vice President Liz Arbuckle |
 SecretaryBecky Mika |  TreasurerElissa Riemer |
Ways to Volunteer
In 4-H there are many ways to volunteer. All volunteers work with youth and adult volunteers in offering a positive youth development experience for young people. Check out specific volunteer opportunities below.
Activity/Event Volunteer
Provide leadership/organization for an activity or event and/or participate as a committee member
Adult Advisor/Chaperone
Work with a team of adult advisors and PYD staff to ensure youth have a safe and positive educational experience.
Club Enrollment Coordinator
Provide leadership for members and adult volunteers who are enrolling in the club or group organization
Club Leader
Provide leadership to the club or group organization
Committee Volunteer
Provide leadership for a committee and/or participate as a member of a committee, creating educational experiences for all youth engaged in the program
Project Leader
Provide leadership and organization to the project group who is learning about a specific topic.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering with 4-H has benefits for the volunteers, the youth they work with, and the organization they support.
Youth benefit because volunteers help youth:
- Prepare for future careers
- Improve their decision-making skills
- Serve their communities
- Gain leadership skills
The organization benefits:
- 4-H volunteers on average donate 9 hours per month
- Donate money and supplies
- Serve as ambassadors of 4-H in recruiting youth, volunteers and connecting with community partners
Volunteers impact communities where they volunteer by:
- Making communities stronger
- Connecting communities
- Improving the health of communities
- Increasing civic involvement
Volunteer Training
If you are 18 years or older and interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer, we can help. We will provide new volunteers with Volunteers in Preparation Training about how to work effectively with youth and what resources are available to volunteers. We will also ask you to participate in a Mandated Reporter Training to learn more about how to protect youth from child abuse and neglect. Finally, to ensure the safety of all youth and volunteers, a Volunteer Behavior Expectations Agreement and background check are required.
Depending on their role, some volunteers may be asked to complete subject matter specific trainings as well as training to enrich their knowledge of youth development (for example chaperones or Shooting Sports leaders).
For more information and to apply as a volunteer, please contact our office.