Volunteer

There are Seven Steps to Becoming a Jefferson County Volunteer

1. Decide that you want to help kids grow and explore their futures.

Maybe you want to get more involved, but you just haven't been sure how.  This is a great way and opportunity to be a part of helping educate our youth to help them grow into productive citizens!

2. Watch the Orientation videos to learn more about 4-H and opportunities available to you.

3. Contact the Jefferson County ISU Extension office to find out about local opportunities.

There may be an opening for a leader in an area of you interest, a current club may need an extra pair of hands or there may be an opportunity for you to start your own club!

4. Complete Iowa State University Extension’s Child Protection and Safety Policy (CPSP) process if you will have direct contact with youth.

Stop by the Jefferson County Extension Office to pick up your Volunteer Application Packet to get started on the CPSP process.  This process may take 4-6 weeks from start to finish so it is crucial to start it as soon as you have decided you want to get involved!

5. Attend trainings.

Jefferson County has at least one (1) state required training each year to provide continuing education to our current volunteers.  In addition to this training, all NEW volunteers must attend a State training before starting their adventure as a new volunteer.

In addition to these training, Jefferson County will keep all volunteers up to date on the 4-H Risk Management Training.  As updates are handed down, an additional training may be hosted or an online training may be offered.

6. Consider volunteering to lead a 4-H group in your community, your local school, or even your church.

7. Share your skills, knowledge and talents while having FUN with kids!

Now that you have completed the seven (7) steps to becoming a volunteer, you may be saying "Now What?". The following are some help sheets that may provide a little extra guidance in the adventure of being a volunteer. 

How to Start a Club

Planning Club Experiences

Tips on Conducting a Club Meeting

Club Meeting Outline

Tips on Pre-Meeting Activities

County 4-H News

Region 19 Junior Trip
January 7, 2013

Region 19 Junior 4-H Members to experience the Henry Doorly Omaha Zoo!

Justin Godwin Pioneer Scholarship
Godwin Wins Pioneer 4-H Scholarship
August 30, 2012

Justin Godwin, 18, of Libertyville was awarded a Pioneer Community College 4-H Scholarship on Saturday, August 11 at the Iowa State Fair. Justin is a 2012 graduate of Fairfield High School and a 9 year member of the Des Moines Ramblers Club in Jefferson County.  Justin has served on the County Council, the Jefferson County 4-H Youth Committee and participated in the Citizen Washington Focus Trip.  His project areas through out his 9 year membership have included Beef, Citizenship, Woodworking and Child Development.  He has received many awards in his 4-H career including the State Fair Poster Communication Merit Award, President's Volunteer Service Award as well as State Fair Blue ribbons in Beef, Child Development, Citizenship and Personal Development.

Justin has been rewarded for his work with the 4-H by not only receiving the Pioneer Scholarship but also scholarships from Jefferson County 4-H Foundation and Jefferson County Extension Council. He has also received the Brownfield Network Award, Danforth Leader Award as well as Agricutlure and Achievement Awards.

Justin believes he would not have been as involved in volunteerism had it not been for his early influence from 4-H and it's encouragement to be involved in the community. Justin says "Through 4-H, I became interested in Ag Biomass and later expanded that interest to Wind and Solar Energy.  I now plan to pursue a degree in Electrical and Renewable Energy Technology at Indian Hills Community College."

Justin is the son of Lynn & Ben Godwin of Libertyville. 

ISU Extension Newsletters Online Here!
September 2, 2010

ISU Extension is now publishing newsletters available to everyone throughout the state. We have newsletters for everything from Acreage Living to Vet Med. So if you are looking for a newsletter you came to the right place.

Tis The Season for Answer Line!
September 20, 2007

Families Extension Answer Line provides information and resources for Iowa consumers with home and family questions.

Publications & Materials

Kids and Teens/4-H Publications

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The Clover Times

APRIL Newsletter

Archived Newsletters

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