Volunteering for 4-H just got easier. Training is now available online or by DVD for those volunteers whose schedules keep them from attending the face to face trainings in their county.
4-H volunteers and youth development staff with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension have committed “to make the best better” through expanded volunteer training. 4-H plans to increase its volunteer base by recruiting new volunteers who can now take advantage of training offered in multiple formats.
According to one volunteer who completed the online version, “the training was easy to follow and I did learn from it and found it interesting. I liked the format of the presentation; I could listen and read at the same time, and also pause/re-read if necessary. The online training works a lot better for me than going somewhere to a meeting since I can do it when it's convenient instead of trying to re-arrange my schedule to fit it in.”
“Great training leads to great clubs,” said Chuck Morris, program director for ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development. “Training keeps leaders up to date on the latest resources, techniques and opportunities and it allows more experienced leaders to share their expertise with newer leaders. We also want our volunteer training to be consistent across the state so all 4-H members have the same access to well trained volunteers.”
“Volunteers who commit to developing long-term relationships with youth are prepared with the positive youth development knowledge and skills they need by participating in these trainings,” said Judy Levings, 4-H volunteer development specialist. “In addition, 4-H volunteers who complete training are covered by Iowa State University’s tort liability protection. We are very fortunate that this expanded volunteer training has been funded by grants from the Iowa 4-H Foundation’s President’s Campaign in partnership with Pioneer Hybrid and National 4-H Council in partnership with Monsanto.”
Volunteers wishing to do the online training, may do so at anytime. To learn more about 4-H volunteer opportunities, contact the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811.
Sarah Rodgers
1/9/2008