Over 10,000 volunteers guide 4-H members in becoming productive citizens, outstanding communicators, effective leaders, and successful learners.  But just as important as what volunteers give is what they get back!  Iowa 4-H volunteers have shared that:

“My volunteer experience has helped me both professionally and with my family. I seem to look at kids in a different light and try to encourage all to be the best that they can be.”

“I feel a great sense of excitement and pride when youth accomplish something they never thought they could do. It is wonderful to see kids work through a project and feel proud of what they can do. This keeps me volunteering in school and church, as well as the 4-H program. I believe youth can be encouraged to do great things.”

Iowa 4-H needs many volunteers who are willing to share creative ideas, time, talent, and skills to support youth at the community, county, and state level. Are you curious about volunteering for 4-H?  Visit with Extension staff in your county office about volunteer opportunities.

If you are a current volunteer – thanks for all you do! 

4-H Club Leader

Club volunteers provide overall leadership to club or group organization, over seeing the structure and operation and serving as the club's contact with Extension staff and other 4-H volunteers. They help 4-H club members grow and reach their fullest potential by supporting them to conduct meaningful, educational experiences. View a complete club leader position description.

Project Leader

Project volunteers help members plan and conduct projects. Sometimes project volunteers assist with clubs that are organized around one project area and sometimes a project volunteer assists youth interested in a specific project area but the youth belong to a club with members interested in many different project areas. A good example is a horse project club - where the entire focus of the club is on horses. View a complete project leader position description.

Clover Kids Volunteer

Clover Kids volunteers promote positive development for children ages K-3 through cooperative learning and developmentally appropriate practices. They provide opportunities for youth to practice 5 life skills: self-understanding, social interaction, decision-making, learning to learn, and mastering physical skills. View a complete Clover Kids volunteer position description.

4-H Judge

4-H judges support learning and growth opportunities for youth through the project judging experience at local county fairs. It allows adults to share their expertise with 4-H youth by judging projects that interest to them. Visit Information for Judges for additional details.

4-H Mentor

4-H mentors provide new 4-H volunteers with the support, encouragement, training and personal contact to help them become well-rounded, knowledgeable, confident 4-H volunteers. This position will help produce a solid network of volunteers to enhance our 4-H youth program. View a complete 4-H mentor position description.

County 4-H Volunteer

There are many ways to support the 4-H program at the county level. Volunteers are needed to give guidance to policy and priority setting and to conduct county and regional programs and activities. Contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office to learn more about 4-H volunteer opportunities in your county.

1. Decide that you want to help kids grow and explore their futures.
2. Contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office to find out about local opportunities.
3. Complete Iowa State University Extension's Child Protection and Safety Policy (CPSP) process, including a background screening and agree to the Code of Conduct for Iowa 4-H Volunteers.
4. Attend a local/state training.
5. Share your skills, knowledge and talents while having FUN with kids!