Volunteer FAQs
How do I get involved as a 4-H volunteer?
This question can be answered by contacting your county Extension office or call the state 4-H office at 662-325-3350.
What are the requirements to be a 4-H adult volunteer leader?
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be 21 years of age to chaperone 4-H'ers
What are my roles and responsibilities as a 4-H volunteer?
- The following roles are available in 4-H:
- Organizational Leader
- Project Leader
- Activity Leader
- Resource Volunteer
- Teen Leader
- 4-H Volunteer Responsibilities include:
- Accepting assignments
- Respect the confidence of public and 4-H
- Follow guidelines and policies as established by the University Extension Service, State 4-H Program and County 4-H Program
- Provide feedback, suggestions and recommendations to salaried staff
- To use your time wisely
- To communicate your limitations
- Be considerate, respect others' competencies, and work as a member of a team
What training opportunities are available for 4-H Volunteers?
The following training opportunities are available:
- County training conferences
- Area training conferences
- District Leader Forums
- State Forums
- Regional Forums
What types of recognition are available to 4-H volunteers?
- County Scholarships
- Trips
- Reimburse assignment-related expenses
- Service Stripes
- Invitation to staff meetings
- Accommodate personal needs and problems
- Respect your wishes
- Informal Teas
- Cards
- Greet by name
- Volunteer Banquet
- Persuade personal to equate volunteer experience with work experience
- Praise
- Thank You Notes
- Recognition in media
- Smiles
- Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award
- Governor's Volunteer Service Award
Publications
News
The Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions began in 1969 as a conversation between two Mississippi State University livestock specialists dedicated to building better youth through livestock programs.
Ready “to make the best better”? October 1 is the official start of the 4-H year!*
*If you don’t know what 4-H is, start here, with 4-H Wants You!
Success Stories
Extension was a key part of Bobbie Seal’s life—over the years in her native Neshoba County, she was a client, volunteer, and employee of the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
When her husband moved to Columbus in 2006 to research Civil War history for his next book, Melissa Beck was happy to move, too, and explore, learn, and connect with her new neighbors in Lowndes County. An avid kayaker, Beck loves being on the water, enjoying nature and racing.
Ray Henderson’s love for the outdoors began in his youth with learning by doing in 4-H Forestry. He won the State 4-H Congress competition, went to nationals, and placed fifth. After he aged out of the youth development program, he pursued a career with the U.S. Forest Service, and he volunteered in the 1990s as a coach for a few 4-H Forestry teams in Wayne and Greene Counties.