The American volunteer rates are amongst the highest in the world. It’s true that fire departments, libraries, museums, schools, and many other organizations could not function without volunteer support.
But no volunteer role has more impact on the future than educating and mentoring youth. Young people in 4-H, the youth development program of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, are two times more likely to get better grades in school, nearly five times more likely to graduate from college, and four times more likely to positively contribute to their families and communities compared to non-4-H youth.
When it comes to volunteerism, the 4-H program has the flexibility to adapt to your schedule. Project volunteers can lead an activity from once a week for a series of weeks to once a month for a year and everything in between. Club leaders usually hold meetings once per month and assist youth with organizational, communication, service, and teambuilding skills.
All it takes is the willingness of an adult to share their time and talents with young people as a mentor and positive influence. A relationship with a caring adult is one of the essential elements of the 4-H program and the rewards are endless.
You can make a lifelong difference in the life of a young person. In fact, 4-H alumni tell us that 4-H has a lasting impact on their lives, providing them with many of the skills needed to be successful. These skills include public speaking, service to others and how to work as a member of a team. For more information about becoming a 4-H volunteer, contact your local Nebraska Extension Office or 4h.unl.edu/volunteer
If you are looking for more of a short term or one time volunteer contact your local Extension Office for 4H volunteer opportunities.
Most Nebraskans aren't aware of how much Extension is supporting them on a daily basis, in almost every area of their life. Nebraska Extension is making an incredible impact on the success of our state – its youth, its families, its farms and ranches, its communities, its economy.
Help us support Nebraska Extension and the 4-H program by being a volunteer.
