Anyone age 18+ who cares about young people can volunteer. You don't need to be a parent or an expert. Learn more and apply.
Volunteer with 4-H
Already a volunteer?
The 4-H Volunteer Resource Center contains tools, materials and training for current 4-H volunteers.
Who can volunteer?
Adults (anyone age 18+) are welcome to serve as 4-H volunteers.
What can I do as a volunteer?
There are many ways adults can support youth learning and leading in 4-H. Whether you are ready to join us for one day or one year, we appreciate and welcome your skills and knowledge. You do not need prior experience in 4-H to volunteer, just a commitment to positive youth development. For some volunteer roles, you will need to complete a background check.
- One-time volunteering, such as helping out at a 4-H event
- Leading the youngest 4-H'ers — Cloverbuds in grades K-2
- Chaperoning a trip
- Teaching a topic you know a lot about — once or regularly
- Leading a 4-H club
- And more - explore our 4-H Volunteer Resource Center for other volunteer roles
Learn more about our volunteer opportunities below.
Volunteer opportunities
There are year-round and seasonal volunteer opportunities. If this is your first experience with 4-H, we recommend starting with a one-time or short-term role.
These opportunities are available year-round to grow and support county and club programs at varying commitment levels.
One time
These opportunities can be completed at one event or program.
- Adult helper - View a short video(Kaltura MediaSpace) about this role.
- Guest speakers
- Supervising volunteer*
- Workshop instructors - View a short video (Kaltura MediaSpace) about this role.
Short term
These opportunities can be completed in a one-to-three-month commitment.
Long term
These opportunities require more than a three-month commitment with regular events or meetings.
- Ambassador advisor*
- Club assistant leader*
- Committee member* (various areas)
- Project or activity leader
*Roles that require the completion of our volunteer screening process.
These opportunities are available beginning September through November at varying commitment levels.
Short term
- Committee member* (finance)
Long term
- Advisor to treasurer*
- Cloverbud leaders and assistants* - View a short video (Kaltura MediaSpace) about this role.
- Club leader* - View a short video (Kaltura MediaSpace) about this role.
- County Extension Committee
- Federation/Council advisor*
*Roles that require the completion of our volunteer screening process.
These opportunities are available beginning December through February at varying commitment levels.
Short term
- Chaperone* (day or overnight chaperone for BLU)
- Project bowl coach*
- Wildlife instructor* - View a short video (Kaltura MediaSpace) about this role.
Long term
- Committee member* (livestock/auction)
*Roles that require the completion of our volunteer screening process.
These opportunities are available beginning March through May at varying commitment levels.
Short term
- Chaperone* (day or overnight for YELLO)
- Committee member* (food stand)
- Crop Scouting Coach*
- Drill Team Coach*
- Engineering Design Coach*
- Shooting sports instructor*
Long term
*Roles that require the completion of our volunteer screening process.
These opportunities are available beginning June through August at varying commitment levels.
One time
- ATV Safety instructor
- Clinician (horse and dog)
- County fair support (various roles)
- Day camp instructor
Short term
*Roles that require the completion of our volunteer screening process.
Interested in volunteering, but don't see a role that fits?
Complete our volunteer interest form to share how you'd like to help.
Why should I volunteer?
4-H provides a unique volunteering experience. As the largest youth organization in Minnesota with methods backed by university research, 4-H offers the opportunity for youth to learn how to solve problems, make decisions and communicate ideas. Learn more about 4-H.
Volunteering with 4-H benefits the young people, the community, and you, the volunteer.
Make a difference
Feel pride in making a big impact in the lives of young people and adults in your community.
Training and support
You will receive ongoing training and support as you grow your network in your community and the University of Minnesota.
Learn more about 4-H
4-H provides learning and leading opportunities for Minnesota youth. The sky’s the limit!
Ready to become a screened and approved volunteer?
Learn more and applyContact
Want to learn more about volunteer needs in your area? Contact your local 4-H office.
Interested in volunteering but not ready to apply? Fill out the volunteer interest form.
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For general questions, please contact [email protected] or 612-624-2116.