Exploring the personal, organizational and public value of being a 4-H volunteer
University of Minnesota Extension recently conducted a survey of 4-H Youth Development volunteers that shows the personal, organizational and community benefits of being a 4-H volunteer. Extension trains and guides nearly 12,000 adult volunteers to work with 69,000 Minnesota 4-H youth. Extension puts 35,000 volunteers into action across all its educational programs.
The top reasons to volunteer with the 4-H Youth Development program include supporting children in 4-H, helping others, and making a difference. 58% of volunteers were part of 4-H as a child. Benefits of being a 4-H volunteer include building new relationships with youth, gaining skills that are useful in other settings, and increased leadership confidence.
Volunteers also have positive effects on the 4-H Youth Development program, serving as ambassadors and recruiting new youth and volunteers to 4-H. The overall community benefits from 4-H volunteers through improved community health and increased civic engagement.
Read more about the 4-H volunteer impact study and download a printable version.