Volunteer with 4-H
Program Overview
Making a difference in the lives of Canadian youth for 110 years.
For 110 years, 4-H and its volunteers have been nurturing responsible, caring, and contributing youth who are committed to positively impacting their communities and the world around them.
Community-based clubs across the country (and around the world) offer safe, fun, and inclusive learning programs that build skills that are critical to helping youth succeed.
Volunteering with 4-H
Volunteers play a vital role in the ongoing growth and development of youth aged 6-25 by providing caring and supportive mentorship to 4-H members as they learn to do by doing. Since club activities are driven by youth, volunteers don’t need to be experts to make a difference. At 4-H, we believe the difference you make is based on who you are – not what you know.
Become a volunteer today!
Making a difference is something you never outgrow.
Youth Benefits
4-H Alumni report having a higher sense of confidence as a result of the many transferable skills they develop through 4-H!
8 in 10 alumni say 4-H helped them improve their:
- Public speaking skills
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Self-confidence
- Sense of responsibility
- And more!
Close to 90% of 4-H alumni pursue post-secondary education, and 90% of alumni would recommend 4-H to someone else.
Become a volunteer today!
Making a difference is something you never outgrow.
Volunteer Benefits
Over and above the satisfaction of knowing you are helping young people fulfill their potential, being a 4-H volunteer is fun and it’s a chance to develop new skills of your own!
4-H volunteers have access to resources and webinars that help them develop and refine skills related to the four pillars of 4-H:
- Community Engagement & Communications
- Science & Technology
- Environment & Healthy Living
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security
Volunteers can also access the resources in our Healthy Living Initiative and well as 4-H LEARNS, a global resource-sharing tool for 4-H leaders around the world.
Being a Volunteer
Clubs are organized at the local level and volunteers are coordinated provincially, meaning you’ll receive specific information about opportunities and expectations from the 4-H organization in your province.
There are, however, processes related to ensuring youth safety that are the same no matter where in the country you volunteer. This will require an upfront time commitment that is important for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for both members and volunteers alike. You will also always have 4-H organizational support from regional, provincial, and national staff to ensure there is always someone who can lean on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a specific skillset or background to be a 4-H volunteer?
Nope! As a 4-H volunteer, your role is to mentor and support youth as they learn to do by doing. Since 4-H focuses on self-directed learning, our volunteers don’t need to be the experts in the room. You’re there to empower youth in their journey of discovery and to make sure that journey is a safe one.
How old are the youth involved in 4-H?
4-H programming is available for youth ages 6-25 and since most youth participate for several years, it’s a really great opportunity to watch young people grow and thrive on their journey to becoming active and engaged leaders in their communities.
Do I need to have been a 4-H member to become an adult volunteer?
You don’t have to have any experience with 4-H to become a volunteer. 4-H is an open and welcoming organization, and we’d love to have you join us even if this is the first time you’ve heard of us!
Will I be responsible for running a club all my own?
No volunteer is ever expected to do it alone. As part of our youth safety requirements, all 4-H volunteers must follow the Rule of Two to ensure there’s never a situation where an adult is alone with a child who is not their child or ward. To learn more about the Rule of Two watch this video.
Beyond any other adults who may volunteer with you directly, there are also regional, provincial, and national staff who consider volunteer support and development a big priority.
When will I hear back from someone?
Depending on the time of year you submit your application for more information, you may hear back quickly, or it may take a little while if clubs are in full swing. But know that every provincial 4-H organization is looking for 4-H volunteers, and someone will get back to you! If you’ve been waiting a while and are wondering if we somehow missed you, please email info@4-h-canada.com with the name of the province you’d like to volunteer in, and we’ll help move your inquiry along.
