UGA Cooperative Extension

Coffee County Extension Office:
4-H Youth Development
Volunteer Leaders

Volunteer Leaders are the backbone of the 4-H program in Coffee County and all of Georgia. With the diverse program that is offered by Georgia 4-H, there is no way that the staff of the Cooperative Extension office can plan, carry out, and chaperone every 4-H event that is offered. That’s why it is crucial that we have good volunteers who are willing to step up and take a leadership role in the 4-H program.

4-H volunteers must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible to serve. The local 4-H office must have a 4-H Volunteer Leader Application and a 4-H Volunteer Leader Agreement on file in order for a person to be considered for a volunteer position. This application asks for three references. These three references must be contacted by the Extension staff to check that person’s character. They must also undergo a screening interview. The University of Georgia requires all volunteers to undergo a background check. All of this must be done in order to clear a person to help with an activity. Additionally, a volunteer must also go through a training course offered by the local Extension office.

As you can see, there are several necessary steps in order to be cleared as a 4-H volunteer. Please don’t wait until the last minute and miss out on your chance to serve as a chaperone with your child on a 4-H adventure. Sign up today to become a volunteer by completing a 4-H Volunteer Leader Application. The form is available on the Coffee County 4-H website at “coffee4h.org” under the “4-H Forms” section.

We look forward to having you on board the “GREEN TEAM”.

Volunteer Leader Jobs

Fundraising Leaders – help compile donor list, prepare mailing, contact donors, and raise funds for 4-H program.

Project Achievement Leaders - help with demonstration & portfolio preparation for all levels of project competition. Demonstration preparation includes helping proofread speeches, assist 4-H member in making visuals, etc. A portfolio is a compiled record of the 4-H member's accomplishments for the year in their project area, leadership, community service, and other community involvement.

Judging Team Leaders – coordinate, plan, and set up for judging event practices. Programs available include Cotton Boll & Consumer Jamboree, Forestry, Horse, Land, Livestock, or Poultry.

Target Sports Leaders - serve as a coach to train 4-H members for competition and take members to competitions. Target Sports Coaches must complete the Georgia 4-H SAFE Coaches Certification Training.

Fair Project Leaders - help prepare, deliver, and set up projects for the Georgia National Fair.

Local Event Chaperones – assist with 4-H Service Projects like Adopt-A-Highway, Pet Therapy, and others, chaperon 4-H Fundraiser Dances, or help with other 4-H events.

Camp & Conference Volunteers – Serve as a chaperone for out of town conferences and summer camp. Must complete Certified Overnight Chaperon Training.

Summer Program Leaders – help plan summer classes and lead a segment of the activities (i.e. crafts, food preparation, games, etc.).

Honors Program Leaders – help plan theme and decorations for the end of the school year 4-H honors program, assist with setting up and clean up of facility, and assist with preparation of awards.

Office Helpers – help with data entry, mail-outs, etc.

Specialty Club Leader – be a club leader for a specialty club, for example a Photography Club. We welcome your ideas for specialty clubs.

Public Relations Volunteers – help plan public relations activities for local 4-H program including National 4-H Week promotion, homecoming parade and Christmas parade floats, etc.

For more information about Coffee County 4-H Youth Development Programs, contact
Kevin Tatum at ktatum@uga.edu, or call (912) 384-1402.

Visit the Georgia 4-H Web site at www.georgia4h.org.