Volunteer Position Description

4-H Youth Development
Ohio State University Extension
Hancock County

Position Title:
4-H Club Advisor

Time Required:

• Monthly 4-H Club Meetings (time varies, but usually 9-12 meetings per year, 1 1/2 - 2 hours each)
• Participation in training (time varies, but usually 6-8 hours)
• County Activities (time varies)

Location:
Hancock County

General Purpose:

• Serve as a liaison between the county Extension office/county 4-H professional and 4-H members, their parents and other volunteers with regard to 4-H club programs.
• Support 4-H professionals, volunteers and members in conducting meaningful educational experiences to help youth grow and reach their fullest potential.
• Inform and encourage members, parents, and other volunteers to actively participate in appropriate 4-H opportunities.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Be committed to young people and their growth in all areas.
• Advise 4-H club members regarding their contributions to and participation in club activities.
• Be dedicated to young people and sensitive to their abilities and needs.
• Encourage 4-H members' and parents' interest and participation.
• Welcome parents' ideas, cooperation, support and attendance at 4-H activities.
• Follow all 4-H guidelines and policies of the Ohio State University Extension, Ohio 4-H Program and county 4-H program.
• Recruit new members when the club has openings.
• Attend all (or most) of the club meetings and activities.
• Read 4-H newsletters and literature from the county Extension office and keep members, parents and/or other volunteers informed.
• Participate in one or more volunteer development opportunities each year.
• Be aware of 4-H projects available, help members select projects and encourage parents to support their child's project work.
• Inform members and parents of project evaluation requirements and dates.
• Continually provide feedback to members, letting them know when they are doing a good job and advising them when they need to improve.
• Praise members for the progress they make.

Qualifications:

An Individual serving as a 4-H Club Advisor must have:

• The ability to teach and motivate youth while nurturing positive self esteem, decision making, responsibility, and leadership in the youth.
• A sincere interest in teaching and sharing knowledge and skills with youth and adults in an educational setting.
• The ability to organize information and materials and delegate responsibility.
• The ability to work and communicate effectively in verbal and written forms.
• The ability to motivate members, parents and other volunteers to assume leadership positions.
• The ability to work with minimal supervision from professional staff.
• A sincere interest in working with other volunteers and professional staff in an educational setting.
• A willingness to become familiar with and work within the philosophy and guidelines of Ohio State University Extension, Ohio 4-H Program and county 4-H program.

Ohio State University Extension Service Agrees to:

• Provide training opportunities that will help the volunteer meet the needs of members, volunteers, and parents.
• Provide appropriate manuals, pamphlets, audio-visual aids, newsletters and other resource materials.
• Have professional available to consult with volunteers on a one-to-one basis.
• Provide opportunities for professionals to listen to volunteers' ideas to help improve the 4-H program.
• Provide appropriate recognition and awards to volunteers.

Mentor/Supervising Professional:

Susan E. Russell
Extension Agent
4-H Youth Development

7868 CR 140, Suite B
Findlay, OH 45840
Phone: 419-422-3851
Email: srussell@ag.osu.edu