Tennessee 4-H

The mission of Tennessee 4-H is to provide research-based Extension educational experiences that will stimulate young people to gain knowledge, develop life skills, and form positive attitudes to prepare them to become capable, responsible and compassionate adults.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are essential to the continued growth and development of a successful 4-H program. A volunteer may be a 4-H parent, a relative, a friend or a supporter of 4-H. Volunteers may serve as judges, club or project leaders, chaperons, resource persons or promoters.

Tennessee's adult leaders have found that as they help young people develop skills, they cultivate a few of their own. Adult volunteers develop self-confidence and other leadership skills, effective communication, planning and goal-setting, management and group dynamics. They develop skills they can use in other leadership roles in their churches, civic organizations and communities.

As volunteers develop new skills and interests, new opportunities open for them at the county, district, or state levels. The following are some of the leadership roles open to adults in the 4-H program.

• Organizational Leader
• Project Leader
• Activity Leader

Organization Leader

The organization leader coordinates the overall club program and the activities of members and other leaders. He or she serves as the club's communication link with the county Extension staff and the 4-H and Youth Council.

Project Leader

Project leaders work with groups of members who are all enrolled in the same project. They help members set their individual project goals, teach new skills in project meetings, prepare for related activities such as demonstrations or judging, complete project records and prepare projects for exhibit.

Activity Leader

Activity leaders work with groups of members participating in 4-H activities. Health, safety, conservation, recreation, community involvement and other activities can involve groups of members or the entire club membership.