Volunteer Resources

 
BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Enrollment - Required Yearly

All 4-H Volunteers will enroll in 4-H through 4hOnline at 4honline.com. 4hOnline is a web-based enrollment system that will allow Volunteers to enroll in 4-H on their personal computer or mobile device. You'll be able to complete all of the information necessary to enroll in 4-H online, including 4-H code of conduct forms and health forms. Enrollment opens every year in October. It is strongly suggested to enroll as early as possible; however, deadline to enroll/re-enroll is June 15.

Screening - Required Initially and then Every 5 Years

For the safety of our youth and our volunteers, all volunteers are required to complete a background check withthe Department of Health and Human Services. Every 5 years, Richardson County Volunteers will be re-screened.  https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-screening

Orientation - Required Initially and then Every 5 Years

All new volunteers, and volunteers reaching their screening window will be required to complete the Volunteer Orientation.  https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-orientation

VOLUNTEER SCHOLARSHPIS

Adult Richardson County 4-H Booster Scholarship

The Adult Richardson County 4-H Booster Scholarship is to be used for leadership or volunteer training(this includes Shooting Sports Certification Workshops). Scholarships will be awarded accordingly: Up to 3 scholarships at $60 each, 2 scholarships at $90 each, or 1 scholarship at $100. Scholarship recipients will write a brief summary to the Secretary of the 4-H Council or verbally report their experience to the 4-H Council at a scheduled meeting. The Adult Richardson County 4-H Booster Scholarship application is due April 15, current year. Adult Booster Scholarship Application

4-H CLUB REQUIREMENTS

Structure of a 4-H Club

• Enrolls at least 5 youth members from at least 3 families.
• Is advised by adult 4-H staff or volunteers who have been screened and trained in accordance with the Nebraska 4-H Policy and Procedure Handbook.
• Conduct a minimum of 6 regular club meetings (virtual or face-to-face) per year, with many holding 9-12 regular meetings throughout most or all of the year, and often supplemented by project meetings, camps, fairs, and other 4-H learning activities.
• Selects youth officers or youth leaders to provide leadership to the club.
• Meets in any location—a home, community center, military installation, library, public housing site, school, afterschool program, and/or many other places.
• Helps youth and parents/guardians adapt in cases of mobility—linking them to 4-H programs in other counties and states. Meets interests and needs of youth in same-age or cross-age groupings and using single project or multiple project formats.

4-H Club Standards

• Club Meetings are held at least 6 times per year
• Club Officers are elected.
• 75% of club members complete a 4-H Project each year
• New leaders attend new leader orientation.
• Club planning is done by club members and meetings are run by club officers.
• Sequential and varied learning experience matching all skill levels of club members is provided.
• Each member of the club does an in-club demonstration of presentation every year.
• Club financial audits must be submitted to the Extension Office at the end of each year.
• Yearly service learning projects/community service projects are completed

Club of Excellence Criteria

• Have at least five members from at least three different families.
• Recite the 4-H Pledge at meetings.
• Meet at least six times per year.
• Choose/elect youth officers.
• Have youth serve in leadership roles.
• Have one club project, related to curriculum, which they do together.
• Have adult role model involvement.
• Be facilitated by organizational and project leaders who have successfully completed the volunteer screening.
• Have members who perform a presentation or public speaking at the club level or above.
• Complete one community service project.
• Have members who participate in county, district or state events.
• Celebrate member and club achievements.
• If the Club meets all the requirements, they will get a certificate and a seal the first year and an additional seal in subsequent qualifying years.

 
POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Policies & Procedures Handbook

The 4-H Policy and Procedure Handbook is an established set of rules, recommended guidelines and implementation procedures for 4-H professionals to utilize as they provide leadership for 4-H Youth Development work and programming at various levels within the organization.  https://4h.unl.edu/policy-handbook

 
VOLUNTEER/CLUB LEADER RESOURCES

Club Leader Resources Page

This website includes Curriculum, Parlimentary Procedure activities, virtual field trips and much more! https://4h.unl.edu/resources/club-leaders

National Volunteer Week Lunch and Learn

The sessions are intended to enhance existing 4-H volunteer training and provide networking opportunities. The sessions are recorded and made available for on-demand viewing. https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-lunch-learn 

Volunteer Resources Page

This website includes Project & Club Volunteer training, Orientation and much more! https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer

Volunteer Recognition Page

Nominations can be submitted by any 4-H member, family, supporter, or Extension staff member. Nominees must fit the award categories listed in the link below and can be a volunteer for any Nebraska 4-H experience. Some examples may include 4-H club leader, project leader, junior leader, county or State Fair volunteer, special interest volunteer, such as robotics or shooting sports, afterschool club volunteer, 4-H camp volunteer. etc. https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition