Who are 4-H Club Leaders & Volunteers?
4-H club leaders and volunteers are strong advocates, empathetic, passionate, and knowledgeable leaders, great resources, and amazing collaborators who help mold and encourage positive youth development at the county, regional, state, and national levels. Club leaders and adult volunteers are what help the 4-H program grow by giving youth and families opportunities to meet other families, make a community impact, and explore connections throughout the state.
If you are interested in 4-H's mission, giving back to the community, and helping young people thrive, becoming a 4-H club leader or volunteer is a great way to create an amazing experience for everyone involved.
Please see the information below for volunteer types, requirements, and opportunities with 4-H.
Club Leaders
4-H club leaders are volunteers interested in leading a group of youth in activities, meetings, projects, and 4-H events. They are appointed and approved by the 4-H agent. Club leaders will manage and run the club, with the assistance of the 4-H agent.
Club leaders are a foundational and crucial part of 4-H and are a strong reflection of successful programming in the county. Please review the requirements to become a club leader below. If you want to learn more about what it means to be a club leader in 4-H, please check out the club leader position description under the resources tab.
4-H Volunteers
4-H volunteers play a pivotal role in the program's growth and sustainability. They have an impact at many levels and stages of a 4-H member's journey through the program. There are multiple levels of 4-H volunteers in North Carolina.
Certified Level 1 volunteers are individuals who work closely with, interact with, supervise, instruct, or otherwise come into direct contact with minors in a program/activity/event. Club leaders would fall under a Level 1 volunteer.
Level 1 volunteers are required to have a background screening completed once every three years. NC State University manages the screening process at no cost to the volunteer applicant. Applicants are also required to submit a volunteer application, a list of references, an interview with the 4-H Agent, and watch an annual training video on compliance with rules governing interactions with minors.
Certified Level 2 volunteers are individuals who work with Extension youth programs in roles not linked directly with youth and /or have limited/supervised youth interaction.
Level 2 volunteers are not allowed to serve in roles where they could have direct youth interaction unless supervised by an Extension employee and/or a Level 1 volunteer. *Level 2 volunteers are not required to complete the background screening process.
The Enrollment Process
You can enroll as a 4-H volunteer through 4-H Online. When applying to become a 4-H volunteer, please make sure you select Mecklenburg County as your primary county when creating your application and profile.
After you submit your registration to become a 4-H volunteer, you will be contacted by the 4-H Agent with the next steps.
Requirements
Certified Level 1 Volunteers & Club Leader Requirements
- Enroll to become a Level 1 Volunteer on 4-H Online
- Background Screening (covered by extension)
- 3 References
- Interview with 4-H Agent
- Watch the annual training video on compliance with rules governing interactions with minors.
- Attend 4-H volunteer trainings.
- Must be 21 years or older
Certified Level 2 Volunteer Requirements
- Enroll to become a Level 2 Volunteer on 4-H Online
- Watch the annual training video on compliance with rules governing interactions with minors.
- Must be 18 years or older
Volunteer Opportunities
As a 4-H volunteer, 4-H and extension can provide multiple youth-based trainings, potential volunteer leadership conference opportunities, collaboration with other counties in North Carolina, and potential national 4-H events and conferences.
4-H is a great way for volunteers to empower youth, but also to be empowered to utilize the opportunities and experiences it has to offer.
See the resources tab for more information on trainings and conference opportunities.
4-H Mecklenburg County Advisory Council
The 4-H Mecklenburg County Advisory Council is made up of 4-H volunteers, partnering youth organizations, local specialists, and other youth development-oriented members in Mecklenburg County. The advisory board supports the growth and sustainability of the 4-H program in Mecklenburg through advocacy, making connections, and exploring avenues for success.
If you are interested in serving on the 4-H Mecklenburg County Advisory Council, please get in touch with the 4-H agent.