Arkansas 4-H Volunteer Training
Continued training is critical to having meaningful and productive 4-H meetings and
experiences with Arkansas youth. Our volunteer trainings are designed to not only
give leaders the skills and tools to keep the youth in our 4-H programs safe, but
also to provide protections for our volunteers.
Currently there are three mandatory trainings, that all 4-H volunteer leaders must
take before working with our youth.
Required 4-H Volunteer Trainings
Volunteers will get all the information needed to run an effective 4-H club. With information on the history of 4-H in Arkansas, teaching models, rules for volunteering, and ideas for the day-to-day operation of a 4-H club, this resource is available at your county extension office, or for download it below.
Knowing how to handle youth in an overnight environment, while traveling, or simply in a club surrounding is something that all volunteers with our 4-H need to know. This self-guided 4-H power-point provides critical information for volunteers to keep not only youth in their care safe, but also to safeguard themselves as 4-H volunteer leaders. Check out the resources below for getting your 4-H Chaperone Training.
Administered by University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (U A M S) and the Arkansas Commission of Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence, this training is required of all volunteers to learn how to recognize evidence of child abuse or neglect. This 60-90 minute self-paced training should be revisited periodically so that volunteers are aware of the steps they should take if abuse or neglect is suspected. A printed Certificate of Completion needs to be kept on file in every county that you volunteer in. This training is available at Arkansas Mandated Reporter.
Additional 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities.
This nationally recognized program provides positive youth development through addressing the eight (8) "Essential Elements" of youth needs.
Topics covered include 4 core concepts of providing youth a sense of Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity. Total time to complete this training is 10-12 hours, but it can be taken in a series of one-hour face-to-face trainings. Check with your local county extension office for arranging this training.
Designed to provide practical skills for volunteers, the Volunteer Research, Knowledge,
and Competency lessons are short instructor lead classes that a county agent can provide.
Lessons cover Communication, Organization, Program Management, Educational Design
& Delivery, Positive Youth Development, and Interpersonal Characteristics. These
trainings are available though your local county extension office or can be found
at National 4-H's website.
Whether you are interested in Animal Sciences, Wildlife, or even Robotics and Technology, your county extension office can provide guidance in finding additional trainings as they relate to the projects and programs your youth are involved in.
Due to COVID 19 restrictions, this year we will be holding our 4-H Volunteer Leader
Forum Virtually.
Date: January 30th
Time: 9 AM - 2 PM
Cost: FREE
Take a moment to register for this year's conference. Current sessions include pathways to teen leadership, regional opportunities for 4-H volunteers, new lessons and guides for project exploration, and much more!
We are accepting proposals for presentations. Do you have a program to share? Tricks for working in a Virtual World? Submit your proposal by January 1!
Offered every fall, this national training is held at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Georgia. Lead by 4-h volunteers, county agents, and state staff from across the United States, this training is geared to provide practical hands-on experiences to bring back to your programs.
Date: TBD
Cost: $325 (covers registration, lodging, and meals)
Location: Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Eatonton, GA.
Join volunteer leaders and professionals from across the Southern United States in
virtual conversations designed to be informal ways of sharing ideas and strategies
with peers from across 4-H as we all adapt to restrictions brought upon by COVID-19.
2021 conversations are scheduled for January 26th, April 27th, July 27th and November 30th
January 26, 2021 at 6 PM via Zoom will be the next conversation. Topics included: Service Learning, Reaching Diverse Populations, and much more! Click the button below to register. The Zoom Link will be sent the week prior to the conversation, and on January 26, 2021.
