4-H volunteers, otherwise known as 4-H Leaders, make up the backbone of the 4-H Youth Development program, and without them 4-H would not exist.  The Taylor County 4-H only has one paid position, the 4-H Youth Development Educator or 4-H Agent.  This individual depends greatly on volunteers to help form clubs, chaperone and hold activities and events, help youth with projects, and keep the 4-H Youth Development program going.  Any time and effort from our volunteers is greatly appreciated. 

• Volunteer Benefits (.pdf)
• Impacts on Youth (.pdf)

Leaders are very important to 4-H, they help with questions, share their skills, and help us remember what 4-H is all about.  Without our leaders we would not be able to have a successful 4-H Youth Development program.  There are different types of leaders and ways to be involved in the 4-H Youth Development program.

Types of 4-H Leaders

• Organizational/General Leader:  oversees club leadership, coordinates members, parents, and other leaders and serves as a liaison between the club and the county extension office.
• Project Leader:  guides and supports 4-H members in project learning experiences (ex. Photography leader, horse and pony leader, foods and nutrition leader, etc…).  For more information please see I’m a Project Leader, Now What Do I Do? (.pdf)
• Youth Leader:  older youth who have taken on leadership roles in specific projects or the Youth Leader’s Organization. See more information about the Youth Leadership Organization Project.
• 4-H Ambassadors:  Serve as ambassadors for the county 4-H program, planning special activities and events, and serving for public relations. Taylor County 4H Ambassador Program Application

• Club Project and/or Activity Leaders:  These leaders work with a small group of 4-H members in a specific project or activity.
• Club Organizational Leaders and Co-Leaders:  These leaders have the organizational duties in the local club.  Duties include assisting teen leaders and club officers, enrollment, records, etc.

• Club Leaders
  • Club leaders play an important role in the 4-H Youth Development program.  For detailed information and references for club leaders please see the 4-H Leader Resource and Guide Book (.pdf).
•  Officers within a Club:
  • President: 
    • Presides at meetings
    • Gets room ready and begins meetings on time
    • Arranges for Vice President to preside at meetings when necessary
    • Asks for volunteers
    • Works with members and volunteers to plan programs
    • Meets with leaders and other officers to plan programs
    • Casts deciding vote in case of tie
    • For more information please read So you’re the club President… (.pdf)
  • Vice President:
    • Presides at meetings when president is absent
    • Handles other jobs in club (presides as a chair of committee)
    • For more information please read So you’re the club Vice President… (.pdf)
  • Secretary
    • Keeps minutes of all club meetings (written record of what is done and said)
    • Maintains a list of all members and calls roll
    • Reads any correspondence
    • Writes any club correspondence
    • For more information please read So you’re the club Secretary… (.pdf)
  • Treasurer
    • Attend mandatory treasurer training
    • Receives and keeps a record of money in the 4-H club treasury
    • Responsible for depositing money in the club account
    • Pays out approved money for the club
    • For more information please read So you’re the club Treasurer… (.pdf)
  • Reporter
    • Creates news and radio articles
• Leader References
  • 4-H Leader Resource and Guide Book (.pdf)
  • Designing 4-H Project Experiences: Setting Project Goals (.pdf)
  • Welcoming New Member and Families (.pdf)
  • New Member Reference Guide (.pdf)
  • Creating a Welcoming Environment (.pdf)
  • Handling Club Money (.pdf)
  • Club Financial Records (excel)
  • Financial Accountability (.pdf)
  • Tips on Completing the Annual Financial Report
  • Sample Club Financial Report
  • 4-H Meeting Guide and Planner (.pdf)
  • Quick and Easy Guide to Parliamentary Procedure (.pdf)
  • Effective 4-H Club Feedback Form (.pdf)
  • Club Activity Planning Sheet (.pdf)
  • Wisconsin 4-H Community Clubs
  • Ages and Stages of Youth Development
  • 12 Tips for Adults and Chaperones Working With Youth
  • Risk Management Checklist for Planning Events