Volunteer & Support
Why Volunteer?
Volunteer leaders are a crucial part of the growth and execution of our programs. Our leaders have the opportunity to assist in a variety of ways. Volunteer leaders must be at least 18 years of age, agree to be properly trained, and if selected, abide by the Georgia Volunteer Guidelines.
How to Get Involved
All volunteers are asked to complete an application and go through a screening process. This application and process has been created and is in place to protect the volunteers and all the people that are involved.
Supervising is defined as an adult who directs a youth's (other than their personal child's) behavior during an activity or event. All adults with supervisory roles must be screened. UGA Cooperative Extension employees have been screened through the employment process. See Volunteer Types for explanation of various levels of certification and screening. To start the volunteer process contact the Fulton County Extension Office.
Requirements:
- Adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
- All Volunteers must complete a Volunteer Agreement
- Volunteers working with youth must complete a Volunteer Application, supply 3 non-related references, pass a background check, and complete the online training Georgia 4-H: Working with Youth...Managing Risk.
- Volunteer drivers must pass a Motor Vehicle screening (included in volunteer application).
Categories of volunteers (See full description in the UGA Extension Volunteer Policy Overview):
- General Volunteer
- Screened Volunteer
- Screened Volunteer Working with Youth
For more information, check out: UGA Background Investigation and MVR Procedures.
Volunteer Needs
We always have needs for volunteers to lead and support our programming. Volunteers are also encouraged to lead special interest clubs in which they have expertise or personal interest. Below are just some of our current volunteer needs. For more information on how to become involved as a volunteer, please contact Courtney Mixon at courtney.mixon@uga.edu.
- Poultry Judging Coach
- Forestry Judging Coach
- Community Club Leader
- Cloverbud (K-3rd grade) Club Leader
- Special Interest Club Leaders - Have a hobby or skill you can teach to youth? Let us know!
Current Volunteers
We would like to say "Thank You" to our many volunteers that currently provide programming to the people in the county, district, state and region. Below are some papers and links to information that will help you with your programs and filing your program paperwork.
- Event Checklist - Help prepare and organize for your event
- Sign In Sheet - Needed at every event to keep records of attendance
- Program Activity Report - Help ensure a successful program and reporting
Volunteer Roles
Camp & Conference Volunteers – Serve as a chaperone for out of town conferences and summer camp. Must complete Certified Overnight Chaperone Training.
Fundraising Leaders – help brainstorm idea, coordinate projects, compile donor list, prepare mailings, contact donors, and raise funds for 4-H program.
Horse Club Leaders- assist with coordination and set up for monthly meeting, assist with county horse show and St. Jude trail ride.
Judging Team Coaches – coordinate, plan, set up, and teach judging event practices. Current programs in need of volunteers include Cotton Boll & Consumer Jamboree, Poultry, and Forestry.
Local Event Chaperones – assist with monthly meetings, day trips, service activities, or other local 4-H events.
Office Helpers – help with data entry, mail-outs, etc.
Project Achievement Leaders - help with demonstration & portfolio preparation for all levels of project competition. Demonstration preparation includes helping proofread speeches, assist 4-H member in making visuals, etc. A portfolio is a compiled record of the 4-H member's accomplishments for the year in their project area, leadership, community service, and other community involvement.
Public Relations Volunteers – help brainstorm and plan public relations activities for local 4-H program.
Special Interest Club Leader –begin and serve as a club leader for a specialty club. Examples may include a Photography Club, Cooking Club, Adventure Club, etc. We welcome your ideas!
Summer Program Leaders – help plan and chaperone summer activities and Cloverbud Day Camp.