UGA Extension Office

Volunteer Leaders

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Volunteer Leaders are the backbone of the 4-H program in Putnam County and all of Georgia. With the diverse program that is offered by Georgia 4-H, there is no way that the staff of the UGA Extension office can plan, carry out, and chaperone every 4-H event that is offered. That’s why it is crucial that we have good volunteers who are willing to step up and take a leadership role in the 4-H program.

4-H volunteers must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible to serve. The local 4-H office must have a 4-H Volunteer Leader Application and a 4-H Volunteer Leader Agreement on file in order for a person to be considered for a volunteer position. This application asks for three references. These three references must be contacted by the Extension staff to check that person’s character. They must also undergo a screening interview. The University of Georgia requires all volunteers to undergo a background check. All of this must be done in order to clear a person to help with an activity. Effective February 1, 2014, all Certified Chaperons must also complete the Georgia 4-H Risk Management Training annually online and score 100% on their responses to remain in service as a chaperon. 

As you can see, there are several necessary steps in order to be cleared as a 4-H volunteer. Please don’t wait until the last minute and miss out on your chance to serve as a chaperone with your child on a 4-H adventure. Sign up today to become a volunteer by completing a 4-H Volunteer Leader Application. The form is available on the Putnam County 4-H website under the “4-H Forms” section.

We look forward to having you on board the “GREEN TEAM”.


Volunteer Leader Jobs

Judging Team Leaders:

Coordinate, plan, and set up for judging event practices. Programs available include Cotton Boll & Consumer Jamboree, Forestry, Horse, Land, Livestock, or Poultry.

Target Sports Leaders: 

Serve as a coach to train 4-H members for competition and take members to competitions. Target Sports Coaches must complete the Georgia 4-H SAFE Coaches Certification Training.

Specialty Club Leader: 

Be a club leader for a specialty club, for example a Photography Club. We welcome your ideas for specialty clubs.

Local Event Chaperones: 

Assist with 4-H Service Projects or help with other 4-H events.

Camp & Conference Volunteers: 

Serve as a chaperone for out of town conferences and summer camp. Must complete Certified Overnight Chaperon Training.

Summer Program Leaders: 

Help plan summer classes and lead a segment of the activities (i.e. crafts, food preparation, games, etc.).

Fundraising Leaders: 

Help compile donor list, prepare mailing, contact donors, and raise funds for 4-H program.

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.

Fair Project Leaders: 

Help prepare, deliver, and set up projects for the Georgia National Fair.

Public Relations Volunteers: 

Help plan public relations activities for local 4-H program including National 4-H Week promotion, homecoming parade and Christmas parade floats, etc.