Purdue Extension Does…Volunteering

Want to make a difference in your community? Why not consider being a volunteer? There are many organizations throughout Dubois County and across the state of Indiana that rely on volunteers to fulfill their missions. Purdue Extension is no exception to that. We have several programs that involve community volunteers including Master Gardeners, Extension Homemakers, and 4-H.

Many people make impacts to the community through service and helping with meaningful causes. The 4-H Youth Development program is just one of those causes that many people in Dubois County choose to devote their time to. The 4-H Program has an abundance of ways for community members to help with the program.

Many volunteers spend their time as club leaders who work with 4-H members, teaching them different life skills. There are over 30 clubs in Dubois County, and they are all run by volunteers. Other people spend their time working with the livestock side of the program as a livestock committee members. These volunteers spend time planning out events, awards, and guidelines related to livestock projects. We also have extremely dedicated adults who volunteer as members of the 4-H Council. The 4-H Council helps to plan out the fair, make decisions for the 4-H program, and take care of the fairgrounds. They spend many dedicated hours throughout the year to keep the program going. Not all 4-H roles require as large of a time commitment. 4-H now has spark clubs which are short-term learning experiences that only have to last 6 hours of time. Spark Club volunteers have the opportunity to share their passion and knowledge about a certain topic with youth. Spark Club topics are not limited to 4-H project areas.

In 2016, we had over 195 registered volunteers who helped with the 4-H program. Some have been helping for a long time! There are 52 volunteers who have been volunteering for 11-20 years; 24 volunteers for 21-30 years; 5 volunteers for 31-40 years; and 2 who have been volunteering for over 40 years. We are lucky to have so many people who have such a passion for the 4-H program that they keep coming back year after year. We couldn’t do what we do without them!

The mission of Indiana 4-H to provide real-life educational opportunities that develop young people who will have a positive impact in their communities and the world. With that in mind, it’s important to also provide ways for youth to contribute to our program as well. Junior Leaders is a club for youth in grades 7-12 designed to build future leaders and volunteers. There are currently 45 members who are signed up for the junior leader club. These members spend their time volunteering for the 4-H program in a variety of ways including school visits, Food & Ag days, community service, mini day camps, etc. The junior leader club and project help to give young people an opportunity to lead and provide service to 4-H and the surrounding community. Junior Leaders can be a lot of fun as well! Louisa Nino, an incoming senior at Southridge, is a junior leader with 4-H. Louisa says, “4-H and Junior Leaders have helped me meet new friends and grow closer with old ones both in and out of Dubois County.”

There’s also an annual state 4-H junior leader conference that occurs each June at the University of Indianapolis. The conference features many games such as slip n’ slide kickball or rock, paper, scissors tournament, and even dancing. There are also many skill sessions where the delegates can learn how to problem solve and be better leaders. Priscilla Olson is a junior leader who attended the conference this year. She had much to say about the conference. “You meet new people from all around the state, get out of your comfort zone and help others become better [junior] leaders back home. This conference is for anyone willing to put themselves out there and learn new life lessons!” Priscilla has a strong passion for volunteering as well. “I believe volunteering is very important because as a volunteer you get no recognition but gratitude by helping! That is a gift within itself.” This has been Priscilla first year as a junior leader and only her 4th year in 4-H. She was elected to the state junior leader council which is a group that helps plan the conference for next year. She is a great example that it’s never too late to join 4-H or junior leaders.

The Dubois County 4-H Fair is coming up very soon. The official dates of the fair are July 17-20. We will need lots of help this year to put on this large community event. Consider carving an hour or two out of your schedule to help out 4-H and the community at this year’s fair! If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, you can visit http://tinyurl.com/volunteerdubois4h to see what’s still needed and sign up. You may also contact our office at 812-482-1782 or jmonarch@purdue.edu