Training Tuesday: Understand the 4-H Mission

Tips and tricks to help you develop a research-based training plan for your 4-H Volunteers!

Training to help volunteers reach their goals and provide high-quality experiences within their role is a foundational element of Volunteer Involvement across our CCE System (VIPP). Throughout the coming year, we’ll continue to highlight bite-sized, grab-and-go resources for you to add to your 4-H Program toolbox! Each lesson is designed to strengthen core volunteer skills and reinforce what makes 4-H unique. Here’s another short feature to inspire your next volunteer training!

Today’s Highlight: Understand the 4-H Mission: A key skill for thriving 4-H Volunteers!

How well do your volunteers know the “why” behind 4-H? Every successful 4-H experience begins with a shared understanding of the mission, vision, and values that drive the program. When volunteers connect deeply with the purpose of 4-H, they become stronger mentors, better role models, and more confident leaders in youth development.

The Upholding the 4-H Mission lesson provides a quick and engaging overview of the 4-H history, mission, and vision—helping volunteers understand what the clover stands for and why it matters. This crash course is perfect for new volunteers getting started, or for experienced ones who want to reconnect with the heart of the program.

The Upholding the 4-H Mission Activities along with Fact Sheets and PowerPoint Slides for the 4-H Program Management domain can be found on the National Volunteerism Resource Hub a project of the PLWG National 4-H Volunteerism Charter Group designed to house resources to support the preparation, engagement and utilization of 4-H volunteers.

These resources are based on the Volunteer Research Knowledge and Competency (VRKC) Taxonomy Model—a research-backed guide that maps out the key skills needed for volunteers to thrive in 4-H. From communication and organization to program management, educational design, and positive youth development, each skill area helps volunteers bring out the best in every young person they serve!

Happy National 4-H Week!