We think that superpowers are limited to great nations, presidents of companies, professional athletes, or pop stars. When, in fact, we all have superpower capabilities. Volunteering in 4-H
can be a superpower for us all.
4-H is…
- A youth development organization that reaches over 110,000 youth in Colorado alone each year.
- Focused on four pillars (Head, Heart, Hands, and Health).
- A partnership with families, parents, community volunteers and supporters to provide opportunity and access for all youth.
- ‘Learning by doing’ through different project areas (i.e., Robotics or Home Décor and Design).
- Participating in community service and leadership opportunities.
- Developing valuable life skills, hobbies or career interests, connections, and life-long friends.
Superpower Potential
You may think that being a volunteer requires special talents, being a certain age, or providing
monetary contributions; but that is just not the case. There are opportunities for everyone to
plug in as a 4-H volunteer and help support youth. You can boost your superpower as a 4-H
volunteer by:
- Giving your time to foster and encourage youth through engagement.
- Providing resources to help youth be successful in their projects and activities.
- Sharing your knowledge and talents to help 4-H youth develop life skills and encourage life-
long learning. - Providing connections and support for 4-H members and clubs at all levels.
4-H & You
Volunteering is a superpower at any capacity and level because it requires you to consciously
decide to give of your time, talents, or resources to another person or entity.
- Volunteering in 4-H creates an ongoing ripple effect when you decide to invest in the lives of others, in particular youth.
- As a volunteer you give, but you also receive.
- Volunteering fosters new and existing relationships and helps volunteers connect socially; this is especially true for older adults or those who live alone.
- Studies from the National Library of Medicine often show that volunteering can lower stress and improve physical and cognitive health.
- Volunteering can potentially lower depressive symptoms by providing purpose through helping others.
Getting Started
Becoming a volunteer is as easy as connecting with your local County Extension Office to learn more about 4-H, what opportunities might exist, and what you are passionate about. If you are an alumni of 4-H, please consider volunteering and giving back. Colorado 4-H provides education opportunities for club members, school enrichment and after school programs each year.
