Transcript Effectively Utilizing Volunteers”

“Why Volunteer?”
Be A Volunteer and
Experience the Power of 4-H!
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The State, County and Local 4-H
program is a dynamic organization
that reaches out to youth in grades 312 (and even younger in some
counties) with opportunities for
personal growth and increasing social
and technical skills.
Be A Volunteer and
Experience the Power of 4-H!
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Volunteers tell us the most important
benefits they receive from working
with the 4-H Youth Development
Program are chances to:
– Help children grow in personal self-worth.
– Gain a better understanding of their
community.
– Interact with others and create family
togetherness.
Be A Volunteer and
Experience the Power of 4-H!
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4-H volunteers enjoy the new friends
they make and the realization that
they make a significant impact in the
development of young people.
Share with the youth in your
community and help them become
more motivated, capable and strong.
What is a Volunteer?
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A volunteer is defined as a person who
did unpaid work (except for expenses)
through or for an organization.
Trends in Volunteerism
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44% of adults volunteer an average of 3.6
hours/week.
83.9 million adults volunteer a total of
15.5 billion hours; equivalent of over 9
million full-time employees
Nationally, volunteer contributions worth
$18.04 per hour ($15.57 in Indiana).
Nationwide volunteers donated time valued
at $280 billion.
Source: Independent Sector, www.independentsector.org
Trends in Volunteerism
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Volunteer characteristics
– Women (46%) more likely to volunteer
than men (42%)
– 35-44 year old group most likely to
volunteer (34.7%)
– Those who volunteer typically contribute
more than those who do not ($2,295 to
$1,009)
Factors Influencing
Volunteer Participation
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People volunteer when asked to do so
(71%).
2/3 of volunteers first volunteered as a
youth, often with their family.
Volunteer marketing campaigns simply
heighten awareness
Typically volunteer to work on issues
pertinent to them or their family
Are you thinking about
volunteering?
Here are some tips to consider
when volunteering…
10 Tips for Wise
Volunteering
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Research the causes or issues
important to you.
Consider the skills you have to offer.
Consider volunteering as a family.
Would you like to learn something
new?
Don’t over-commit your schedule.
10 Tips for Wise
Volunteering
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Nonprofits may have questions, too.
I never thought of that!
Give voice to your heart through your
giving and volunteering!
Virtual volunteering?
Be a year-round volunteer!
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Source: Independent Sector
What are the benefits of
volunteers in 4-H?
There are many!!!
Benefits of Volunteers
 Point of local contact for information
 Historical perspective of the program;
may have been participants themselves
 Great network of contacts – for people,
donations, etc.
 Know who to contact; typically wellrespected by the community
Benefits of Volunteers
 Allow organization to reach wide range
of audiences
 The program is “owned by” the local
people; staff members come and go,
but the local people have the long-term
ownership of the program
Youth need volunteers
who…
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Care about them;
Let them know they are valued;
Provide opportunities for them to
make decisions and try out ideas;
Show confidence in their ability;
Help them develop new skills;
Youth need volunteers
who…
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Communicate realistic, appropriate,
and positive expectations;
Listen to them;
Spend time with them;
Recognize their efforts, achievements,
and special qualities; and
Serve as good role models.
How do I volunteer for
4-H?
Are you interested in volunteering
for 4-H? Read on…
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Purdue University and the State 4-H
Program have adopted a screening
process that each person interested in
volunteering to help with the 4-H
program must complete.
The next few slides describe this
process.
Volunteer Screening
Process
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Why?
– Allows volunteers to reaffirm their
commitment and dedication to the wellbeing of youth as they provide them with
positive growth experiences.
– Helps to ensure youth receive a highquality education in a safe environment.
– It documents volunteer excellence.
Who completes process?
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All individuals who wish to volunteer
with the program are included in the
screening process.
Club and project leaders, committee
members, advisory board members,
any others who volunteer with the
program.
What behaviors are
addressed?
Source: 4-H 783 & 4-H 785
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Follow rules and guidelines established by Purdue
Extension, including those related to child abuse
and neglect.
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Be a positive role model for youth.
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Be courteous, respectful, and truthful; exhibit good
sportsmanship; handle conflict reasonably.
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Represent 4-H Youth Development program with
dignity and pride, accept supervision and support
from others, participate in orientation and training,
and work to create an effective 4-H Youth
Development program.
What behaviors are
addressed?
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Ensure equal access to programs.
Understand that physical and verbal abuse and
criminal acts are not a part of the 4-H Youth
Development program.
Not allow, consume, or be under the influence of
alcohol or illegal drugs at 4-H Youth Development
events. Limit tobacco use to times when volunteers
are not with youth.
Operate machinery and equipment in a responsible
manner; treat animals humanely; use technology
appropriately.
Screening Process Steps:
1.
Contact the County Extension Office
and indicate that you are interested
in volunteering with the 4-H Program.
2.
The Educator will send you a packet
with information on how to complete
the screening process. This will
include:
a.
b.
c.
Cover letter
4-H Volunteer Application Form
General information about volunteering in 4-H
Screening Process Steps:
3.
Complete and return the 4-H
Volunteer application.
4.
The Educator will begin a confidential
file for you, complete your three
reference checks, and conduct a
search of the Indiana Sex Offender’s
Registry database.
Screening Process Steps:
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After the Educator has completed the
screening, you will receive a letter of
notification
If accepted as a volunteer, you will
receive a set of Adult Behavioral
Expectations to sign and return along
with a volunteer position description
Steps to complete:
7.
8.
Successful applicants will then
receive an orientation on the basics
of the 4-H program
This orientation will be followed by
information on upcoming training
opportunities.
Contacting your County
Extension Office:
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To find out about opportunities to
volunteer in 4-H, contact your County
Extension Office 4-H Youth Extension
Educator.
Click on: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/;
select County Offices, and click on the
county in which you would like to
volunteer.
Thank you for your
interest in serving as a
4-H Volunteer!