Online District- & State-level Volunteer Application

4-H logoThis form is the online application to serve in the following positions:

  • District / State Committee Member
  • Event Coordinator
  • Chaperone

All youth and adult volunteers, Extension faculty and staff are welcome to apply.

Committees meet, and events occur, at various times during the year. You may be asked to serve for two years. You may be contacted at any time during the year, when a position becomes available, to offer you an opportunity, and discuss your availability.

Applications will be kept on file for two years at the University of Florida IFAS, State 4-H Office. (Applications will be discarded September 1, two years following date of application.)

Basic Information

A. Are you under age 18?

  • (Yes, No)

    If "Yes", do not submit this application on the website. Please print and submit by mail or fax to: Florida State 4-H Office (See address at end of this application.)

    I support _____________________________ in applying for a role as indicated on attached list.

    Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________________  Date ____________

B.  If you are age 18 or over, continue on the electronic form, or submit a print copy.

  • County    First Name     Last Name
  • Full Address
  • Town/City     Zipcode
  • Area code    Home Phone    Cell Phone
  • Business Phone (Provide only if you invite calls at this number.)
  • E-mail Address
  • You are . . . 

    If you are using a printed verison of this application, circle the appropriate choice in the list below.

    • Youth Volunteer (Under 18)
    • Adult Volunteer (18+)
    • County Extension Faculty/Staff
    • State Faculty/Staff
    • Community Business Partner
    • Community Organization Partner

C. Are you currently a volunteer registered with a Florida county Extension program?

  • (Yes, No)
  • Have you completed a volunteer screening* process? (Yes, No, Don't Know)
  • If "Yes" or "Don’t Know", what county should we contact to obtain your volunteer screening* information?

    * To uphold high standards for the safety and well-being of youth in Extension programs, volunteers/faculty/staff who work directly with youth, are asked to provide information that can be submitted for a screening process, prior to working with Florida youth. If you checked "No" above, you will be contacted to obtain information to complete that screening.

D. If selected to serve as a committee member, event coordinator, or chaperone, when are you available for meetings or orientation/training?

  • You could be available to participate… (Check all that apply.)
    • On a telephone conference call during lunch
    • On a telephone conference call during daytime hours
    • On a telephone conference call during evening hours
    • In a face-to-face meeting in Gainesville
    • In a face-to-face meeting at a location within 1 hour of your home
    • In a meeting at a county Extension Office or Research Center with a polycom system
      • Identify which Extension Office or Research Center if you checked this box:
      • (A polycom system enables you to see people at other meeting locations on a monitor screen, while you conduct business via a table microphone. To learn more about polycom and their locations: http://notebook.ifas.ufl.edu/video.htm)
    • Other
  • COMMENTS:

E. Health Conditions

  • The nature of some roles, working with youth, may include extended periods of sitting, standing or walking, indoors and outdoors. Please indicate in the space below any health condition you have that could make you uncomfortable or unable to participate in a particular activity.
  • NOTES:

Indicating Your Areas of Interest & Expertise

The Florida 4-H program at the District and State Level needs guidance and support from youth, adult volunteers, and Extension faculty. Your support may come in many forms, but helping to staff and run committees, events, and activities will allow you to make a difference in the program. Review the following opportunities and indicate your interest.

Membership on many committees will last two years. Committee size will most often be from 6-8 individuals. Most committees will be a mix of youth, agents, and volunteers. Co-chairs will be encouraged. Telephone conference calls and Polycom will be the most common form of meetings. It is recommended that early career agents focus on county program development first and then assume responsibility on one team and/or leadership role. Intermediate and advanced agents may assume greater responsibilities.

Opportunities:

  • A.  Committees to GUIDE the 4-H Program
  • B.  State Level Residential Experiences to CHAPERONE or ASSIST at an event
  • C.  Individuals or Teams in Roles to COORDINATE or LEAD State Events - Faculty or Certified Volunteer

A.  Committees to GUIDE the 4-H Program

Title Description Please Check the Ones in Which You Are Interested:
Program Development Committee (PDC)

This committee serves as the agent advisory committee to the State 4-H Program. It usually meets two times per year, often with an overnight meeting. Representatives on the PDC solicit agenda items and also serve in a liaison role with county agents. One per district with a three year term. Approval necessary from DED. Agent only.

Program Development Committee

Please indicate 4-H District

Goal Team - 4-H Youth Development

This self-directed team provides leadership for the four year plan of work, curriculum design across the entire program, and creates the priorities for Focus Group work.  This group meets up to six times per year, often with teleconferences. Requires a commitment of time. Team members must be approved by DED.

Not open for additional members at this time.

Organizational Strategies & Learning Environments Focus Group

This self-directed team provides overall leadership and coordination for one of the three major areas of 4-H Youth Development. In addition to identifying the major curriculum for the Plan of Work, they are responsible for In-Service Education, curriculum design, program coordination, recognition, evaluation, and the state report for the Focus Area or Action Team.  This group coordinates the committee work of several action teams. Meets 6-8 times per year, primarily via conference call.

Focus Team - Organizational Strategies

This self-directed team provides overall leadership and coordination for a specific action team. It may meet 4-6 times per year, primarily by telephone conference. Review existing curriculum for youth audiences in Florida and across the U.S. Examine county program requests, include knowledge of existing practices, determine appropriate objectives, delivery methods, evaluation tools, tasks, and assignments to reach those goals. Identify primary Sunshine State Standards achieved in curriculum materials. Train volunteers and agents in appropriate use of existing curriculum, learning activities, or events. Prepare educational materials for use in non-classroom, weekend camp, day camp, events, fairs, individual / family use. Report on successful usage and impact of learning strategies used.

Action Teams:

After-School / Day Camps 2004-2006

Blue Ribbon Software 2004-2006

Camping (state) 2004-2006

Community Club Development 2004-2006

Marketing 2004-2006

School Enrichment 2005-2007

Strengthening 4-H Through Diversity 2005-2006

Youth At Risk Programming 2006-2008

Volunteerism Focus Group

This self-directed team provides overall leadership and coordination for one of the three major areas of 4-H Youth Development. In addition to identifying the major curriculum for the Plan of Work, they are responsible for In-Service Education, curriculum design, program coordination, recognition, evaluation, and the state report for the Focus Area or Action Team.  This group coordinates the committee work of several action teams. Meets 6-8 times per year, primarily via conference call.

Focus Team - Volunteerism

This self-directed team provides overall leadership and coordination for a specific action team. It may meet 4-6 times per year, primarily by telephone conference. Review existing curriculum for youth audiences in Florida and across the U.S. Examine county program requests, include knowledge of existing practices, determine appropriate objectives, delivery methods, evaluation tools, tasks, and assignments to reach those goals. Identify primary Sunshine State Standards achieved in curriculum materials. Train volunteers and agents in appropriate use of existing curriculum, learning activities, or events. Prepare educational materials for use in non-classroom, weekend camp, day camp, events, fairs, individual / family use. Report on successful usage and impact of learning strategies used.

Volunteerism Action Teams:

Advisory Program Committee and Board Development 2005-2007

Certification and Master Volunteers 2004-2006

Child Protection and Risk Management 2004-2006

Youth Education / Lifeskills Focus Group

This self-directed team provides overall leadership and coordination for one of the three major areas of 4-H Youth Development. In addition to identifying the major curriculum for the Plan of Work, they are responsible for In-Service Education, curriculum design, program coordination, recognition, evaluation, and the state report for the Focus Area or Action Team.  This group coordinates the committee work of several action teams. Meets 6-8 times per year, primarily via conference call.

Focus Team - Youth Education / Lifeskills

This self-directed team provides overall leadership and coordination for a specific action team. It may meet 4-6 times per year, primarily by telephone conference. Review existing curriculum for youth audiences in Florida and across the U.S. Examine county program requests, include knowledge of existing practices, determine appropriate objectives, delivery methods, evaluation tools, tasks, and assignments to reach those goals. Identify primary Sunshine State Standards achieved in curriculum materials. Train volunteers and agents in appropriate use of existing curriculum, learning activities, or events. Prepare educational materials for use in non-classroom, weekend camp, day camp, events, fairs, individual / family use. Report on successful usage and impact of learning strategies used.

Youth Education / Lifeskills Action Teams

Animal Sciences 2004-2006

Horse 2004-2006

Citizenship / Leadership 2005-2007

Youth Engagement/ Governance 2004-2006

Communication Arts & Science 2005-2007

Environmental Education 2004-2006

Shooting Sports 2004-2006

Sport Fishing 2004-2006

Individual and Family Resources 2005-2007

Financial Literacy 2004-2006

Healthy Choices/Health Rocks 2004-2006

Plant Sciences 2004-2006

Science & Technology 2005-2007

Tech Team 2004-2006

B.  State Level Residential Experiences to CHAPERONE or ASSIST at an event

Volunteers and faculty provide needed chaperone, coach, mentor, and control functions while attending single or multiple overnight 4-H events and activities. Knowledge of University of Florida rules, risk management, behavior control mechanisms, and a youthful perspective are important for all involved in these events. Volunteers must be screened at the county level, or if serving as a state volunteer, screened through the State 4-H Office. Volunteers registered with local county delegation do not need to apply.

Event Responsibilities Interest

Clothing Fashion Review Assistant

Chaperone, coach, mentor, workshop attendee One day at Congress - July or at State Fair

Clothing / Fashion Review Assistant

Competitive Event Assistant

Assist with any of the competitive events (35+) over the course of the year as an event assistant, chaperone, coach, mentor.

Competitive Event Assistant

Congress Chaperone

Chaperone, coach, mentor, workshop attendee at State 4-H Congress, the last week of July.

State 4-H Congress Chaperone

Executive Board LAW / Weekends Chaperone

Chaperone, coach, mentor, workshop attendee during four weekends during the year (specific)

State Exec Board Assistant

Health / Safety Coordinator

Serve as a contact person for health and safety issues that occur during events. Training in the health professions required.

State Exec Board

State 4-H Leg

State Horsemanship School

Camp

Leg Chaperone

Chaperone, coach, mentor, workshop attendee at Leg, during the latter part of June.

State 4-H Leg Chaperone

Marine Camp Chaperone

Chaperone, coach, mentor, workshop attendee at a residential camp in July

Marine Camp Chaperone

Senior Camp Planning Group

Chaperone, coach, mentor, workshop attendee at a residential camp in July

Senior Camp Chaperone

C. Individuals in a Role to COORDINATE or LEAD State Events - Faculty or Certified Volunteer

The following roles require applications from only an Extension Faculty member or Certified State 4-H Volunteer.

Event Responsibilities Interest

Citizenship Washington Focus Group Leader

Group leader, facilitates entire trip for Florida 4-H delegation. Meets with delegates, markets the program throughout Florida; handles national correspondence, coordinates adult and youth delegates, travels to Washington D.C. during one week in June. Open to adult volunteer or agent.

Citizenship Washington Focus Adult Adviser (2005 or 2006)

 

Congress Leadership Team

Serve in leadership role on the planning committee and during Florida 4-H Congress. Please indicate your interest in a specific role or roles. Congress is always held during the last full week of July. Open to adult volunteer or agent.

Dean of Men / Women

Assist Dean of Men / Women

Dean of Security

Florida 4-H Foundation Board Member

Serve as active member on Foundation Board, sponsoring special events, serving on committee, soliciting financial resources to support 4-H.  Expectation for donation required.  Open to youth and adult volunteers.  One agent is appointed by the Dean.

Florida 4-H Foundation Board 2004-2007

Horsemanship School Group Leader

Group leader, facilitates and administers one week of Horse School.  Four separate weeks are available during June and early July. 

Horse School Facilitator (2005 - one week)

Leg Adviser

Serve in leadership role on the planning committee and during the Leg xperience at the end of June each year.  Work with the youth planning committee, provide technical assistance in bill writing, serving as technical adviser in government process, coach. Bi-monthly planning meeting, meeting more frequently prior to Leg. Open to adult volunteers and agents.

State 4-H Legislature Adult Adviser 2004-2006

National 4-H Congress Group Leader or Chaperone

Group leader or chaperone. Facilitates entire trip for Florida 4-H delegation to National 4-H Congress on Thanksgiving and the weekend following Thanksgiving.. Meets with delegates, handles national correspondence, coordinates adult and youth delegates, travels to Washington D.C. Likely two-year commitment with lead responsibility the second year.

2004 - North West, North East and South Central Districts

2005 - North West, Central and South Districts

2006 - North East, South Central, South

National Congress Facilitator / Chaperone

(check scheduled rotation)

National 4-H Conference Group Leader

Group leader, facilitates entire trip for Florida 4-H delegation during National 4-H Conference in April. Meets with delegates, handles national correspondence, coordinates adult and youth delegates, travels to Washington D.C. Coordinates with volunteer representative.

2004 - Central

2005 - South Central

2006 - North West

National 4-H Conference Group Leader

(check scheduled rotation)

 

 

 

Recognition Task Force

Serves as active member on the guiding committee for the state awards and recognition program. Keeps manual up to date, seeks donors, provides oversight to evaluation forms, judging, recognition tools, revises forms, recognition items, provides training.  Estimated three meetings per year and leadership for Record Judging in June.

Recognition Task Force 2004-2006

State Volunteer Forum Planning Committee

Planning Committee from October through April or whenever State Volunteer Forum is held.   Coordinates with Volunteer Association, solicits workshops, plans theme, team building activities, assists at Volunteer Forum, etc.

State Volunteer Forum Planning Committee 2004-2006

State Officers, Exec Board, Committee Adviser

State Officers, Executive Board, or Committee Adviser; meet regularly with officers or committee, provide planned leadership development experiences. Coach.  Four weekends and during planning meetings, telephone conference calls, and other meetings.  Open to adult volunteer or agent.

State Officer, Executive Board, Committee Adult Adviser 2004-2005

State 4-H Ambassador Adviser

Serve in leadership role on the planning committee and during the Ambassador Training experience at the end of July each year.  Work with the youth planning committees, provide technical assistance in marketing, displays, coach. Bi-monthly planning meeting, meeting more frequently prior to Congress. Open to adult volunteers and agents.

State 4-H Ambassador Adviser

State Event Coordinator/ Assistant

Assume primary leadership for a major or minor state event. Working closely with the Events Office and/or State Specialist to plan, implement, and evaluate a specific event. Work directly with youth and volunteers during the event.  Please indicate specific interests:

Auto Driving Assistant / Coordinator

Avian Bowl Contest Assistant / Coordinator

Chicken BBQ Assistant / Coordinator

Dairy Goat Show Assistant / Coordinator

Demonstrations-Food Preparation Assistant / Coordinator

Dog Show Assistant / Coordinator

Egg Preparation Assistant / Coordinator

Forest Ecology Assistant / Coordinator

Horticulture Identification Assistant / Coordinator

Land Judging Assistant / Coordinator

Marine Ecology Assistant / Coordinator

Poultry Judging Assistant / Coordinator

Share the Fun Assistant / Coordinator

State Fair Showcase Assistant / Coordinator

Turkey BBQ Assistant / Coordinator

Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program Assistant / Coordinator

Other Assistant / Coordinator

State Records Review, Congress Interview, Committee

Provides unbiased evaluation for 4-H portfolios, scholarship applications, or Congress interviews.  Two days in early June or one day during Congress. Training will be provided. Housing during the judging will be covered. Must not be related to applicants.

State record book, portfolio, scholarship judges

Congress interviewer for trips and scholarships

Volunteer Association Adviser

Meet regularly with officers, provide planned leadership development experiences. Coach.

(Open to agent and youth)

Volunteer Association Adviser 2004-2005

Questions?

For more information, please contact:

  • Marilyn Lesmeister
    Volunteer Development
    P.O. Box 110225, University of Florida
    Gainesville, FL 32611
    E-mail: mklesmeister@ifas.ufl.edu
    Phone: (352) 846-1000 ext:238
    Fax: (352) 846-0999

Printing & Submitting

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