4-H offers opportunities to volunteer

With a new year underway, personal goals and resolutions are top of mind. If you are looking for a fresh idea this time around, consider making 2016 your year to volunteer.

"Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to your community or to inspire the next generation," said Deanna Roby, University of Illinois Extension Educator with 4-H Youth Development in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.

"There are many organizations to consider, including 4-H. It is important to choose one that meets your objectives."

The 4-H program is intentionally designed around four essential concepts necessary for positive youth development: a sense of belonging with a positive group, a development of independence, a spirit of generosity toward others, and a variety of opportunities to engage in learning and master life challenges, explained Roby.

"Through 4-H, volunteers encourage tomorrow's leaders. It may be by teaching them life skills, encouraging them to be good citizens, or even to providing education in a specific area," she said.

"We work with you to design a volunteer experience to fit your goals, schedule and comfort zone. There is a wide range of opportunities and time commitments."

In two years, Jean Roe, a champion cake decorator, has led two workshops through DuPage County 4-H.

"I haven't done a lot of volunteering with 4-H, but what I have done has been great," said Roe. "The kids ranged from 8 to 16 years old. I had as much fun as they did. It was heartwarming to see how proud they all were of their work."

Roe grew up with 4-H in the 1950s and 1960s, where she learned cooking, sewing and camping skills.

"It was such a wonderful experience with the combination of friendships and learning new skills, which I still use. Volunteering with 4-H is a way to carry on the benefits of this wonderful organization and the gifts it can provide for today's youth in a highly challenging culture."

Dave Klussendorf of Batavia also was a past 4-H member, and has been a longtime volunteer in Kane County, helping with the 4-H livestock shows at the county fair and serving on the 4-H Foundation and in various other capacities.

"People helped me when I was in 4-H, and it helped me become a better person in many areas," he said. "This is my chance to help others improve their skills, confidence and knowledge like others did for me."

Plenty of 4-H volunteers are not 4-H alums, but they share the goal of providing role models for today's young people.

"Being connected to a caring adult outside of parents and family members is important to positive youth development," Roby said.

In a recent tri-county 4-H survey, 88 percent of local 4-H youth reported that they have built these crucial bonds through 4-H. In addition, 95 percent of local 4-H'ers said 4-H has helped them find talents to share with others.

"Youth see that volunteers care about them, and give of their own time, talents, and knowledge to assist in their development," added Klussendorf.

"Having been a volunteer for years now, I have seen many youth in the 4-H program develop into confident young adults with better social skills and more knowledge about themselves, their project areas and of others."

Another way to make such an impact is to consider a growing segment of volunteerism in 4-H known as the SPIN Club.

"This fun, interactive volunteer opportunity allows you to share your passion or expertise with local youth," Roby said. "SPIN Clubs, or special interest clubs, are short-term programs that focus on a specific topic or skill such as gardening, robotics, photography, cooking, woodworking, or visual arts. The possibilities are endless. It is a rewarding way to encourage youth, while doing what you love."

In any case, Roby stressed that 4-H volunteers do not need to be 4-H alums.

"You don't need to be a past member," Roby said. "All of our volunteers care greatly about passing on knowledge and skills to today's youth, and these leaders are the backbone of the 4-H Youth Development program.

"Whether someone is a longtime community club leader or a one-day workshop teacher, we appreciate all that they do to help 4-H youth."

For more information about 4-H Youth Development programs in your county, contact Roby at (630) 584-6166 or visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/.