e-Learning for 4-H Volunteers: Who Uses It, and What Can We Learn from Them?

Orienting and training 4-H volunteers are critical to individuals and the organization. The two-part study reported here re-establishes the profile of the 4-H volunteer and evaluates both the format and content of e-Learning for 4-H Volunteers modules launched in 2006. Volunteers from seven states perceived that online modules made learning more convenient and flexible. Volunteers with 2 years of experience or less (84.2%) liked e-Learning modules regardless of their age. Although the profile of the 4-H volunteer has remained similar over the course of six decades, technology has successfully provided new options for reaching and preparing 4-H volunteers

Disability Inclusion in 4-H: Aligned with the Mission, Stopped Short by Methods

Quality out-of-school programs can significantly improve youth development outcomes. Youth with disabilities and special health care needs, who represent 19% of all youth, are less likely than their typically developing peers to participate in out-of-school activities. This qualitative study explored factors that influence the inclusion of youth with disabilities in one state’s 4-H program. Factors that facilitated inclusion were personal attitudes and subjective norms, but lack of knowledge and limited resources led to reactive problem solving rather than proactive, organizational planning. By identifying both the factors that facilitate inclusion and those that prevent it or are perceived as barriers, youth development professionals can target areas of focus to improve inclusion of youth with disabilities in 4-H and potentially other youth development programs

Implementing a Successful National e-Forum

The National 4-H Volunteer e-Forum is an alternative to multistate, face-to-face volunteer forums. Building on the success of regional e-forums, a collaborative group planned and offered three webinars that were relevant, economical, consistent, and convenient to attend. A blended learning strategy can successfully be used for focusing on both volunteer and organizational needs when approached with intentionality. Extension can use this model broadly to develop better trained corps of volunteers. Data-driven recommendations are included for Extension professionals interested in exploring hybrid training options

Parallel Volunteer Learning During Youth Programs

Lack of time is a hindrance for volunteers to participate in educational opportunities, yet volunteer success in an organization is tied to the orientation and education they receive. Meeting diverse educational needs of volunteers can be a challenge for program managers. Scheduling a Volunteer Learning Track for chaperones that is parallel to a multi-day retreat for teens, addressed this need. Authors discuss the need for the learning track, implementation, evaluation, and program impact. Taking opportunities to meet adult educational needs during youth events can be an effective and efficient use of volunteer time at local and state levels