Training for Volunteers

Training is one way that 4-H invests in you, the volunteers who support young people who participate in the program. In the same way that 4-H youth strive to “make the best better,” we as adults can continue to learn and grow throughout our lives. We invite you to use the resources below to explore more about how to ensure youth are thriving through Wisconsin 4-H.

You can find an overview of all required 4-H Volunteer trainings here.

Grow Green

Grow Green is an interactive training program that includes an overview of Extension, volunteer roles, and responsibilities, best practices when working with youth, and resources available to volunteers.

Mandated Reporter

All Wisconsin 4-H volunteers are required to immediately report any incident of child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or human services.  This training provides information on when and how to report.

Building Safe Spaces Training

This training includes information about the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch, prohibited behaviors (including sexual misconduct), best practices when working with youth, and reporting procedures. These modules are available in both English and Spanish.

Supporting You, Supporting Youth (Title IX Reporting)

All Wisconsin 4-H volunteers are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct that take place in Extension programs and complete training on how to report concerns. The questions and answers contain more information about this requirement. This module—taken annually—is available in both English and Spanish.

Supporting Youth Mental Health

Adults who volunteer with young people, care about young people. One way to show we care is to give help and support when someone is feeling down. That’s what the Supporting Youth Mental Health for Volunteers Training—Supporting YMH, for short—is all about. Knowing how to support youth when they’re down, whether it’s simply a bad day or it’s more than that.

2021-22 Annual Leader Training: Learn Together, Lead Together: Youth-Adult Partnerships

Each year, youth and adult volunteers and leaders from every chartered 4-H club and group are encouraged to participate in Annual Leader Training. The training topic changes each year to focus on subjects of importance to the whole Wisconsin 4-H community.  In 2021, the area of focus is Learning Together, Leading Together:  Youth-Adult Partnerships.  Two sessions will be held – see below for additional information.  Videos and other resources will be shared here as they become available.  Youth and adult volunteers:  reach out to your local educator/office for connection information and options.

2020 Annual Leader Training

Each year, youth and adult volunteers and leaders from every chartered 4-H club and group are encouraged to participate in Annual Leader Training. The training topic changes each year to focus on subjects of importance to the whole Wisconsin 4-H community.

Delivering 4-H through Technology

Learn more about how to use Zoom (and other online platforms) to help keep youth safe and engaged in virtual club, project, and other learning spaces.

Essential Elements Online Training

Learn more about the four elements and how volunteers can help support independence, mastery, belonging and generosity in youth. The Essential Elements is an online, interactive training that takes approximately one hour to complete.

Additional Training Opportunities

State-level volunteer training opportunities like Fall Forum are available each year. Visit the Statewide Events and Opportunities page to learn more.

Each county also offers additional opportunities for volunteers to build skills. Please contact the PYD staff person in your county to find out what trainings may be coming up.

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