SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Volunteers play a vital role in supporting 4-H youth clubs and programming. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H youth development program in Logan, Menard and Sangamon Counties honors their 63 local volunteer club leaders during National Volunteer Week, April 16-22.

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize the continued impact that volunteers have. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our clubs,” says Patricia McGlaughlin, 4-H youth development specialist for volunteer development. “On average, 4-H volunteers give more than eight hours per month to their program. Annually, that time is worth almost $3,000 per volunteer. But the gift of their time, skills and passion is really invaluable to the youth they support.”

4-H clubs and programs benefit from volunteers; but volunteers also benefit from the volunteering experience, gaining skills in teaching, leadership and communication that are useful in their work and lives.

“Most of our volunteers report that they gained useful skills, increased their confidence and made connections in the community,” says McGlaughlin. “Volunteering is a two-way street in 4-H. Volunteers give to the clubs, but the clubs really give right back.”

There’s no one path to volunteering with 4-H. Ways to volunteer could include leading or beginning a local or special interest club, teaching a skill through workshops, judging projects at fairs and competition, planning or helping at events or serving on club advisory boards.

4-H clubs are always looking for new volunteers to share a passion, skill, talent or time to help impact today’s youth. For more information volunteering with 4-H or other local Illinois Extension programs, visit extension.illinois.edu/lms/volunteer.

More information about 4-H activities in Logan, Menard and Sangamon Counties can be found at extension.illinois.edu/lms/4-h-youth-development.