Parents

The Importance of Family in the 4-H Program

4-H parents are a very important part of the 4-H member’s experience.  Parents are encouraged to attend club meetings, project meetings, and county events with their children.  Parents are also encouraged to volunteer to help with club project meetings or club activities whenever possible.  Children need their parents to support their commitment to 4-H, think through decisions, and take responsibility for their decisions.

Parents can show their child that they are interested in his or her 4-H experiences in many ways:

• Be available when your child needs you for information, guidance, and support
• Supervise your child’s project work, but don’t do the work for them
• Praise your child’s efforts and progress on projects or other experiences
• Comment on what is being learned instead of putting all of the emphasis on winning
• Help your child learn that “doing your best” is more important than “being the best”
• Be a role model
• Whenever possible, volunteer your time and talents to lead or assist with meetings or other club or county activities
• Work with other 4-H parents and adults to make sure 4-H policies and procedures are reflecting what’s best for the youth
• Keep up-to-date on Iowa County 4-H happenings by reading the “Clover Connections” newsletter
• Support the 4-H Youth Development Agent’s efforts to emphasize and promote the educational value of 4-H events and activities
• Let 4-H leaders and other volunteers know you are appreciative of the time and effort they are contributing

Families can use 4-H activities to provide structured, quality family time in this hectic age that does not offer much spare time for such activities.  Listed below are some activities that parents can do with 4-H clubs:

• Provide transportation for events
• Share special skills or interests with members by serving as a project leader
• Serve refreshments at club meetings or events
• Advise a club committee
• Help members determine a need in the community and then plan a community service project that addresses that need
• Oversee brainstorming sessions for fundraising activities
• Help with the production of a play, demonstration, or musical number for the cultural arts festival
• Give leaders feedback about activities in the 4-H program

Volunteers

Welcome to being a volunteer with Iowa County 4-H!  As one of the leading organizations in youth development, 4-H requires our volunteer leaders to complete trainings and annual enrollment to uphold the integrity of the organization and prioritize the safety of youth participants.  We can begin by having you register/enroll in Iowa County 4-H.  All 4-H volunteers are required to complete a series of steps aimed at looking out for the best interests of Iowa County 4-H youth before they can be approved volunteers: 

Step 1: You need to enroll in 4-H Online, including agreeing to the Division of Extension Volunteer Behavior Expectations.  Here is the website: https://wi.4honline.com.

Step 2: Complete a Criminal Background Check (information will be sent via email to all new potential volunteers once a person has enrolled) *Please be sure to check your inbox for this email. 

Note: background checks will be completed every two years for continuing 4-H volunteer leaders.

Step 3: Complete the Volunteer Training Module:

2025-26 Required Volunteer Training

There is a short survey that will help us understand your interests, availability, and how you’d like to get involved. Whether you’re interested in leading a project, assisting at events, or supporting behind the scenes, we appreciate your willingness to make a difference! Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your responses will help us find the best fit for your skills and interests. Thank you! Survey link: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_389LMxrHBHGIarA

Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering with Iowa County 4-H!  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Dan Brandt at drbrandt@wisc.edu or at (608) 930-9850.