4-H volunteers are a key part of the success of the program, serving as the backbone of the organization. The 4-H VOLS State Committee hosts an annual leadership forum each year to help continue development for volunteers, provide networking opportunities and share ideas.
“The volunteer leadership forum – with the official name Volunteer Jam – is an annual event for volunteers across the state where we host workshops, displays and more, allowing them to get together and learn new ideas, share successes and network,” says Daniel Sarver, extension specialist for 4-H volunteerism. “We often take ideas from the National 4-H Volunteer Conference and share them at this event. A lot of the ideas center around different projects we have.”
See more: Alumni Reunion Meets Volunteer Jam
For example, Sarver says that the 2023 event included volunteer workshops on how to keep 4-H’ers safe at camp, how to start a poultry project and more about the 4-H international exchange program.
A 4-H professional for 30 years, Sarver has been in his current role for about 17 years, where he helps counties manage their volunteer programs.
“It’s my job to be a resource for them and teach them about different trends that could help in their county,” he says.
The 4-H Volunteers State
Karen Smith works closely with Sarver as a member of the 4-H VOLS State Committee. She was a former 4-H’er herself and has three daughters who participated in the program.
“I’ve been volunteering with Jefferson County 4-H for about nine years,” she says. “The Volunteer Jam event is in its second year, and I’m really excited to be part of the planning. The ‘Jam’ name references a musical jam session, where everyone brings their own songs, people play together and learn new things. We wanted that same sort of collaborative spirit.”
Both Sarver and Smith speak of the tremendous value the event has for volunteers, and that networking is a big part of it.
“Interaction with other volunteers and professionals interested in volunteerism is really important,” Sarver says. “We have people from all three regions, so the whole state is covered.”
See more: Discover 4-H Volunteer Opportunities
Additionally, the value extends to 4-H youth.
“My children have been in the program since fourth grade, and I’ve seen value in volunteers bringing new things to the table,” Smith says. “We want to be sure we’re incorporating new skills, technologies and innovations to make sure 4-H’ers are equipped with what they need to go into the world.”
Sarver adds that new ideas help keep kids interested.
“More ideas help county programs teach kids about new things, and it gets them energized and motivated to learn,” he says.
Join in the 4-H Volunteers Jam 2024
The 2024 Volunteer Jam will be held March 1-2, 2024, in Lebanon, Tennessee. Sarver says he expects several science-based topics and a lot of fun, practical things you can do with a 4-H group. Smith advocates for all volunteers to attend, whether you’ve been doing it for a while or just started.
“I encourage everyone to come. I can’t think of any good reason not to,” she says. “If you don’t know anyone, call someone in your county or just come yourself and make some new friends!”
Learn more about the Volunteer Jam at 4h.tennessee.edu/volunteers.