New Training Coming to Your Locale Soon

Arizona 4-H is committed to providing safe places and caring adults who build caring relationships with young people.  To ensure these positive environments, Arizona 4-H requires a minimum level of training before certifying volunteers as appropriate to work with other people's children.    In the past, we have required the following--

1. Volunteer Application Form
2. References (3 required)

3. Background Check

3. Signed Behavioral Guidelines Form

4. Youth Protection training via face-to-face, video or CD-ROM

Beginning this summer, Arizona 4-H is adding two additional features to basic volunteer training that we feel will make 4-H volunteer even more effective.

• Each potential volunteer will be asked to complete the Western Region's e-learning modules prior to the orientation session. http://4h.wsu.edu/volunteertraining/course.html (password is volunteer). The volunteer needs to add their name and select Arizona (even if they reside in other states) to proceed.  These modules were originally developed by Washington 4-H but have been adopted by the state of the Western Region.
• All volunteers will also receive training on the "Leading Fun & Effective Meetings."  This is a fast-paced, fun training on how to work more effectively with today's kids.  I think you will find this training really fun and even experienced leaders will probably want to attend.

For experienced leaders, we will also be offering a graduated series of trainings called Arizona 4-H Volunteer University.  This training will consist of three levels with fabulous incentive recognition gifts for those who complete each level.  You must complete one level before moving on to the next.  At the completion of all three levels, you can be eligible for "Master 4-H Volunteer" status. 

The first level is already being planned and will cover--

·         Basics of Positive Youth Development

·         The Characteristics of Vibrant 4-H Clubs

·         The Eight Essential Elements of Positive 4-H Youth Development

·         Ages & Stages of Youth Development & Why It Matters, and

·         Bringing Out the Best in Youth

The first training dates have already been set but more are yet to come.  We hope you can plan to attend one in your area and be one of the first to graduate from Arizona 4-H Volunteer University.