September 2026 4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!

September Volunteer Self-Check – Tell us How You Did!

The past couple of months we have shared information about developmental relationships- when you show an interest, create connections and offer encouragement, you are helping to build a strong relationship with youth. Take a little time this month to reflect on your developmental relationships with 4-H youth. Small actions create lasting impact. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • How did I show a young person I care?
  • How did I challenge them to grow?
  • How did I support their goals?

Fill out this short form to answer any of the three questions by Friday, September 25th. Your name will be entered into a drawing for some cool 4-H swag! You Make a difference! Tell us how you do it!

Poster promoting 4-H Volunteer Summit with slogan "Grow. Lead. Inspire." displayed in bold white text on red and green diagonal banners against a dark blue background. Features 4-H clover logo at top and University of Maine Cooperative Extension logo with founding year 1865 at bottom.
Do these look familiar? You may have seen them on the 4-H Thriving model flip cards. Ask your local county 4-H staff for a set if you don’t have one!

4-H Volunteer Summit

Saturday, November 7, 2026, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Registration Opens Friday, September 11, 2026

Come join us for a day of fun with your fellow 4-H volunteers and our awesome 4-H staff! YUP, we have a great line up of workshops and YES, our Discovery Zone is going to have so many 4-H programs and opportunities to learn about! From Ag Ambassadors and the Maine 4-H Foundation to a Touch Tank, Virtual Learning and more, we have something for everyone!  Check out the 4-H Volunteer Summit webpage and look for the registration link! Registration Opens Friday, September 11th! We can’t wait to see you there!

Resource Spotlight

As a 4-H volunteer, protecting your own well-being is essential to prevent burnout and sustainably guide youth. Set clear boundaries on your time, share responsibilities with co-leaders or parents, take regular breaks during busy project seasons, and remember that it is okay to say no to extra tasks. For more information, take a look at this self-care resource from Mississippi State University Extension.