{"id":26312,"date":"2023-10-23T10:12:02","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T14:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/?page_id=26312"},"modified":"2026-03-11T08:21:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T12:21:41","slug":"volunteer-connections","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/volunteer-connections\/","title":{"rendered":"4-H Volunteer Connections"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our 4-H Volunteer Connections are structured to offer\u00a0connection, engagement, and networking<\/b> for our 4-H volunteers in the Northeast Region. We bring volunteers together from CT, DE, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, and WV! These Zoom sessions start with \u201cconnection before content\u201d with fun icebreaker games and conversation.\u00a0 We then move to the evening topic, sometimes led by experts from different states or volunteers as teams or panelists.\u00a0 Volunteers get the chance to spend time in breakout rooms with individuals from other parts of the region to share ideas and learn from one another.\u00a0 We would love for your to join us! Register for each session below. You may watch past sessions of 4-H Volunteer Connections here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Volunteer
Volunteer Connections Infographic that states 2020-21: 210 registered in 3 sessions; 2021-22: 334 registered in 3 sessions; 2022-23: 361 registered in 4 sessions; 2023-24: 331 registered in 5 sessions; 2024-25: 281 registered in 3 sessions. 2024-25 Topics: Preparing for Youth Engagement; Building Connection; and Going Beyond the Ribbon. 83% gathered one new idea to use as a 4-H volunteer. 81% of volunteers feel more connected to other volunteers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upcoming Sessions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Moving into a New Era of Leadership with Teens<\/strong><\/h3>\n

March 18, 2026<\/strong>
\n6:30 – 8 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In this session, you will learn how to partner with teen leaders to support the 4-H agenda. We’ll explore strategies for collaboration and share real-world examples from Maryland and D.C. 4-H programs.<\/p>\n

Register for Moving into a New Era of Leadership with Teens here!<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/a>Past Sessions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

AI for 4-H: What to Know and How to Use It<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The webinar will share an introduction to artificial intelligence, ideas for 4-H volunteers, and pitfalls to avoid. No matter your current level of experience, there will be information for you. You will learn what generative AI is and what it is not through real examples of how it might support your 4-H work.<\/p>\n

Missed this session? Watch AI for 4-H: What to Know and How to Use It<\/a> here!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hear inspiring 4-H volunteer stories including those recognized through the National 4-H Salute to Excellence Award. Come celebrate success, learn from peers and strengthen your own impact. Come away with inspiration and new ideas for recognizing volunteers in your 4-H program!<\/p>\n

Missed this session? Watch Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth<\/a> here!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ready, Set, Goal! Jumpstart Your 4-H Year!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This session is designed to be interactive, energizing, and practical\u2014giving 4-H volunteers tools and ideas to help youth set meaningful goals and help guide their efforts effectively for the year.<\/p>\n

Missed this session? Watch the Ready, Set, Goal! Jumpstart Your 4-H Year video<\/a> here!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Preparing for Youth Engagement <\/strong><\/h3>\n

4-H is hands-on learning! Have you ever spent hours preparing hands-on learning experience for youth to then have them fall flat? You might be missing one key ingredient- youth engagement. Join us as we explore the key elements of youth engagement and practical strategies to move from working for youth to working with them!<\/p>\n

Missed this session? Watch it here!<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n


\nBuilding connections is essential for your success as a 4-H volunteer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4-H has a rich history filled with traditions and vibrant community partnerships.<\/div>\n
\n

As a 4-H volunteer, while it may seem challenging to navigate the organization and feel connected to the broader 4-H community, you have the power to make a difference.<\/p>\n

Join us to learn how dedicated 4-H volunteers have faced these challenges head-on through uplifting social gatherings, informal mentoring, and strong community connections.<\/p>\n

Enhance your leadership skills by building meaningful connections that inspire and empower.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Missed this session? Watch it here!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n


\nGrowing Beyond the Ribbon
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Join us to explore how the Danish System can be used as a strategy to cultivate youth who continue to grow and thrive. Take a closer look at what those colored ribbons mean and learn strategies to cultivate youth success by meeting youth where they are and guiding them to their next level of growth.<\/div>\n
\n

Missed this session? Watch it here!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Jen Lobley at jennifer.lobley@maine.edu<\/a> a week before the workshop date. If requests are received after that time, there may not be sufficient time to make the necessary arrangements.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n<\/div>\n

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our 4-H Volunteer Connections are structured to offer\u00a0connection, engagement, and networking for our 4-H volunteers in the Northeast Region. We bring volunteers together from CT, DE, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, and WV! 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