Annual volunteer training library
Amplifying youth voice - 2024
It is important for us to recognize where we are empowering youth to be leaders now, not just in the future. We are responsible for making space for their voice in all of our programs so they can learn, grow and flourish. During this training, participants reflected on their personal beliefs about youth voice, their behaviors in how they show up in youth adult partnerships, and learned about the essential ingredients in strengthening youth voice and youth adult partnerships in the 4-H program.
4-H for all abilities - 2023
The 2023 Annual Volunteer Training “4-H for All Abilities” is about creating inclusive environments for youth with disabilities. Almost 17% of public school students in Minnesota receive special education services through their school. This means that all 4-H programs have participants with disabilities.
Explore this 90 minute closed-captioned recording on how our programs can build their capacity to better support this important underserved audience of young people. Click here to access the resource links handout for the training, including a copy of the slide deck, participant handouts and more!
Accessible for All Abilities site with links to more resources.
Learning as adventure - 2022
The 2022 Minnesota 4-H Annual Volunteer Training focused on "Learning as adventure" and how volunteers can create the context for youth to grow their learning comfort zones. Participants learned practical activities and tools for supporting young people in managing stress, stepping into new experiences with courage, and taking ownership of their learning. Access handouts for the 2022 statewide Annual Volunteer Training webinars, including a copy of the PowerPoint slide deck, activity guides and more!
A spark is a passion for a self-identified interest or skill that metaphorically lights a fire in a young person’s life, providing energy, joy, purpose, and direction. Youth sparks are an essential ingredient for thriving. This 75-minute volunteer training had the goal of understanding sparks and how adults can support youth in their development.
During the fall and early winter of 2020, four 60-minute virtual gatherings were offered for volunteers to receive tools, resources, and ideas to connect with the youth in their club or program. These informational and conversational webinars took the place of the regularly scheduled 2020 Annual Volunteer Training. Participants were given time to network with other volunteers in breakout rooms to share thoughts, ideas, and challenges. See the Online and virtual skills page for more detailed information and resources shared during these webinars.