Volunteer Development – EDIS Update

Risk Management for 4-H Youth Development Work: Volunteers and Youth Protection

This 3-page publication is one in the series Risk Management for 4-H Youth Development Work. It focuses on the basic overall precautions that need to be taken by everyone involved with 4-H. Written by Paula Davis, Dale Pracht, Stefanie Prevatt, Janet Psikogios, Kate Fogarty, Jean Hink, and Marilyn Norman and published by the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development Department, September 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/4h393

Increasing Efficiency in Extension Using the Train-the-Trainer Approach

Extension has adapted to today’s financial realities through a number of strategies, including increased reliance on partnerships. One strategy that expands the reach of an Extension agent and capitalizes on partners is the “train-the-trainer” approach.This 4-page fact sheet describes the train-the-trainer approach as it applies to Extension programming, provides contextual examples from within and beyond UF/IFAS Extension, and offers best management practices. Written by Laura A. Warner, Amy Harder, Tom Wichman, and Frank Dowdle, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc170

Lessons Learned from Evaluations of Citizen Science Programs (FOR291/FR359)

Extension agents with an interest in increasing the scientific and environmental awareness of their constituents may find an answer through a form of participatory scientific research known as citizen science. Citizen science uses volunteers of all ages, professions, backgrounds, and skills — often across broad geographic areas — to engage non-scientists in a variety of tasks, but most commonly data collection. This 5-page fact sheet informs potential citizen science practitioners of recent evaluations of citizen science programs. Looking closely at identifying appropriate tasks for volunteers, assessing data validity, and evaluating changes in volunteers’ knowledge and attitudes can help organizers avoid common pitfalls and develop citizen science programs most likely to succeed. Written by Luke Gommerman and Martha C. Monroe, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, May 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr359

4-H Volunteer Management Series

4H6.1/4H284 Understanding Volunteer Led 4-H Programs

4-H 6.1, a 5-page fact sheet by Bryan D. Terry, discusses management and education roles of Extension professionals, and elements of volunteer-led 4-H programs. Includes references. Published by the Florida 4-H Program, March 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/4H284