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Understanding Volunteer Management in Florida 4-H

Andrew Toelle, Lori Wiggins, andCandi Dierenfield


Release Date: 9/28/2026

DOI: 10.32473/EDIS-4H301-2026

4-H Youth Development

Abstract

This is one of several publications that address volunteer management. Understanding the role of a volunteer administrator, knowing and following UF/IFAS volunteer policies and procedures, and utilizing management approaches will successfully involve volunteers in a county program. This publication provides an overview of these functions, including a historical perspective of volunteer involvement in UF/IFAS Extension, the role of the 4-H agent as an administrator and trainer of volunteers, risk management, and a process for managing volunteers. Major revision by C. Dierenfield and L. Wiggins.

About this Publication

This document is 4H 6.3, one of a series of the Florida 4-H Youth Development Program, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication October 2010. Revised November 2021 and September 2026. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the currently supported version of this publication. © 2026 UF/IFAS. This publication is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. 

How to Cite

Toelle, A., Wiggins, L., & Dierenfield, C. (2026). Understanding Volunteer Management in Florida 4-H. EDIS, 2026(5). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-4h301-2026

Authors

Andrew Toelle
Andrew Toelle
Specialized Agent
University of Florida

Extension agent IV emeritus, UF/IFAS Extension Florida 4-H Youth Development Program, Glen Cove Springs, FL

Lori Wiggins
Lori Wiggins
County agent
University of Florida

Extension agent IV, family and consumer sciences, UF/IFAS Extension Taylor County, Perry, FL

Candi Dierenfield
Candi Dierenfield
Specialist
University of Florida

Extension agent IV, 4-H volunteer management & development, UF/IFAS Extension Florida 4-H Youth Development Program, Milton, FL

Publication #4H 6.3

Peer Reviewed
Academic