April 6, 2020

News Release

For Immediate Release

EDITOR'S NOTE: Members of the media may contact Jeannette Rea Keywood of the Rutgers 4‑H Youth Development Program by phone at 848-932-3597 or by email at nj4h@njaes.rutgers.edu.

National Volunteer Week…4-H Salutes Volunteers

Each year, thousands of volunteers in New Jersey donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live. These volunteers will be among the millions across the country who will be spotlighted during National Volunteer Week, April 19–25, 2020.

One group that relies heavily on volunteers is the New Jersey 4‑H Youth Development Program. More than 2,500 adult volunteers have served as club leaders, project leaders, resource leaders and judges throughout New Jersey during the past year.

"Volunteers are the backbone of the 4‑H program. They provide the guidance and support that helps 4‑H members in grades K–13 (one year out of high school) develop confidence and valuable life skills", says Jeannette Rea Keywood, State 4‑H Agent, Department of 4‑H Youth Development, Rutgers University.

Volunteers spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as assisting with 4‑H events; organizing club activities; coordinating special interest programs; conducting workshops and events; helping children with 4‑H projects; or leading a community service project.

4‑H volunteers across New Jersey are instrumental in carrying out the mission of the 4‑H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. The 4‑H program offers educational programs to all youth grades K–13 (one year out of high school) on an age appropriate basis without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

The work of 4‑H volunteers is continuous. Everyday a volunteer is lending a helping hand to provide learning opportunities for the 4‑H members involved in the New Jersey 4‑H Program, administered by Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Volunteers are always needed and welcome. If you would like more information on how you can become involved in 4‑H, contact the 4‑H office in the county in which you reside or visit the website at nj4h.rutgers.edu.

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Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Boards of County Commissioners. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is an qual opportunity program provider and employer.