By Pat Melgares
K-State Research and Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas 4-H official is praising the work of volunteers across the state, indicating that their contribution to the state’s largest youth leadership program is vital to the development of many Kansas kids. Sarah Maass, director of the Kansas 4-H program, said there were approximately 4,196 adult volunteers who helped with various 4-H activities during the most recently completed program year.“Volunteers play a crucial role in program delivery and advocacy of our extension and 4-H programs,” Maass said. “Our organization would not be where it is today without the work and support of our volunteer base.”
Maass cited a previous study reporting that volunteers donate an average nine hours per month, which translates to 37,764 volunteers hours in Kansas. According to Independent Sector – a coalition of nonprofits, foundations and corporate giving programs – the value of one volunteer hour in the United States is $33.49. Doing the math, the contribution of volunteers to the Kansas 4-H program during the past program year topped $1.26 million.
Recognizing that impact, the Kansas 4-H program is joining in National Volunteer Week, a national celebration for non-profit groups set for April 20-26 to recognize the contributions of those who donate their time to worthy causes team.
Richard Becker of Manhattan became a 4-H volunteer in 2005 when his children enrolled in the program. Since then, he has become a Level II certified rifle and pistol instructor, helping to train other instructors in the 4-H Shooting Sports program.“4-H promotes positive youth development, no matter the activity,” Becker said. “I can’t think of a greater cause then to invest in our youth, who will be tomorrow’s leaders. There are so many friendships to be made locally, at the state level and even nationally.”