Playing devils advocate here:
I have never been involved in 4-H, but was a Girl Scout Leader for 10+years. Those who do volunteer to be leaders are usually terribly overworked (being given many more jobs than they can handle out of a need for someone in the position) and get burned out often. And those who volunteer to be in informational or administrative roles are often wearing several hats at once simply because there is a need. What many people don't understand is that most of the positions are volunteer, and the need for volunteers is often understaffed severely.
Unfortunately, most people want their child involved, but they don't want to be bothered themselves. It does get hard to return calls only to tell people that their child will likely be disappointed this year.
What you might try doing is volunteering to be a leader or assistant to a leader in order to get a group started.
That usually gives someone some hope that this time there may be a way to serve some of the youngsters who would like to be a part of the program.
I hope that helps you to get someone to come out of the woodwork.
edited to say: Oh, and they hear "I don't have time to do that" a lot. Funny thing is that they are often working full time and volunteering for at least 2 other positions themselves, so it has a hollow ring after a while.
Unfortunately, most people want their child involved, but they don't want to be bothered themselves. It does get hard to return calls only to tell people that their child will likely be disappointed this year.
What you might try doing is volunteering to be a leader or assistant to a leader in order to get a group started.
I hope that helps you to get someone to come out of the woodwork.
edited to say: Oh, and they hear "I don't have time to do that" a lot. Funny thing is that they are often working full time and volunteering for at least 2 other positions themselves, so it has a hollow ring after a while.
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