New Adult Volunteers

Our volunteers are a key part of the 4-H Youth Development Program.  

By volunteering, you are helping to grow the skills of 4-H youth to be future leaders.

Volunteering in 4-H is flexible and rewarding.  Share your expertise and experience with the youth and other volunteers to make things happen!

All 4-H adult volunteers must apply and be appointed annually. Please follow the steps below to apply to be a 4-H adult volunteer. 

2022-2023 Adult Volunteer Initial Appointment Process

Who should follow this process: California Adult Volunteers who are starting their first year of service or are returning after a break of a year or more.

Step 1:  Contact the Club Leader.

Refer to the Kings County 4-H Club List to find a club near you and contact the club leader and let them know that you would like to serve as an adult volunteer to lead a project(s) or assist the club in another way.

Step 2: Complete the Adult Volunteer Interest Survey.  

• All new 4-H volunteers must go through a screening process. Our #1 priority in 4-H is the safety of young people. We do all we can to protect young people and keep them safe while they are in our care. An important part of providing a safe environment is to conduct background checks on our volunteers and staff. Everyone that will be spending an extended time with our 4-H youth is screened. When you become a 4-H volunteer, you are part of the plan to keep our young people safe.

• A one-on-one interview may be required based upon the Adult Volunteer Interest Survey responses (you will be notified by county-based staff or a club volunteer if an interview is required).

Step 3:  Submit 4-H Adult Volunteer Application in the 4-H Online enrollment system. 

Log into the 4-H Online enrollment system and create your profile to submit your 4-H adult volunteer application.  Do NOT create a new profile if your family already has a family profile within the 4-H Online enrollment system!  

• The 4-H Online 2.0 Family Enrollment Guide will give you step by step guidance to enroll in 4-H Online.
• If your family does NOT have a 4-H Online account, consult the Creating a New Family Account in 2.0 video for assistance.
• If your family already has a 4-H Online account and you need help creating your profile, consult the Family Login & Adding a New Family Member video for assistance.

After submitting your profile, check your family email for information on the next steps to becoming an approved volunteer.  The enrollment key for the required eXtension training is included in this email.  If you do not receive an email, please verify that the email you entered in 4-H Online is correct and notify the 4-H Office if additional help is needed.

Step 4: Complete a Live Scan background check with the California Department of Justice.

The Live Scan may be completed at any location that provides Live Scan service; fees vary by location.

You must complete and bring this Live Scan form with you.

Step 5: Complete the required New Volunteer Training in the online eXtension system.

For direct links to the instructions and eXtension courses, please see the CA 4-H Learning and Development page.  If you are having trouble with the eXtension site or course, please Request Help using this link from the CA 4-H Learning and Development page.

If you have created your account and already have your county enrollment key, (refer to the email sent by the 4-H Online system after re-enrolling for the enrollment key if needed) you can access the 2022-2023 California New Volunteer Course by clicking the link below.

2022-2023 California New Volunteer Course - approx. 3 hours

Step 6: Submit enrollment fees.

Approval

The County Director reviews and approves 4-H volunteer appointments/re-appointments once the Adult Volunteer application process is complete.

• If approved, notification of your 4-H adult volunteer appointment will be sent from 4-H Online.  If no email address is available, a letter will be sent by mail from the County Director.
• If there are any limitations on the appointment, a letter will be sent from the County Director outlining the limitations of the appointment.
• If not approved, a letter will be sent to the applicant from the County Director.

Once you are approved and your membership is active:

• Start connecting with 4-H families about your new role.
• Participate in 4-H events and activities.
• Take advantage of 4-H resources:
  • Skills development workshops
  • Approved curriculum to plan your projects
  • Volunteer leadership conferences