Oregon State University Extension Service

Volunteer with 4-H

Many children and teens in the US do not have positive mentors in their lives. 4-H is a place where kids can experience caring and supportive relationships with adults to help them feel belonging and hope.

As a 4-H volunteer, you can lead a club, teach a skill, or help at events.

Do you have a skill, art, craft, or passion that you'd like to share with the next generation? Join 4-H as a volunteer today, and see your skills light up a spark of curiosity in a young person.

You don't have to be a parent, teacher, or experienced youth professional. Anyone who is kind, responsible, and inclusive can be a 4-H Volunteer in their community.

Contact your county Extension office to learn more

What is expected of 4-H volunteers?

Volunteers are the primary providers of much of 4-H programming, which means their impact on youth's lives is immeasurable. To ensure that impact is positive, volunteers are expected to understand and meet the following expectations:

  1. Focus on the educational mission of the land grant university, including the equal opportunity and anti‐discrimination policies. 4‐H programs are inclusive of all youth, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status.
  2. Obey local, state, federal laws and follow guidelines established for county, state, and national 4‐H programs.
  3. Accept support and/or supervision from Extension program staff or designees.
  4. Treat others courteously. Be a positive role model. Exhibit good sportsmanship at all times.
  5. Establish and maintain safe environments for all participants. Act responsibly to protect participants; and, keep confidential information (health forms, etc) private.
  6. Provide for physical and emotional needs of participants during programs. Do not withhold necessities nor use physical punishment. Communicate that verbal, emotional, or physical mistreatment is unacceptable within the program, by adults or by youth. Report suspected abuse to the proper authorities.
  7. Not use alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, or be under those influences while being responsible for 4‐H programs or youth.
  8. Handle funds and fundraising in an ethical manner and in accordance with federal, state and university regulations. (Fundraising activities must be approved by Extension staff. 4‐H funds are public assets, need to be expended for educational purposes, and must not be a part of a private individual’s bank account.)
  9. Handle equipment and machinery in a safe and responsible manner. Operate vehicles only with a valid operator’s license and the legally required insurance coverage.
  10. Treat animals humanely and provide appropriate care, and teach youth to do the same.

Sound like you? You're probably a great fit for 4-H! Keep scrolling to see the application and enrollment process.

How do I apply?

Volunteers apply with their local county extension office. Complete the Application Packet below and return it to the county program you'd like to volunteer with. Some counties may have an additional form or questions.

The application process includes 3 personal references and a criminal history background check to ensure applicants are of good character for working with youth.

Please don't complete the enrollment process until your county office approves your application.

Volunteer Application Form

Application form for Volunteers (in English)

Please complete this form and return it to your local Extension Office in order to apply to volunteer with 4-H. (You'll need to have your application approved BEFORE enrolling through 4-H Online)

4-H Youth Development

For more information: Volunteer with 4-H

Once you've successfully applied, it's time to enroll!

Once your local 4-H Program Coordinator gives you the thumbs-up to enroll, you can do so online through our enrollment platform, 4-HOnline. This will give you access to club leadership information, assign kids to your club, and allow you to contact your club.

You can also get a printed enrollment packet below or from your local Extension office if you are unable to access or complete the enrollment process online.

Sign Up through 4-HOnline

Need printed enrollment options?

If you are unable to sign up via 4-HOnline, you can also use the PDFs below to complete your paperwork. If you do not have access to a printer, reach out to your local Extension office for a copy of the forms.

Learn online!

To help you learn more about your volunteer responsibilities and the fun you can have, we have four short videos (10 minutes each) for you to view through Canvas, OSU's learning platform.

View the Lessons
Credit Lynn Ketchum (Cropped from original)
Source URL: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/4h/volunteer-4-h