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Yamhill County 4-H

Photo: Yamhill 4-H (Cropped from original)
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Become a 4-H Volunteer

Volunteers are truly the heart of 4-H. Thank you for the time, talent, and energy you dedicate to serving young people in our community. Because of your commitment, the OSU Extension Yamhill County 4-H Program is able to support and inspire more than 750 youth each year.

The 4-H clubs and programs that make the greatest impact provide opportunities for Youth Spark in an environment where members feel a strong sense of belonging. They also foster developmental relationships with caring adults—volunteers who encourage growth, challenge youth to reach their potential, and share power by helping young people find their voice and leadership.

Your role is essential in creating these meaningful experiences, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do.

Interested in volunteering?

Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity where an individual or group provides services for no financial or social gain "to benefit another person, group or organization".

Do you have an willingness to share a passion or interest like horses, art, welding, small animals or livestock?

Download and fill out the Yamhill County 4-H Volunteer Application, fill it out and email it to [email protected] or drop it off at the Yamhill County Extension office.

Volunteer Application
Photo by Mary Stewart (Cropped from original)

Order of Steps to Become a Certified 4-H Volunteer Leader

Becoming an approved 4-H volunteer is an important process designed to ensure a safe, supportive, and high-quality experience for youth. Below is the required order for completing volunteer enrollment.

Step 1: Submit a Volunteer Application

All prospective volunteers must begin by completing the official 4-H Volunteer Application.

  • Application must be submitted before any training can be finalized

  • This begins the approval and screening process

Step 2: Complete Background Screening

After submitting the application, volunteers must complete the required background check and screening process through OSU Extension.

  • Youth safety is our highest priority

  • Volunteers may not work directly with youth until screening is complete

Step 3: Attend New Volunteer Orientation

Once screening is underway or completed, volunteers will attend a county 4-H Volunteer Orientation.

Orientation includes:

  • Expectations of 4-H volunteers

  • Youth protection policies

  • Program structure and support

  • Risk management and reporting procedures

Step 4: Complete Required Volunteer Training

All volunteers must complete training requirements, which may include:

  • In-person county training

  • Online modules

  • Program policy updates

Training ensures volunteers understand:

  • Appropriate supervision and boundaries

  • Club management basics

  • OSU Extension volunteer expectations

Step 5: Complete Youth Protection & Enrollment Requirements

Before becoming fully active, volunteers must complete any additional required items such as:

  • Youth safety training acknowledgement

  • Role agreements

  • Annual re-enrollment steps as applicable

Step 6: Receive Approval and Register as an Official Volunteer

Once all steps are complete, the Extension Office will confirm approval.

At that point, volunteers may:

✅ Be listed as an official club leader
✅ Supervise youth activities
✅ Attend events in a volunteer role
✅ Fully participate in the 4-H year

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