Become a 4-H Adult Volunteer

All 4-H adult volunteers must apply and be appointed annually.

Process to become a new 4-H Adult Volunteer

Find a Club

See our list of clubs to find one near you. Contact the Club Leader to learn more about volunteer opportunities available in the club. You can also contact Trinity 4-H Community Educator Erin Paradis at ecparidis@ucanr.edu or (530) 224-4900 for help.  

Training & Screening

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. When you become a 4-H volunteer, you are part of the plan to keep our young people safe.

1. Complete the online 4-H Adult Volunteer Interest Survey

2. Submit a Volunteer Enrollment application on ZSuite

Please make sure your email address is correct and one you check regularly. It will be used for most communications and to confirm your volunteer application.

3. Complete a California Department of Justice Live Scan background check

An important part of providing a safe environment is to conduct background checks on all our volunteers and staff. Everyone that will spend an extended time with our 4-H youth is screened.

The required Live Scan Request form and instructions will be emailed to you after you complete Steps 1 & 2.

4. Take the online New Volunteer Course

All new 4-H volunteers are required to take the online New Volunteer Course on Extension Foundation Campus before they can be approved as volunteers. The interactive training series introduces you to best practices in positive youth development used in 4-H.

Approval

The County Director reviews and approves 4-H volunteer applications after all steps have been completed:

• You have completed the Volunteer Interest Survey
• You have completed the Volunteer Enrollment application on ZSuite
• You have passed the Live Scan background check
• You have completed the New Volunteer Course

Fees

Enrollment fees for 2024-2025 are $77 per youth and $28 per adult. Fees are payable to your Community Club. After your Club Leader confirms payment, your enrollment will be confirmed.

Once you are approved & enrolled, the fun begins! Thank you for joining the 4-H family!

University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources (UCANR) is an equal opportunity provider.

4-H has grown in California because of the dedication of our volunteers. Some of our volunteers have supported 4-H for 10, 20, 30 years or more!

All 4-H adult volunteers must be appointed annually. If you are a current 4-H adult volunteer, to continue in the next year you need to re-apply and be re-appointed by December 31st to continue with no breaks in service.

Process to apply to be a Returning 4-H Adult Volunteer

1. Submit a Volunteer Enrollment application on ZSuite

Please make sure your email address is correct and one you check regularly.

2. Take the online Returning Volunteer Course

All returning 4-H volunteers are required to take the online Returning Volunteer Course on Extension Foundation Campus before they can be re-approved as volunteers. The interactive training series provides updates on policies and best practices in positive youth development used in 4-H.

Approval

The County Director reviews and approves 4-H volunteer applications after all steps have been completed:

• You have completed the Volunteer Enrollment application on ZSuite
• You have completed the Returning Volunteer Course

Fees

Enrollment fees for 2024-2025 are $77 per youth and $28 per adult. Fees are payable to your Community Club. After your Club Leader confirms payment, your enrollment will be confirmed.

NOTE: If you have a break in service:

You have a break in service if you are not currently enrolled as a 4-H volunteer when you apply for the new year. Please follow the process for new volunteers when applying.

Thank you for continuing to be part of the 4-H family!

ZSuite Enrollment Sheet for New & Returning Volunteers provides step-by-step guidance on the online enrollment process

ZSuite Helpsheets & Videos for detailed guidance & demonstrations of the online enrollment process

Extension Foundation Campus online courses & articles

Adult Volunteer Resources from the State 4-H Office

Live Scan Locations list