Resources for Volunteers Education
Introduction to 4-H
We are glad you are considering being a volunteer with 4-H! The 4-H program reaches out to kids and their families to build skills for life. Check us out! 4-H has a hundred different hands-on projects to offer.
Your time, knowledge, and heart for youth could make a big difference in the quality of life in your community. Washington State University Extension will provide you the support and training you’ll need along the way. You will be a valued partner in helping grow kids. Find your local Extension Office to learn more about how to become a volunteer.
Whatever you have to offer, we have a place for you. Our volunteer opportunities range from a one-time experience to an on-going relationship between you and 4-H. These opportunities are available at the club, county, or 4-H administrative level. We match your skill and preferred interests with our needs. Others may lean towards participating at county events for one or more days throughout the year. There are also on-going opportunities to lead a group of young people in an interest area or in the club setting. Your skills and talents are very much needed to assist our young people as they grow and develop.
As a 4-H volunteer, you will become affiliated with our state’s land grant university, Washington State University. You instantly have the resources of WSU Extension at your fingertips. Additionally, you enjoy the benefit of WSU liability coverage and L & I coverage should you be injured while volunteering.
Volunteer Application Process
- Submit a signed and completed WSU 4‑H Volunteer Application Form;
- Submit names and contact information for three references;
- Participate in an interview with the WSU Extension 4‑H faculty, staff, or authorized representative face-to-face, by phone, or through other technology that allows participants to be heard verbally;
- Complete a criminal background screening through First Advantage;
- Complete the Four Western Region e-learning modules;
- Complete the Child Protection e-learning module;
- Complete the UPPM 50.32: Protection and Safety of Minors module;
- Register as a volunteer within 4-H Online system and complete all authorization forms;
- Complete and sign all consents including the Adult Valuable Partnership Agreement in 4-H Online;
- Receive a login to GivePulse for tracking volunteer hours; and
- Complete any other items as required specific to your county or Tribal Program including any new volunteer
If you would like to volunteer with a specific Club, contact that Club leader and they will let you know the best ways to help their Club.
If you are open to participating with any Club that needs adult support contact the 4-H Office and we will put you in touch with specific clubs based on your location, interest and availability.
Types of Volunteers
What role are you interested in?
- Club Leader: Responsible for the overall management of the 4-H Club.
- Club Assistant: Assists with 4-H club as needed in management/special tasks.
- Project Leader: Responsible for leadership of one or more projects within a 4-H club.
- Project Assistant: Assists with 4-H projects at club, county, state, etc level.
- Resource Leader: Responsible for tasks as assigned, these may be event-based, episodic, admin and/or other duties, as assigned.
Volunteer Resources
Becoming a 4-H Volunteer
Steps to become a 4-H Volunteer:
- Complete a WSU 4-H Volunteer Application (see link below)
- Provide three personal references (not related to you)
- Participate in a personal interview
- Submit a Criminal Background Check
- Complete all Volunteer Education Requirements
- Create a profile on 4-H Online (our electronic enrollment program)
- Volunteer Application (online)
Volunteer Education –
Before certification and enrollment:
Information regarding courses and enrollment instructions may be obtained by contacting your local county Extension office.
- Orientation to 4-H
- Child/Adult Protection
- WSU 4-H Policies & Procedures
- WSU Protection & Safety of Minors
Project Required Education:
- Shooting Sports Training
- Washington 4-H Financial Stewardship
- Washington 4-H Food Preservation
Advanced Volunteer Education:
- Facilitate the Awesome – Teen Adviser Training
Volunteer Resources
- WA 4-H Policies and Procedures
- Positive Youth Development – coming soon!
- Club Resources
- Put the Child First
- Protection and Safety of Minors
- Accidents and Incidents
- 4-H Name & Emblem Guidelines
- WSU Extension Branding Guidelines
- Washington 4-H Social Media Considerations for Clubs/Affiliates
- WSU 4-H/FFA MOU
Awards & Recognition
- County Volunteers of the Year
- Washington State 4-H Alumni of the Year
- Washington State 4-H Outstanding Volunteerism – Lifetime Achievement
- Washington State 4-H Outstanding Volunteerism – 0 to 10 years
- Washington State 4-H Heather Rider Award
- Washington State 4-H Volunteers’ Staff Award
- Washington State 4-H Friend of 4-H Award
- Washington State 4-H Hall of Fame Induction
Statewide Advisory & Program Committees
- Equine Committee
- Small Animal Committee
- Livestock Committee
- Dog Committee
Enrollment Resources
- Family Enrollment Guide in 4-H Online
- Video – How to Enroll in 4-H Online for Youth members and Volunteers
- Video – Registration in a 4-H Online event
- Event Guide – coming soon!
- Animal ID Guide – coming soon!
Education Resources
Club Resources
- 4-H Volunteer Application
- What is a 4-H Club? – Fact Sheet
- Club Charters – Fact Sheet
- Planning a Club or Project Meeting
- National 4-H Marketing Resources sign in to access high quality graphics and marketing resources
- Washington State 4-H Volunteer Recognition
- Shop 4-H
- 4-H Life Skills Wheel