Skip to main content Skip to navigation

For Volunteers

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 timeknowledge, 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.


Certified 4-H Volunteers

Certified 4-H Volunteers have completed the WSU 4-H Youth Development Program Volunteer screening process and are officially designated as representatives and leaders of the 4-H program. They supervise and direct county and club 4-H programs and projects. They work under the direction of WSU Extension personnel to ensure that the objectives and standards of the WSU 4-H Youth Development Program are met. The roles available to Certified 4-H Volunteers are:

  • General Club Leader: this individual is responsible for the overall management of each 4-H Club.
  • Project Leader: This individual is responsible for leading the various projects within each 4-H Club.
  • Activity Leader: This individual is responsible for various activities including fund raising, record keeping, community service, etc. This can be done for a club or program. The individual will be working with youth in the completion of duties. Resource Volunteer: This individual is responsible for assisting with various 4-H events and activities but has no direct supervision of, or unsupervised access to, 4-H youth.
  • Administrative Volunteer: This individual is responsible for the overall organization and leadership of general program areas, organization of county-wide events, etc.
  • Volunteer Applicant: This individual has not been accepted as a 4-H Volunteer.

If a person is volunteering time and expertise to the 4-H program and/or are in contact with youth on an ongoing basis during 4-H meetings, then the person needs to be a Certified 4-H Volunteer.


Volunteer Application Process

Potential Certified 4-H Volunteers must start the application process by signing and completing the WSU 4-H Volunteer Application Form and reference form. All new Certified 4-H Volunteers who work with youth, including host family members and chaperones, will be screened through a background check (Sterling Volunteer) and reference process. Rescreening may be conducted at any time. The local WSU Extension 4-H faculty, staff, and/or WSU Extension 4-H Program Leader reserve the right to reject any applicant. The WSU 4-H Youth Development Program requires a minimum level of training for certifying volunteers. The following elements are required components of the Certified 4-H Volunteer certification process. They must all be completed and documented before the volunteer is considered certified.

  • Submit a signed and completed WSU 4-H Volunteer Application
  • Complete a criminal background screening through Sterling Volunteer (invitation will be sent after receiving volunteer application and references)
  • Participate in an interview with WSU Extension 4-H staff face-to-face, by phone, or through other technology that allows participants to be heard verbally
  • Complete the Four Western Region e-learning modules
  • Complete the Child Protection e-learning 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 for the WSU Volunteer Hours Database
  • Complete a Live New Volunteer Orientation (Virtual or in-person)

Our pages provide links to external sites for the convenience of users. WSU Extension does not manage these external sites, nor does Extension review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these sites. These external sites do not implicitly or explicitly represent official positions and policies of WSU Extension.