Steps to Volunteer with 4-H
- Contact the 4-H Office and speak to Clinton, 4-H Program Coordinator
sanjuan.4-h@wsu.edu or 360-350-2209. - Complete an in person or phone interview with a WSU 4-H Staff member
- New volunteers will complete all of the following steps. Returning volunteers need to re-enroll annually and pass a background check every 3 years.
Solicit at least two references from people who know you and can comment on your abilities to work with children and include these names on your application.
Volunteer Reference Form (to be completed by the reference)
If you prefer a paper application, please contact our staff or print the above application.
- 4-H Staff will work to schedule a time to complete a phone/zoom or in person interview with you
- We will then contact your references and send them link to return with information. Your references may also be contacted via phone.
4-H Staff will reach out with options for completing a background screening. This is required regardless of other background screenings with other organizations.
- Visit the eXtension.org website to login and view the “WSU Put the Child First” video. This child protection video training is required for all staff and volunteers working with youth and vulnerable adults. This 20-minute presentation may be viewed at any time at your home or Extension office. To register go to: Campus Extension Webpage The San Juan County Enrollment key is: SANJUAN4H
- Visit the eXtension.org website to login and complete “4-H Volunteer Orientation Modules.” This training includes four interactive, self-paced training modules, complete with review: “About 4-H,” “Positive Youth Development,” “Getting Started in 4-H,” and “Leadership and Teaching.” These trainings are intended for potential volunteers, as well as current or past volunteers wanting a refresher. To register and begin these e-learning modules go to: Campus Extension Webpage the San Juan County enrollment key is SANJUAN
- Visit the eXtension.org website to login and complete “WSU EP 14 Protection and Safety of Minors Training” the San Juan County Enrollment key is: EP14SJ4H
- Send the completion certificates for these trainings to the 4-H Office, Also verify in the email that you watched the safety presentation.
Washington State 4-H uses 4-H Online to manage member enrollments. If you have any questions about enrolling in 4-H Online, contact your local extension office for help or refer to the enrollment guide (PDF).
- 4-H Staff will send an email for you to claim your account through GivePulse once the other steps are complete.
- GivePulse is our volunteer hour recording system. Recording your volunteer hours is mandatory and a state 4-H requirement
Leader Job Descriptions:
Club Leader assume primary responsibility for a 4-H group or club. This is a position best shared with co-leaders. Full Position Description
Project Leaders lead a specific project or curriculum within a club or group, like goats, sheep, poultry, or knitting. Full Position Description
San Juan County 4-H Leaders Council
All 4-H leaders, parents, members (especially teens) are welcome to attend Leaders’ Council meetings. Please encourage at least one leader, teen, or parent to represent your group (Club, Family or Special Interest Program) at Leaders Council meetings! It doesn’t have to be the same person each time! More information and meeting schedule can be found on the Leaders’ Council page.
Become a 4-H Collaborator
4-H Collaborators work or volunteer for other agencies and partner with the WSU 4-H Youth Development Program to utilize 4-H programs and/or curricula in their programs. They are expected to provide appropriate reporting and updates to their supervising WSU Extension 4-H faculty. Generally, these types of volunteers participate in school enrichment, military programs, or other special programs. These volunteers are not Certified 4-H Volunteers and do not enroll in the 4-H Online Enrollment System.
San Juan County 4-H has been honored to collaborate with the San Juan County Economic Development Council, San Juan County Prevention Coalition, San Juan Island Library, and Hailey Averna of West Beach Farm, Orcas Island.