Applying to be a 4-H volunteer
All 4-H adult volunteers must apply and be appointed annually. Please follow the steps below to apply to be a 4-H new adult volunteer.
Volunteering cannot begin until AFTER the Approval Process.
Application Process
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. An important part of providing a safe environment is to conduct background checks on our volunteers and staff. Everyone that will be spending an extended time with our 4-H youth is screened. When you become a 4-H volunteer, you are part of the plan to keep our young people safe.
STEP 1
Complete the online New Volunteer Interest Survey in English or Spanish
STEP 2
ZSuite Enrollment
* Please make sure the email address in the system is correct and one you check regularly. This is how you will receive communications.
*For Spanish: The Z-Suite system is only in English. Please fill in the paper enrollment packet in Spanish and turn it in to your club leader or county staff for them to enter it. Please keep a copy of the paper forms for your records.
STEP 3
All new 4-H volunteers are required to take the New Volunteer Training online courses in the Extension Foundation system before they become approved as volunteers. This interactive training series introduces you to the best practices in positive youth development that are used in 4-H. The trainings are available in English. Spanish training is now available.
PASSCODE for Course: SanLuisObispo
After you complete and submit your Z Suites profile, check the Household email you used in Z Suite for eXtension login instructions. If you used a paper enrollment form, you will have to check with your county 4-H Representative for the instructions. https://campus.extension.org/
STEP 4
Complete a Live-scan with the California Department of Justice. (Please take the live-scan service form to your live-scan appt. YOU MUST CONTACT THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY 4-H STAFF TO EMAIL YOU THE LIVE SCAN FORM.
STEP 5
Volunteer Enrollment Fee $28.00
The CA 4-H Program Fee asks for $28.00 per volunteer in enrollment fees. This covers the cost of insurance for you, and the CA 4-H program. Some clubs will pay for their leaders. Please check with your club leadership to see if they fundraise and budget for this.
Resources
Locations for Live Scan Fingerprinting
CA 4-H Resource Center Enrollment
Approval
The 4-H Office reviews and approves 4-H volunteer appointments after....
- Filled out the New Volunteer Interest Survey.
- You are signed up in Z Suite
- You complete all of the New Volunteer Training required in your county.
You have passed the Live-Scan screening process.
Once you are approved, the fun begins!
- Start connecting with 4-H families about your new role.
- Take advantage of 4-H resources:
- Skills development workshops
- Approved curriculum to plan your projects
- Volunteer leadership conferences
Page Last Updated: April 2025
Resources
New Volunteer Course (2024-2025)
Length: 1 hour, 35 minutes (Can be completed over multiple sessions)
The California 4-H New Volunteer Course is a necessary resource for adults starting their first year or coming back after a break of a year or more. In this course, you will learn important parts of 4-H service, like an orientation, CANRA guidelines, and the 4-H Thriving Model for Positive Youth Development. You'll also learn about 2-Deep Supervision and the 4-H program's commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all youth, and how you can help achieve that vision.
Duración: 1 hora y 35 minutos (Puede completarse en varias sesiones)
El Curso para Nuevos Voluntarios de 4-H de California es un recurso necesario para los adultos que comienzan su primer año o que regresan después de una pausa de un año o más. En este curso, usted aprenderá partes importantes del servicio 4-H, como una orientación, los lineamientos de CANRA y el Modelo 4-H Thriving para el Desarrollo Positivo de la Juventud. También aprenderá sobre la Supervisión 2-Deep y el compromiso del programa 4-H de crear un ambiente seguro y acogedor para todos los jóvenes, y cómo usted puede ayudar a lograr esa visión.