Being a Volunteer
Our Volunteers are a key part of the 4-H Youth Development Program.
By volunteering you are helping to grow the skills of 4-H youth to be our future leaders.
Ways you can volunteer
Volunteering in 4-H is flexible and rewarding. Share your expertise and experience with the youth and other volunteers to make things happen!
New Volunteers
All 4-H adult volunteers must enroll and complete ongoing training annually.
Process to become a new 4-H Adult Volunteer
1. Find a club
To get started, please contact 4-H Community Education Specialist Crystal Cortez, email crdcortez@ucanr.edu or by calling the 4-H Office (209) 385-7418. Once you’ve identified a club you’re interested in, reach out to the Club Leader to learn more about available volunteer opportunities and the projects the club offers.
2. Screening Process
At 4-H, our top priority is the safety and well-being of young people. All new volunteers are required to complete the following screening steps to become an approved 4-H Volunteer:
Complete the 4-H Volunteer Interest Survey in English and Spanish.
Create an Adult Profile on the ZSuite Enrollment Site
Be sure to use a current and regularly-checked email address for your family profile. This email will be used for important communications and to confirm your volunteer application.
*Spanish-language option: You may complete a paper enrollment packet in Spanish and submit it to your Club Leader or 4-H County Staff. They will enter the information into the system on your behalf. Be sure to keep a copy of the forms for your records.
Paper enrollment packet in Spanish
Complete a California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation Background Screening
All volunteers who will be working with youth must pass a background check conducted by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
*Please contact your local 4-H office to request the most up-to-date Live Scan form and instructions. This ensures you have the correct version and current processing information.
3. New Volunteer Training
All new 4-H volunteers are required to take the New Volunteer Training online courses in the Campus system (you will need to make a new account if you do not have one) 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 and Spanish.
Click here: Campus Training Link to complete the New Volunteer Training. This link also has access to the enrollment key document necessary to take the course. Contact the local office if you need additional support.
4. Pay Enrollment Fee
Pay enrollment fee of $30.00 either to the Club, 4-H Office or pay online at the link provided.
4-H Enrollment Online Payment Link
There is a $2.50 additional charge to pay online.
5. Approval
The Community Education Specialist reviews and approves 4-H volunteers only after all of the following steps have been completed:
- Submission of the 4-H Volunteer Interest Survey
- Enrollment in 4H ZSuite
- Successful completion of the Live Scan background screening
- Completion of all required New Volunteer Training for your county
- Payment of the enrollment fee
Once you are approved, the fun begins! Thank you for joining our 4-H family!
Returning Volunteers
4-H has grown in California because of the dedication of our volunteers. Some of our volunteers have supported the 4-H program for 10, 20 and 30 years or more!
Re-enroll Annually
All 4-H volunteers must be enrolled annually. If you are a current 4-H Adult Volunteer, to continue in the next 4-H program year you will need to re-enroll and complete the returning volunteer training and pay the annual enrollment fee.
Re-enrollment process
1. Submit enrollment on ZSuite
Log in to your ZSuite account to submit a new enrollment for the new year. Do not create a new profile. Email addresses are case sensitive. If you are having trouble logging in please contact the 4-H office at 209-385-7418.
2. Take the Returning Volunteers Training on the online Campus system.
Click Returning Volunteer Training to complete your training. The link also has access to the enrollment key document required to take the course. Contact the office should you require additional support.
3. Pay enrollment fee $30.00 to Club Leaders, 4-H Office or Online using the link below
Enrollment Fee Online Payment Link
4. Get approved as a 4-H Volunteer.
After all the requirements and mandatory trainings are completed, the Community Education Specialist will review and approve volunteers.
Volunteers with a Break in Service
If you are a volunteer who has had a break in service during a program year or had an enrollment that was not fully approved in ZSuite, your enrollment will be processed as a new volunteer. You will be required to complete all new volunteer requirements, including the screening and onboarding steps.
Resources for Volunteers
