How Do I Become a Volunteer?
The following individuals must complete the 4-H Youth Development Volunteer Application process:
- those who have more than eight (8) hours of contact in a leadership or advisory role with 4-H members per year;
- all drivers and chaperones at 4-H events; and
- All members of the Maine 4-H Animal Science Committees.
A 4-H staff member will guide potential volunteers through the six-step process.
Six-Step 4-H Volunteer Application Process
- Step 1: 4-H Volunteer Application
- Step 2: 4-H Volunteer e-Learning and Maine 4-H Volunteer Application Process Modules
- Step 3: Background Check
- Step 4: Videos: Required Training for Extension Volunteers
- Step 5: Interview with a 4-H staff member
- Step 6: Core Training
Adults will need to complete the following six-step process to become a 4-H volunteer:
Step 1: 4-H Volunteer Application
Fill out 4-H volunteer application on ZSuite.
Instructions on how to create an account and complete the application can be found by clicking here.
Completion of the application does not immediately enroll you as a 4-H volunteer. All steps in the screening process must be completed and approved by 4-H staff before you will be considered an official 4-H volunteer.
Step 2: 4-H Volunteer e-Learning and Maine 4-H Volunteer Application Process Modules
The 4-H Volunteer e-Learning is made up of four short modules (approximately 10 minutes each) that will provide you with foundational information about the 4-H program. This is found in the ZSuite Clover Academy.
For instructions on how to access the module, please visit this website.
Please email a copy of the completion certificate to your 4-H staff contact. Contact info may be found on the County Offices page.
After completing the application and the 4-H Volunteer e-Learning Course, should you decide you would like to continue the process to become an enrolled 4-H volunteer, return to the ZSuite Clover Academy and begin the Maine 4-H Volunteer Application Process module. This module brings the remaining steps below in one place to help you stay organized and complete the requirements.
Step 3: Background Check
For instructions on how to submit a background check, visit this Volunteer Background Check website. This website is password protected. If you haven’t yet received the password from the UMaine Extension staff member you’ve been working with, please contact that staff member directly for that information. There is no cost to the volunteer applicant. Please remember to notify the 4-H staff when you’ve completed the background check so that it may be processed.
Step 4: Videos: Required Training for Extension Volunteers
These two short videos are found in the Maine 4-H Volunteer Screening Process module on ZSuite that is referenced above.
Step 5: Interview with a 4-H Staff Contact
Once our 4-H staff has reviewed your application, confirmed the background check and checked references, they will contact you to schedule an interview.
Step 6: Core Training
Review core training topics within the Maine 4-H Volunteer Screening Process module in ZSuite which includes: the 4-H Thriving Model, Experiential Learning and Ages and Stages.
Depending on the volunteer role you wish to play, additional training may be required. This will be determined when meeting with your county 4-H staff person.
Once your 4-H contact has determined that you have successfully completed the steps above, they will approve your enrollment as a 4-H volunteer and discuss next steps in your volunteer journey.
Updated 10/01/2024