4-H Volunteer Application Process

We welcome your interest in the 4-H program and in becoming a 4-H volunteer within the Ohio State University Extension 4-H Program. 4-H volunteers work directly with young people in teaching, mentoring, and advising situations. Therefore, we take the role of 4-H volunteer very seriously. The steps to become a volunteer are outlined below.

• Step 1: Application Form Obtain and complete the written volunteer application forms. Return them to OSU Extension no later than April 1.

• Step 2: Interview and Orientation  Schedule an orientation interview with the 4-H Extension Educator. Daytime and evening times are possible. Allow about 45-60 minutes for this interview. It is your responsibility to call and make an appointment for this interview. Leave a message as to where you can be reached if needed. If you find you have difficulty in finding time to schedule this, consider carefully whether you have time to commit to being a 4-H volunteer. This interview and orientation will be an opportunity for you to learn about the role and expectations of adult 4-H volunteers, and for us to learn about your interests and talents that may relate to 4-H projects and programs.  Bring any questions you have at this time. This interview must be completed by April 1.

• Step 3: Background Check Obtain the necessary form from OSU Extension, pay the $32 fee and go to the Union County Sheriff's Department to complete an electronic fingerprint background check. (Note: This fee is charged by the Sheriff's Department, not OSU Extension)

• Step 4: Annual Re-Enrollment Card (Green Card) Once the above steps are successfully completed, and you have been approved as a 4-H volunteer, you will need to submit a green Advisor Enrollment Card, along with your club's enrollment. The organizational advisor for each club will generally collect this card from you and turn it in, along with the club member and advisor enrollment sheets.

• Step 5: Annual Education Requirement Once you become a 4-H volunteer, there is an annual education requirement in order to remain an active volunteer. More information about this will be shared in the orientation and interview process.

Your Application packet should include the following (Please complete out *ALL 3 FORMS* and bring them into the Union County Extension Office):

*Ohio State University Extension Volunteer Application Form
(This form is in Word Format - Please complete and return)

*Ohio 4-H Volunteer Standards of Behavior 
(This form is in PDF Format - Please sign and return with your application)

*Adult Photo Release Form
(This Form is in PDF Format - Please sign and return with your application)

Information for Completing the Web Check
(Pick up this form when you complete your interview with the 4-H Educator)

Advisor Re-enrollment card (green) Card
(Pick up at the Extension Office)
(which all advisors fill out annually to update our computer mailing list for newsletters)

4-H Home Page

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Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring  that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a  nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin,  sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status.  This  statement is in accordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and the USDA.

Keith L. Smith, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Director, Ohio State University Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868.

If you have trouble accessing this page and need to request an alternate format, contact Drudy Yoakam at yoakam.1@vfaes.osu.edu.

Updated: January, 2008