New Adult Volunteers

Contra Costa County 4-H

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Contra Costa County 4-H.

Adult volunteers help youth learn new skills, build confidence, and grow as leaders. Volunteers lead projects, support clubs, and help create a safe and welcoming environment for young people.

This page explains who can volunteer, what steps are required, and how to get started.

Enrollment Is Open

Enrollment for the 2025–2026 program year is open.

Who Can Volunteer?

Adults age 18 or older may apply to become 4-H volunteers. Volunteers may serve in roles such as club leader, project leader, event volunteer, committee member, or county-level leader. No previous 4-H experience is required.

Before You Begin

Before you start, be ready to:

• Choose how you want to serve

• Enroll in ZSuite

• Complete required screening steps

• Complete required volunteer training

• Pay the annual volunteer fee

You may not begin volunteering with youth until your enrollment is fully approved.

Step 1: Choose Your Volunteer Role

Decide how you would like to help. You may choose to:

• Lead a project

• Help with a club

• Support a special event

• Serve on a county committee

If you are not sure which role fits you best, contact the County 4-H Office for guidance.

Step 2: Enroll Online in ZSuite

All new volunteers must enroll through the ZSuite online system. During enrollment, you will create a profile, choose your volunteer role, complete required forms, and agree to the volunteer code of conduct. Use an email address that you check regularly.

Suggested action links:

• Enroll in ZSuite

• Contact the County 4-H Office for enrollment help

Step 3: Complete Screening Requirements

All new volunteers must complete the required screening process before working with youth. The page currently states that this includes a background check, required online training, and Live Scan fingerprinting.

Live Scan fingerprinting

You will receive the required Live Scan form after earlier steps are completed. The current page also explains two options for completing fingerprinting:

• You may choose your own fingerprinting location and submit a reimbursement form with your receipt, up to $35.

• If you are in East County, you may use Diablo Live Scan in Antioch or Brentwood and ask them to bill the county directly.

Suggested action links:

• Complete the volunteer screening process

• Find a fingerprinting location

• Submit a fingerprint reimbursement form

• Schedule with Diablo Live Scan

Step 4: Complete Required Volunteer Training

The current page says that all new volunteers must complete the New Volunteer Training online through Campus Extension before they are approved. It also says the training takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and does not need to be completed in one sitting.

The listed training includes:

• 4-H Orientation

• 2-Deep Supervision Policy

• CANRA for Volunteers

• 4-H Thriving Model of Positive Youth Development

• 4-H Vision and Impact

• Certificate of Completion

A clearer version for families and volunteers would read like this:

Complete the required New Volunteer Training in Campus Extension. After you log in, use the enrollment key provided by the County 4-H Office to access the course. The training takes about 1.5 to 2 hours total, and you may complete it in more than one sitting.

Suggested action links:

• Start New Volunteer Training in Campus Extension

• Get the enrollment key

• Contact the County 4-H Office for training help

Step 5: Pay the Volunteer Enrollment Fee

The page states that adult volunteer fees for 2025–2026 are $30, and that fees must be paid online by credit card. If cost is a concern, the page says to contact the County 4-H Office.

Suggested action link:

• Pay adult volunteer enrollment fees

Volunteer Expectations

As a 4-H volunteer, you are expected to:

• Provide a safe and inclusive environment

• Follow 4-H policies and procedures

• Communicate clearly with youth and families

• Model positive leadership and behavior

Volunteers are also expected to participate regularly and follow through on their responsibilities.

When You Are Approved

After you complete all requirements:

1. The County 4-H Office reviews your application

2. You receive confirmation of approval

3. You may begin working with youth

You may not supervise youth until your status is active.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering with 4-H gives you the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people

• Share your skills and interests

• Strengthen your community

• Support positive youth development

Many volunteers also find that they grow personally through the experience.

Need Help?

If you have questions about volunteer roles, enrollment, screening, training, or fees, contact:

Contra Costa County 4-H Office
Phone: 925-608-6690
Email: info@contracosta4h.org

We’re here to help you get started.