Returning Adult Volunteers
2025-2026 enrollment is open!
All 4-H volunteers must be appointed annually. If you are a current 4-H Adult Volunteer, to continue in the next year you need to re-apply and be re-appointed by November 30th. Returning volunteers who have not completed the re-appointment process must cease all 4-H volunteer work beginning December 1st until re-appointment process has been completed and the volunteer has been returned to active status. A break in service occurs if a returning volunteer fails to complete the re-appointment process for a full program year (July 1-June 30).
Make a difference as a 4-H volunteer!
4-H youth are leaders. They pursue their passions. They are critical thinkers and problem solvers. We need adult volunteers like you to mentor 4-H youth, lead local 4-H clubs, provide administrative support, share your expertise with 4-H youth, evaluate 4-H competitions, support 4-H'ers as they plan and execute activies. And so much more! Talk to your club leader for available roles in at the club leve. YOU are the key to their success! No experience necessary - we'll train you.
2025-2026 4-H Adult Volunteer Re-Appointment Process
Who should follow this process: California 4-H Adult Volunteers who have previously volunteered with the 4-H program and are continuing their service without a break of a year or more.
All returning 4-H adult volunteers must apply and be appointed annually. Please follow the steps below to apply to be a 4-H adult volunteer.
STEP 1. Complete required Returning Volunteer Course.
- All returning 4-H volunteers are required to take the Returning Volunteer Training online course 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.
This web-based version of the Returning Volunteer Course is adapted from the Extension Foundation Campus (Campus) Learning Management System. Use the links below to complete each module.
Modules: (Web Links)
CANRA for Volunteers (30 minutes)
4-H Thriving Model of PYD (15 minutes)
4-H Vision & Impact (5 minutes)
Each module includes a separate quiz. When you reach the end of a module, click the “Quiz” button to be automatically directed to the appropriate Google Form quiz. Your completion will be recorded once you submit the quiz.
STEP 2. Submit 4-H adult volunteer application in ZSuite.
- Re-enroll using your previous household profile. Do not create a new household!
- Enrollment system status will show pending until enrollment has been approved.
- Please note that the email address you enter as the household email is the primary way you will receive communications from 4-H. After creating your profile, please check your family email for information on next steps to becoming an approved volunteer. If you do not receive an email, please verify that the email entered in the enrollment system is correct and notify your County 4-H Representative.
STEP 3. Submit your program enrollment fee.
- Program fees must be paid online using a credit card.
- 2025-2026 Adult Volunteer Enrollment Fee is $30.
Once all the above has been completed, the application is reviewed by 4-H staff and the county director.
- If approved, notification of your 4-H adult volunteer appointment will be sent from the enrollment system. If no email address is available a letter will be sent by mail from the county director.
- If there are any limitations on the appointment, a subsequent letter will be sent from the county director.
- If not approved, a letter will be sent to the applicant from the county director.
Once you are approved, the fun begins! Thank you for joining our 4-H family!