Hero Image

New Volunteers

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 future leaders.

All it takes is one person to make a positive impact in a child's life

Volunteering in 4-H is flexible and rewarding.  Share your expertise and experience with the youth and other volunteers to make things happen!

All 4-H adult volunteers must apply and be appointed annually. Please follow the steps below to apply to be a 4-H adult volunteer. 

2024-2025 4-H New Adult Volunteer Appointment Process

Step #1: Contact a 4-H Community Club Leader.

In order to become a 4-H adult volunteer, you must contact a local 4-H Community Club Leader within Tulare County to find out what volunteer opportunities are available for the 2024-2025 4-H Youth Development Program (YDP) year, BEFORE you start the enrollment process.  If you need assistance locating a club near you, click on the map below for the Club Contact list or contact the Tulare County 4-H Office at 559-684-3300, or send an email to sdconnelly@ucanr.edu.

Map of Tulare County

New for 2024-2025, the 4-H Annual Project Leader Plan must be completed for ALL projects!  The plan must be submitted to the Club Leader AND County 4-H Office.  The plan must be distributed to the families at least one (1) week PRIOR to the first project meeting.  If you need ideas, consult this 4-H Annual Project Plan SAMPLE.

If you need assistance with your Annual Project Leader Plan, resources are available through the Volunteer Hub on the CA 4-H Resource Center on the Project Leader page.

Step #2: Complete the 4-H Volunteer Interest Survey

All volunteers that are new to the California 4-H Youth Development Program (CA 4-H YDP) or that were previous volunteers with a lapse in service of one year or more, must complete the 4-H Adult Volunteer Interest Survey as the first step in the California 4-H Adult Volunteer Application Process.

4-H Adult Volunteer Interest Survey

Step #3: Complete the online 4-H enrollment application.

ZSuite

Enrollment through the ZSuite enrollment system is expected to open July 18, 2024. 

Please wait until AFTER July 18th to complete the following steps.

If you were a 4-H adult volunteer or your family was enrolled in 4-H at any time during the past 6 years, your information from the 4-H Online system has migrated over into the new ZSuite enrollment system.  Consult the resources for Returning Families Adding a New Household Member on the CA 4-H Resource Center Enrollment page for instructions.  

Items to Note:  It is very important, if you are a Returning Family, to not create a new Account. It is important to use the the email address that was associated with your ZSuite account last year and that the email is one that you use and will check often for 4-H information and correspondence.  If you need your email address updated, you will need to contact the 4-H County Office so that your account can be updated.   

The steps below are for New Families & Volunteers that are Creating a New Household and Adding a New Household Member.

  1. Go to https://4h.zsuite.org
  2. Click "Sign Up".
  3. Create a Household.
  4. Click "+Household Member" to add individuals to the household. Their date of birth determines their role as a Youth Member or Adult Volunteer.
  5. Complete all enrollment sections.
  6. After all enrollment sections are complete, Click "Submit".

Training materials and videos can be found on the CA 4-H Resource Center Enrollment page.  There are videos for New and Returning Families.

Step #4: New Adult Volunteer eXtension Training

The required courses for new and returning volunteers are now available in the Campus LMS. You can find these courses and their enrollment keys on the CA 4-H Learning Center website. Each course is offered in both English and Spanish.  There is now a mobile app that allows you to take the courses offline!  If you need assistance or support with any of the courses, you can submit a Support Ticket request or watch a tutorial on the CA 4-H Learning Center website.  The enrollment keys are also linked on the website for each course offered.

2024-2025 California New Volunteer Course - For volunteers starting their ?rst year as a volunteer or coming back after a break of a year or more. The course includes essential parts of 4-H service, such as orientation, CANRA guidelines, and the 4-H Thriving Model for Positive Youth Development. Individuals will also learn about 2- Deep Supervision and how to create a safe and welcoming environment for all youth.

  • Course length: 1 hour and 35 minutes (can be done in multiple sessions).

Step #5: Background check with the California Department of Justice

All 4-H adult volunteers in California must complete a Live Scan background check with the California Department of Justice and FBI.  The Live Scan may be completed at any location that provides Live Scan service; fees vary by location.  The Tulare County Sheriff's Department will waive the "rolling fee" when provided with the letter that accompanies the Live Scan form.  You must take the Live Scan form (includes details that will allow California 4-H to receive your results) with you to have the Live Scan completed.

4-H Office staff will provide you with the Live Scan form once your 4-H  Adult Volunteer interest Survey and Enrollment Applications have been.

Step #6: Enrollment approval.

Enrollment can be approved after the county 4-H office confirms:

  • Submission of completed 4-H Annual Project Leader Plan
  • Submission of the 4-H Adult Volunteer Interest Survey
  • Submission of ZSuite enrollment application (Pending Approval status)
  • Completion of required training(s) through Extension Foundation Campus
  • Clearance from the DOJ and FBI through the Live Scan
  • Completion of additional requirements

The County Director reviews and approves 4-H volunteer appointments/re-appointments once the Adult Volunteer process is complete.

  • If approved, notification of your 4-H adult volunteer appointment will be sent from the ZSuite 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 letter will be sent from the County Director outlining the limitations of the appointment.
  • If not approved, a letter will be sent to the application from the County Director.

Once you are approved and your membership is active:

  • Start connecting with 4-H families about your new role.
  • Participate in 4-H events and activities.
  • Take advantage of 4-H resources:
    • Skills development workshops
    • Approved curriculum to plan your projects
    • Volunteer leadership conferences