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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. 

2023-2024 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 within Tulare County to find out what volunteer opportunities are available that you could fill.  If you need assistance, please contact the Tulare County 4-H Office at 559-684-3300 or send an email to sdconnelly@ucanr.edu.

2023-2024 Tulare County 4-H Community Club Contact List

Map of Tulare County

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 2023-2024 4-H Adult Volunteer Interest Survey as the first step in the California 4-H Adult Volunteer Application Process.

2023-2024 4-H Adult Volunteer Interest Survey

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

ZSuite

If you were a 4-H adult volunteer or your family was enrolled in 4-H at any time during the past 5 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.  You will just need to reset your password.  It is important to use the email that was association with your 4-H Online account when requesting the updated password. 

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 birthdate 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

2023-24 California New Volunteer Course - The required eXtension course for ALL new volunteers in California 4-H includes the following components for 2023-24:

  • Level 1 Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect for UC Volunteers (45 minutes)
  • Abuse Risk Management for Volunteers (15 minutes)
  • 4-H Orientation (40 minutes)
  • 2-Deep Policy Short (3.5 minutes)
  • Foundations of Positive Youth Development (20 minutes)

You will need an enrollment key for Tulare county in order to access the course.  Please contact the 4-H office for the enrollment key (we are not able to post it on a public site).

eXtension Campus
         
eXtension Help Request

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.  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 correct Live Scan form once your 4-H  Adult Volunteer interest Survey and Enrollment Applications have been reviewed to determine the type of Live Scan needed.

Step #6: Enrollment approval.

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

  • Submission of all enrollment forms
  • Completion of enrollment 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 4-H Online.  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