4-H Volunteers are a key component of the 4-H program, which focuses on citizenship, leadership, and life skills development using a “learn by doing” educational model. With each volunteer comes knowledge, experiences, and skills that can be taught to 4-H youth and shared with the 4-H program.

No matter your background or expertise, you can join the 4-H community. As a parent, a project leader, or in any other leadership capacity, you can offer your unique talents and perspectives. You decide the level of involvement that fits your skills and schedule, such as:

  • Lead community clubs, school-based or after-school programs, or serve as a project or activity leader
  • Serve as a committee or board member, event judge, or camp counselor
  • Create community service opportunities for youth in your area
  • Work with other adults to create fun and exciting programs

It’s important that we maintain a team of quality volunteers to administer our Montgomery County 4-H programs and work with our youth. We want the best experience possible for our 4-H’ers, as well as for our volunteers which is why we have the following process. 

Steps to becoming a Certified UME 4-H Volunteer

Enroll in 4-H Online

If you already have a family profile, while in your "Member List" click on "Add Member" and then complete "New Volunteer" as your Volunteer position.

If you are brand new to 4-H please create a new account.

Go to 4-H Online

References

An Adobe Sign email will be sent to the three (3) references listed in your 4-H Online Screening, so they can complete the reference form digitally.

Please let them know in advance so they can watch for the email coming from Adobe Sign Anna Hamann at ahamann@umd.edu.

Background Check

Once you complete your 4-HOnline enrollment (#2 above), the Maryland 4-H office will send you an invitation email around the 1st or 15th of the month (depending on when you submitted your enrollment) through vendor Sterling Volunteers. THIS MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF RECEIVING THE INITIAL EMAIL FROM TheAdvocates@sterlingvolunteer.com or you will be DISMISSED by Maryland 4-H for one year and unable to volunteer with 4-H until completing the onboarding in the current year.

Remember to check your spam/junk folder around the time the email will be sent (1st or 15th of the month).  In the email will be an online portal that will run a Commercial Criminal Background Check, a data-driven check using your social security number. There is a $15.00 fee for this service that will be paid online using a credit card. This background check will be required every three (3) years.

Volunteer Orientation Training

You will receive a link to the 4-H Volunteer Orientation Video after the 4-H Office receives your approved Background Check and References. After watching the video, you must complete the Orientation Survey. We will automatically receive a notification of your completion of the 4-H Volunteer Orientation Training Survey.

Phone Interview

Please email Anna Hamann at ahamann@umd.edu to schedule your volunteer interview with the 4-H Educator; for 15 - 20 minutes via phone, zoom, or in person.
 

Sign Agreements

Sign an Appointment Agreement, Code of Conduct, and Position Description via Adobe Sign after steps 1-5 are completed. 

4-H Volunteer Handbook

Become familiar with our 4-H Volunteer Handbook. We recommend printing it out, as it is a handy resource that can be referred to frequently.