4-H Volunteer Application Process

Become a Missouri 4-H volunteer

Help young people build skills for life. Become a Missouri 4-H volunteer and be part of an experience that prepares youth to be Beyond Ready for their futures. Missouri 4-H volunteers make a lasting impact by helping young people discover their strengths, develop confidence and grow as leaders. Along the way, volunteers grow too—building leadership skills, forming meaningful connections and strengthening their communities.

To provide a safe, positive and supportive experience for youth, all volunteers complete an application and orientation process before serving with 4-H.

Who should become an enrolled volunteer?

You should apply if you are:

Age 18 or older (ages 21+ preferred)
Not currently enrolled as a 4-H member
Planning to support 4-H activities four or more times each year

Certified volunteers work under the guidance of local or state 4-H staff and help create meaningful learning experiences for youth. Volunteer opportunities may include:

Club Leader
Project Leader
Event Volunteer
Overnight Chaperone

Ready to get started?

Enrollment begins October 1.

Contact your local 4-H office for a paper copy or complete the 4-H Volunteer application found online. (If you used a paper-based application, complete and turn in to your local extension office.)

Volunteer orientation training can be found on Qualtrics. The course must be completed before you will be contacted for the county interview. The course is five required sections that range in time to complete from five minutes to twelve minutes.

They will have questions for you about your previous experiences as a volunteer and motivation for volunteering with Missouri 4-H, to help find the right volunteer position for you. Your county 4-H professional may accept, delay, or reject your volunteer status at this point. If accepted, you may proceed on to step 4.

Enroll in 4-H Online. Contact your 4-H professional with any questions.

Your enrollment is not complete until you have completed your background screening. Screening is done in 4-H Online after your account is set up. Your county office will be notified if a volunteer has been approved or denied following the background check. Contact your county office if you have any questions about enrolling.

Once your background check clears without incident, the state office will inform your local office who will then provide you a volunteer acceptance letter. This letter serves as your ticket to begin volunteering with Missouri 4-H!

Your time, talents and support help young people discover their potential and develop the skills they need to thrive. Join Missouri 4-H and help prepare the next generation to be Beyond Ready.