Join as a Volunteer

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 an 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 Frederick 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.

 

Here are the steps for becoming a Certified UME 4-H Volunteer:

  1. Enroll in 4-HOnline - 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.
  2. References -  An Adobe Sign email will be sent to your 3 references listed in your 4-HOnline 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 erkline@umd.edu.
  3. 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 2023. Please 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.
  4. Volunteer Orientation Training - Please watch this 4-H Volunteer Orientation Video and then complete the Orientation Survey. We will automatically receive a notification of your completion of the 4-H Volunteer Orientation Training Survey.   
  5. Phone Interview - Please email erkline@umd.edu with days and times that are good for your schedule for a short 15 - 20 minute phone interview.
  6. Signing an Appointment Agreement and Position Description via an Adobe Sign email that will be sent to you after Steps 1-5 are completed.  
  7. Take a look at our 4-H Volunteer Handbook. We recommend printing it out, as it is a handy resource which can be referred to frequently.

If you have any questions, please contact Erin Kline at erkline@umd.edu or 301-600-1589.