4-H Volunteers are a key component of the 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 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. To ensure that we maintain a team of quality volunteers to administer our Montgomery County 4-H programs, we have the following process.
Steps to becoming a Certified UME 4-H Volunteer
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 the three (3) references listed in your 4-H Online Screening, to complete the reference form digitally. Please let your references know in advance to watch for the email coming from Adobe Sign Anna Hamann.
3. Background Check
Once you complete your 4-HOnline enrollment (#2), the Maryland 4-H office will send you an invitation email around the 1st or 15th of the month (depending on enrollment submission) through Sterling Volunteers at TheAdvocates@sterlingvolunteer.com .
THE CHECK MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF RECEIVING THE INITIAL EMAIL, or you will be Dismissed by Maryland State 4-H for one year. You will also be unable to volunteer with 4-H until completing the onboarding in the current year.
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 runs a Commercial Criminal Background Check, and a data-driven check using your social security number. There is a $15.00 fee for this service payable online using a credit card. This background requires renewal every three (3) years.
4. 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.
5. Phone Interview
Please email Anna Hamann to schedule your volunteer interview with the 4-H Educator. The interview will be 15 - 20 minutes via phone, Zoom, or in person.
6. Sign Agreements
Sign an Appointment Agreement, Code of Conduct, and Position Description via Adobe Sign after steps 1-5 are completed.
7. 4-H Volunteer Handbook
Become familiar with our 4-H Volunteer Handbook, available on the 4-H state website
If you have any questions about this process, please contact Anna Hamann at