Volunteer

Why volunteer with 4-H?

You're needed! You have the potential to make a big difference!
Make a positive impact. A caring and supportive relationship with an adult is a critical component of youth development.
Help youth become better citizens. Share your skills, talents, and hobbies with young people—support young people's growth and development.
Discover your hidden talents, learn and develop new skills, and explore new areas of interest. You'll learn a great deal about young people and yourself.
Meet new people, make new friends, and grow your community.
Volunteering supports mental health. Studies show volunteering helps people feel connected, thus helps ward off loneliness and depression. Volunteering boosts our social connection and sense of belonging. Also, it is rewarding: when we help others, we feel good.
Gain work experience. Volunteering can be a great way to build professional and leadership skills. On-the-job experience may include teamwork, communication, problem-solving, project planning, task management, organization, and working with youth. Volunteering is also a great way to meet people in your field.

4-H members and volunteer plan work on a community cleanup project.

4-H members and volunteer plans work on a community cleanup project.

Credit: 4h.org

With the wide variety of programs offered through 4-H, you can get involved in an activity or club that interests you and develop your skills. At the same time, you enrich the lives of the youth in your community.

Ready to volunteer?

For new volunteers, contact us to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Step 1: Apply

To apply to be a 4-H volunteer, send or drop off your application forms at the OSU Extension office in Hood River County (see address below).

Application form for Volunteers (in English): Please complete this form and return it to your local Extension Office in order to apply to volunteer with 4-H. (You'll need to have your application approved BEFORE enrolling through 4-H Online)

Step 2: Enroll yearly

After your application has been approved, fill out enrollment forms. All volunteers need to complete enrollment forms each year.

Print enrollment forms

Send or drop off your forms at the OSU Extension office in Hood River County (see address below).

ENROLL ONLINE:

Step by Step Guide to enrolling online

Paying for your enrollment online

Enroll as a volunteer through 4-H Online (in English): Online version
Printable (Imprimible) Volunteer Enrollment Packet (22/23) (en español) (in English): En Español
Printable Volunteer Enrollment Packet (22/23) (in English): English version | If you are unable to enroll through 4-H online, you can print this packet and return it to your Extension Office instead.

Criminal history check release form (from OSU HR): English and Spanish versions available. Include when submitting enrollment forms.

Training resources

Resources for 4-H volunteers:

General 4-H volunteer training resources (in English): From OSU 4-H
Seeds of Success: 4-H Volunteer Training and Activity Guide (in English): January 2024. Developed by J. Gandy, C. Janssen, M. Anderson, and W. Davis. Use for Youth Program Volunteer trainings
USDA 4-H Volunteer Resources (in English): About 4-H and positive youth development, etc.
Youth program quality principles in 4-H clubs (in English): For volunteers working in 4-H clubs

A letter of thanks. For some people, volunteering is about giving. For 4-H volunteers, it's a way of living.

4-H volunteers, thank you for everything you do!

Credit: UC ANR