All adults working with youth as 4-H volunteers for more than 8 hours/year are required to be certified by the Extension office.  Volunteers become certified through the following three-step process:

Three-step Volunteer Certification Process 

1. Volunteer Application Process

• Submit a “Volunteer Application” form (to the appropriate county extension office)

• Two references checks
• Supplemental Volunteer Application Form* (Please use the following account number 5400983-60000-x-12-x-5600000 in the top right corner of the form where it asks for the “accounting ID”. If you need a printed copy of this form, please contact your local county office) For prospective 4-H volunteers who work in Maine school systems, you are required by the Maine Department of Education to have a background check.  In lieu of a background check through the University of Maine’s Office of Human Resources, potential volunteers can provide a copy of the certificate validating a background check has been performed in the last five years.  Please provide this certificate to your local county extension office when you turn in your volunteer application.
• Interview with 4-H staff member

2.  Volunteer Training (VOLT) we offer two training options for new 4-H Volunteers, on-line or in-person. You can choose the training method that suits you best.

On-line training- Maine 4-H wants to meet the needs of today’s volunteer.  If your schedule is hectic, you can take advantage of our new on-line training.  Work through four modules, lasting approximately 30 minutes each, at your own pace whenever it’s convenient for you. As you finish each module, complete the quiz and print off your certificate. After completing all four online modules, contact your local county Extension office to learn about additional training for your county 4-H program. Click on the link below to register and receive your password for the online 4-H Training.

New! Register Here for E-Learning

OR

In-person training: Join us for an in-person volunteer training full of hands-on activities and opportunities to network with other new volunteers. Contact your local Extension office to sign up for an in-person volunteer training.

3. Volunteer Enrollment

Once you have completed the application and training process, you will be asked to submit a 4-H Volunteer Enrollment form.

*Note:  All forms are submitted to the County Extension office with the exception of the Supplemental Volunteer Application Form. Please send that form directly to Orono at the following address:

Staffing and Temporary Services
University of Maine
5717 Corbett Hall, Room 234
Orono, ME 04469-5717

Upon successful completion of these three steps the volunteer is certified by the County Extension office.  In subsequent years, the certified volunteer needs only submit a 4-H Volunteer re-enrollment form annually.  Some periodic additional training may be required of all volunteers.  Advisors to Independent 4-H members are also required to be certified as 4-H Leaders, unless they are the parent/guardian of the 4-H youth and then the 4-H volunteer certification is optional, but encouraged. 

Revised 1/14/2010

For more information on educational programs in your area, contact your county Extension office.