MSU Extension Become a 4-H Volunteer

Interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer but have some questions of your own? Check out the FAQs below to learn more:

• What are the steps to becoming a 4-H volunteer?
• What does a volunteer need to do?
• How much time does it take to be a 4-H volunteer?
• What if I don’t know all the answers? Are there resources to help?

What are the steps to becoming a 4-H volunteer?

To become a 4-H volunteer, we recommend you:

1. Contact the MSU Extension office in the county where you want to volunteer
2. Visit MSU Extension Volunteer Central to submit an application.

A 4-H program coordinator will follow up with you about volunteering and the application process found on MSU Extension Volunteer Central. Because safety is our No. 1 priority, we are committed to a thorough Volunteer Selection Process that can include an application, national and state background checks, references, an interview and online training modules. There is no charge to you as a volunteer for these background checks or the selection process.

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What does a volunteer need to do?

A potential volunteer must:

• Complete the MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process
• Follow all program policies and procedures
• Not falsify information in the course of the screening process
• Adhere to the MSU Extension Code of Conduct 

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How much time does it take to be a 4-H volunteer?

You can dedicate as much or as little time as you’d like to volunteer with 4-H: an hour, a week, a month or a year! Because there are so many options for giving your time—chaperone a 4-H event, lead a club, offer a professional skills training, help at the fair, take kids to a 4-H workshop, become a mentor – there are many ways to volunteer. No matter your availability, there’s a 4-H volunteer opportunity waiting for you!

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What if I don’t know all the answers? Are there resources to help?

4-H volunteers are trained and supported by knowledgeable MSU Extension professionals who are there to help them every step of the way. Volunteers also have access to a variety of MSU Extension resources, including instructive workshops, educational curricula, ready-to-use activities and content experts, all of which enable and prepare volunteers to make an impact on youth across the state. No matter the topic, you’ll get the help you need to answer whatever question is thrown your way.

You can also check out the state 4-H volunteer training events.

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