Become a 4-H Volunteer

Step 1: Complete an application

The application process helps match volunteers with opportunities that fit their skills and interests. Each county manages its own process, which may include a written application, interview, and reference check.

  • Request information about 4-H volunteer opportunities in your area. A representative from your local 4-H program will contact you to guide you through the next steps.
  • Volunteers in Apache, Cochise, and Gila counties can complete a 4-H Volunteer Application.

Do not continue with any of the steps outlined below until someone from your local 4-H program has contacted you. 
 

Step 2: Complete the online 4-H Volunteer Enrollment Form

A county 4-H representative will send you a link to complete your application. After submitting the application, you’ll receive an email confirming your submission and asking you to upload a copy of your driver’s license or government-issued ID. The same email will also outline your next steps, including how to register as a Designated Campus Colleague (DCC).

Step 3: Register as a Designated Campus Colleague

The Designated Campus Colleague (DCC) relationship is the official agreement between a 4-H volunteer and the University of Arizona. Through this relationship, the university provides important guidelines and training to support volunteers in their roles. Volunteers, in turn, create opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities. 4-H youth are encouraged to discover their strengths, explore their communities, and develop the skills they need to create positive change in their lives and beyond.

The legal relationship says that volunteers will follow university guidelines and that the university will back the volunteer's efforts with guidance and legal support.  Additionally, active DCC status provides access to university resources such as email, Google apps, and Zoom.

Becoming a DCC

The Cooperative Extension State Office will add your information to UAccess, the university's workforce database. Once added, you'll receive emails from employeeselfservice@arizona.edu.

  • New volunteers will receive three emails while returning volunteers with an existing UA NetID will receive two emails.
  • Check your spam, junk and unwanted folders if you don't receive the emails.
  • Contact your local 4-H office if you haven't received the emails. Links within the emails expire within 30 days.

Emails from employeeselfservice@arizona.edu outline important steps, including how to:

Step 4: Background checks

Why background checks are important

All regular 4-H volunteers are required to complete a name-based background check. Like you, we care that 4-H youth are safe, parents and communities have confidence in the program, and other volunteers know that their colleagues are working together to protect youth.

Completing your background check

The standard background check for Cooperative Extension is a name-based background check, which may include a motor vehicle record check if driving is required for your volunteer role.

After completing steps 1-3 above, look for an email from applicationstation@truescreen.com that prompts you to go to the ApplicationStation website and create an account. 

  • After creating an account, Login to the Application Station website.
  • Follow instructions on the site on providing the information needed to complete a name-based background check.
  • You'll receive an email confirming you have cleared the background check. Forward this information to your local 4-H program contact.

Do not proceed to the next steps until you have cleared the name-based background check.

Step 5: Create a ZSuite profile

ZSuite allows leaders to track their own records, track membership of the club, send emails to club members and the parents of club members, monitor project status, and view project books.  Trainings for such things as equine helmet safety are available in ZSuite.  County staff maintain records of volunteer credentials in this database.  Youth can enter information and generate project books in this database.

Step 6: Complete the Preventing Harassment & Discrimination Training

All members of the university community are expected to complete a training every two years. Changes in duties may require more frequent completion. This training helps maintain equitable and legally mandated opportunities for all residents of Arizona by teaching volunteers, staff, and students to:

  • Recognize behaviors such as implicit bias, discrimination, and harassment, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, gender discrimination, and stalking.
  • Develop skills to encourage respect and civility, foster positive and productive workplaces, and build a strong organizational culture.

For additional information, refer to the university's Institutional Equity Policy and Procedures. 

Training options

Someone from your county 4-H program will select the right training path for you.

  • EDGE Learning: Use your NetID and password to log into EDGE Learning (a video overview of the process is available). After completing the training, print or save a PDF of your completion certificate and email it to your county coordinator.
  • ZSuite: Complete the assigned training as directed by your county coordinator. This may occur during orientation.

Step 7: Complete Youth Safety Training (Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting Certification)

Every university volunteer and staff member should complete this training every year to stay current on Arizona laws, university policy and best practices. This training covers:

  • Arizona laws on abuse and neglect and legal responsibilities if a 4-H leader observes potential signs.
  • How to recognize signs that a youth may be at risk.
  • How to identify behaviors that could indicate another adult is grooming a youth for an inappropriate relationship.
  • Best practices for supporting endangered youth

Learn more about the university's youth safety efforts.

Cooperative Extension requires an additional step in the reporting process as outlined in the training.  If a volunteer recognizes signs of abuse, neglect, or grooming, the information should be reported to local law enforcement (city, county, or tribal) as well as to their county office and the University of Arizona Youth Safety office. Learn more about these additional steps.

Training options

Someone from your county 4-H program will select the right training path for you.

  • EDGE Learning: Use your NetID and password to log into EDGE Learning (a video overview of the process is available). After completing the training, print or save a PDF of your completion certificate and email it to your county coordinator.
  • ZSuite: Complete the assigned training as directed by your county coordinator. This may occur during orientation.

Step 8: Complete the 4-H Orientation

The 4-H Orientation helps volunteers understand the guiding principles of the 4-H program, the foundation of positive youth development, and the expectations for volunteer leaders. The full orientation, required by the Western Region 4-H program, is being updated and will be available to all volunteers and parents through ZSuite.

At this time, an overview of the 4-H Program is available on ZSuite through the Clover Academy.