Volunteering with 4-H has benefits for the volunteers, the youth they work with, and the organization they support. According to over 2900 volunteers who participated in the North Central Volunteer Impact Study:

Volunteers gain skills. 4-H volunteers gain skills in teaching, leading effective meetings and developing communication skills.  Youth benefit because volunteers help youth:

• Prepare for future careers
• Improve their decision-making skills
• Serve their communities
• Gain leadership skills

The organization benefits:

• 4-H volunteers on average donate 9 hours per month
• Donate money and supplies
• Serve as ambassadors of 4-H in recruiting youth, volunteers and connecting with community partners

Volunteers impact communities where they volunteer by:

• Making communities stronger
• Connecting communities
• Improving the health of communities
• Increasing civic involvement

NC Volunteer Impact Study

North Central Volunteer Impact Study – WI Data

Anyone who is at least 18 years old by September 1 can apply to become Wisconsin 4-H volunteer as long as they are not enrolled as a high school student.

Individuals cannot be enrolled as both a Wisconsin 4-H member and a Wisconsin 4-H volunteer. Once accepted as a Wisconsin 4-H volunteer, the individual is no longer eligible for Wisconsin 4-H membership.

All 4-H programs and activities must be supervised by a staff member or an approved 4-H volunteer, 18 years of age or older, who has completed all the following steps:

• Step 1: Enroll in 4-H Online including agreeing to the Division of Extension Volunteer Behavior Expectations.
• Step 2: Complete Criminal Background Check* (information will be sent via email to all new potential volunteers once a person has enrolled)
• Step 3: Complete Volunteer Training Modules:
  • Module 1: Complete UW Madison Supporting You, Supporting Youth Training
  • Module 2: Complete UW System Mandated Reporter Training
  • Module 3: Complete Division of Extension Grow Green Training**
  • Module 4: Complete Division of Extension Building Safe Spaces Training
  • Module 5 (for chaperones only): Volunteers serving as a chaperone will need to also complete the Supporting Youth Mental Health Training

*A background records check for arrest and conviction records will be completed every two (2) years for continuing 4-H volunteer leaders.

**Returning volunteers who have been absent for one to two years need a background records check, signed Volunteer Behavior Expectations form, and Assumption of Risk but are not required to attend the orientation to be reinstated as a volunteer. Returning volunteers who have been absent for over four years need to repeat the entire Youth Protection process.

These expectations serve as a guide for behavior during volunteer service. You will need to acknowledge you have read,
understand, and agree to these expectations. If you have questions, contact Washington County 4-H Educator Ron Jakubisin.

As a Division of Extension volunteer, I agree to:

1. Conduct myself in a manner that is in the best interest of the Division of Extension and the program(s) for which I
   volunteer.
2. Work cooperatively with others, including Extension staff, volunteers, program participants, and community members, to
   further the mission of my volunteer program and the Division of Extension.
3. Accept supervision and guidance from Extension staff or designated management volunteers.
4. Treat all people with respect, use courteous manners and language, exhibit good sportsmanship, be a positive role model,
   and use effective conflict resolution skills.
5. Complete tasks, reports, and evaluations within the agreed upon timeframe. When I am not able to complete something
   within the agreed upon period, I will let staff or designated management volunteers know I am unable to do so.
6. Take part in orientation and training programs designed to help me deliver programs more effectively.
7. Use appropriate resources, including research-based information from the university, when delivering programs.
8. Support inclusion by making all reasonable efforts to ensure that programs are accessible to all individuals in the
   communities we serve.
9. Refrain from engaging in any form of abuse, harassment, neglect, or discrimination, and report anyone who engages in
   this type of behavior when involved in Extension programs to appropriate university and law enforcement authorities.
10. Abide by all University of Wisconsin-Madison and Division of Extension rules, regulations, and procedures (e.g.,
    youth/vulnerable populations protection policies) and with any federal, state, city, or other laws and rules that are
    applicable to the location where the activity is occurring. This includes USDA rules, policies, and guidelines.
11. Treat animals in a humane manner and teach program participants to provide appropriate animal care and management.
12. Refrain from consuming or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances while serving in the role of a Division
    of Extension volunteer and forbid youth participants under my supervision from doing so.
13. Refrain from conceal carry of firearms and/or weapons while serving in the role of a Division of Extension volunteer. I
    understand that if I am a 4-H Youth Development shooting sports volunteer, I am expected to openly carry/transport 4-H
    shooting sports equipment in designated areas.
14. Refrain from participating in any political campaign activity and expressing personal political views while serving in my
    volunteer role.
15. Refrain from using my volunteer position or title for my own private or personal gain (e.g., securing university contracts).
16. If approved to drive by UW-Madison as part of my volunteer role, I will operate all motor vehicles and other equipment in
    a safe and reliable manner and only with a valid operator’s license and the legally required insurance. I will comply with all
    motor vehicle-related state regulations and laws.
17. Self-report to my Division of Extension supervisor or other point of contact about any changes in my status (e.g. criminal
    arrest, charge or conviction history, driving privileges, etc.) in accordance with the UW-Madison Criminal background
    check policies and/or within 24 hours or at the earliest possible opportunity; also, I will inform Extension about any new
    criminal activity, arrests, or convictions that involve another Extension volunteer or staff member within 48 hours of
    learning about the situation.

I have read, understand, and agree to abide by these expectations for volunteers. I understand that suspension or termination of my position as a volunteer may result if I do not meet these expectations.