Adult volunteers are essential to the 4-H program. Volunteers put 4-H’s researched-based, learn-by-doing model in action. They help youth learn and practice skills such as problem solving, decision making, and communicating – skills crucial for their success in school, careers, and communities. There are over 250 adult volunteers that have fun while making a positive impact on the youth in Ozaukee County. Would you like to join them?

Volunteers contribute their time in a variety of ways- sharing a specific skill as a project leader (like for woodworking or cake decorating), providing support to youth camp counselors at camp, and much more. Review the wide variety of project areas Ozaukee County 4-H offers to see if there is a skill set you have that you’d like to teach to youth. Contact the Extension Ozaukee County office at 262-284-8288 to inquire about the many opportunities available.

Steps to Become an Adult Volunteer

4-H is proud of being a proactive, youth-serving organization with an excellent reputation for providing a healthy and safe environment for its members. The volunteer orientation process assures the quality of the program.

To become a NEW 4-H Adult Volunteer Leader, we need you to complete the following steps:

You can find an overview of all required 4-H Volunteer trainings here.

1. Enroll in Ozaukee County 4-H Youth Development through 4HOnline
   • Follow these instructions for enrolling for first time volunteers. (returning volunteers should use their existing account.)
   • As part of your online enrollment, you will be asked to agree to the UW-Madison Division of Extension Volunteer Behavior Expectation form and an Assumption of Risk Document. These must be completed by all adults who wish to volunteer with Extension Ozaukee County.
2. Complete the Grow Green Training through the website: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/resources/volunteer-resources/training-for-volunteers/grow-green/
   • This online training is required once for all new volunteers. It is a self-paced course.
   • (Note: This training is new in January 2024 and replaces the previous Volunteers in Prep (VIP) training.)
   • Takes about 45 minutes to complete – online (minimum of 2 modules)
3. Complete the online Mandated Reporter Training through 4HOnline      
   • Takes about 30-45 minutes
   • It provides valuable information about how to recognize signs of child abuse and will provide the basis for some conversation at the VIP training
   • The training can be accessed through 4HOnline.
   • Required at start of volunteer service, no refresher required.
4. Complete the Supporting You, Supporting Youth Training through the website: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/resources/volunteer-resources/training-for-volunteers/supporting-you-supporting-youth/
   • Takes about 10-15 minutes to complete – online. This is a self-paced course.
   • Required training annually
5. Complete the Building Safe Spaces Training through the website: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/resources/volunteer-resources/training-for-volunteers/building-safe-spaces/
   • Takes about 40-45 minutes to complete – online (4 modules). This is a self-paced course.
   • Required to take initial training, then refresher every 2 years

6. Pass a national criminal background check

• In accordance with UW Regent and UW-Madison Division of Extension policy, we are required to conduct a national criminal background check for employees and volunteers holding a “position of trust with access to vulnerable populations” upon initial enrollment and every two or four years (depending on your volunteer role with 4-H).
• You will receive an email from Hire Right to request information from you to conduct a background check.
  • Hire Right is the vendor chosen to do the criminal background checks for UW-Extension employees and volunteers.
  • The background checks are done on a national and state level.
• Please check your junk email folder periodically.
• Please be assured the Hire Right website is a secure, encrypted site.
• Please respond within 5 days to the request from Hire Right.

Once the above steps have been completed, you will receive communication notifying you of your approved Extension 4-H volunteer status. Note: You may have to participate in ongoing virtual and/or in-person trainings based on your volunteer role and interests.