If you know of adults interested in working with your club or in starting a club of their own, you will want to guide them through the Ohio 4-H Volunteer Process. The Ohio State University Extension does not recognize “parent or adult helpers” as approved volunteers in the organization. All individuals who are interested in volunteering through OSU Extension and working with a member of a vulnerable population (minors, elderly or age 65 & up, or individuals with disabilities) must adhere to the selection procedures.

An individual interested in becoming an advisor must complete all of the following steps:

• Acquire a 4-H Volunteer Application packet from the Extension office or at ross.osu.edu
• Read all the information, including: OSU-E Volunteer Policy & Process Explanation Letter from the State 4-H Youth Development Office AND the Ross County 4-H Volunteer Job Description.
• Complete, sign, and submit the following 2 forms in their entirety to our office as soon as possible (Note: no later than February 1 in order to be considered for the current program year.)
• The OSU-E Volunteer Application Form
• The  OSUR-E Volunteer Standards of Behavior (keep one copy for yourself)
• Submit and successfully pass a Criminal Fingerprint Background Web Check
  (Our website has a link for locations, contact numbers, etc. where this can be performed. The cost of the background check is the responsibility of the potential volunteer.)
• Participate in a Personal Interview with the County Extension Educator and/or a team of 4-H volunteers.  The Extension office will arrange the interview with you.
• Attend a 4-H Volunteer Orientation within 6 months of official approval as an advisor.