How to Apply

How to Apply: I'm ready to volunteer! What do I do?

1. Decide that you have the time and interest to help youth explore and chart positive futures.
2. Consider volunteering in your community for youth who need positive, committed adults as role models.
3. Contact your regional Massachusetts 4-H office to find out about local opportunities.
4. Download the General or Board Volunteer Application forms or Request the applications and submit the information to the regional Educator.
5. Meet your regional Educator and authorize UMass to conduct a Criminal Offender Records Information (CORI) check on yourself so that you can be legally cleared in Massachusetts to volunteer in youth programs.
6. Successfully complete the volunteer application process.
7. Complete your orientation and meet other volunteer leaders in your area.

You're ready to share your time and talents, have fun with young people and make a positive difference in their lives!

How do I get started?

1. Request and/or submit a GENERAL OR BOARD 4-H volunteer application packet.
2. Complete a CORI AUTHORIZATION FORM sent by the regional Educator.
3. Submit the CORI AUTHORIZATION FORM to the regional Educator to begin the volunteer screening process.
4. If you have experienced identity theft and now have a criminal record falsely associated with your name, you will need to apply for a identity theft pin number from the Criminal History Systems Board. Go to How to Establish Yourself as the Victim of Identity Theft for Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Purposes for required steps.
5. The regional Educator will let you know when you are approved; volunteers attend an orientation session.
6. Work with the Educator to select the age range and number of members as well as when, where, and how often the group will meet.
7. Determine which 4-H project(s) you would like to do, gain resources from the Educator if needed, schedule a meeting with your youth members and parents, and get started!