Ohio 4-H Volunteer Information - Welcome

Let me take this opportunity to thank you for expressing an interest in becoming an Ohio 4-H volunteer. Last year, over 36,000 adult and teen volunteers contributed time, energies and talents that enabled Ohio 4-H to reach over 214,000 youth. These volunteer contributions were valued at over $36 million and were critical in helping Ohio 4-H fulfill its mission of helping youth become caring, capable and contributing citizens.

So as to more efficiently and effectively support our Ohio 4-H members, parents, volunteers and professionals, we have implemented a new policy concerning an individual's involvement as an Ohio 4-H volunteer. Effective as of January 7, 1992, this policy is designed to:

(1) support and encourage a positive experience for all youth, parents, volunteers and professionals who are involved in Ohio 4-H programs;
(2) increase our organizational effectiveness in communicating with 4-H members, parents, volunteers and professionals; and
(3) improve our organizational accountability to university, government and private organizations and agencies who provide the resources necessary to conduct Ohio 4-H programs.

Ohio State University Extension requires that each potential adult and youth volunteer who would work directly with Ohio 4-H members on a regular basis (1) complete the Ohio 4-H Volunteer Application Form and Interest Checklist that provide basic information about themselves for purposes of identification and accountability, (2) become familiar with the O.S.U. Extension Youth Protection Policy, and (3) read and sign the O.S.U. Extension (or Ohio 4-H) Volunteer Standards of Behavior. Additionally, the County Extension Office may require an interview with you, solicit personal references by telephone or mail, and/or run a background check.

Please note that this information may be updated periodically and will be handled confidentially and kept in a secured file cabinet accessible only to trained Extension staff. This information will be kept on file for a minimum of three years following the receipt of your Application or the termination of your involvement as an Ohio 4-H volunteer (whichever is longest). This information will be made accessible to the individual within 24 hours of the receipt of a written request by that individual. The release of this information to other groups or individuals should be handled as outlined in The Ohio State University Operating Manual, Number 1.20, Section C, Items 4 and 5; a copy of this document should be made available to an individual upon request.

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to potentially working with you as we continue "To Make The Best Better" for Ohio's youth.