| Policies and Guidelines |
Maine 4-H Program |
The following 4-H volunteers must complete the 4-H Youth Development Volunteer Application process:
Those who have more than eight (8) hours of contact in a leadership or advisory role with 4-H members per year;
All drivers and chaperones at 4-H events;
All members of the Maine 4-H Animal Science Committees.
These volunteers must complete:
Complete a volunteer application word PDF. Applications are also available by contacting a local county extension office.
Successfully complete a State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) background check conducted by University of Maine Human Resources. This form is available by contacting a local county extension office. [See Section B.1.4, Volunteer Background Checks]
Interview and be approved by county 4-H staff and/or a county volunteer screening committee.
Submit the names of at least two references.
Sign the "Maine 4-H Youth Development Program Adult Standards of Behavior" form Word PDF.
Complete the required 4-H volunteer training for their specific volunteer responsibilities. (VOLT training certificates are available to county staff through the state office.)
Enroll each year as a 4-H volunteer.
The Maine 4-H Youth Development Volunteer Application, in addition to completion of the form, consists of the following:
reference checks that may extend beyond the persons listed on the application. On the application, the applicant's permission is requested to extend the reference check to other persons suggested to us in the course of contacting the given references. Occasionally, the office also may receive unsolicited information about an applicant. All information received is evaluated in the selection process on the basis of the 4-H Standards of Behavior;
an interview with 4-H staff.
Other adults who support the 4-H program do not complete an application form. The interaction of these individuals should be under the direction of enrolled, certified volunteers. The enrolled 4-H volunteer is offered protection by the University of Maine’s liability insurance policy (see Section A.1.5). The Good Samaritan Law and the Volunteer Protection Act may provide protection for other volunteers.
Volunteer applications may be declined based on information received in the application process. Prior to making the decision to decline an application, the 4-H staff member should consult with the 4-H Program Administrator.
3/20/07