Learn about becoming a volunteer leader
- 4-H Volunteer Recruitment and Screening Procedure (PDF)
- What does an organizational leader do? (PDF)
- What does a project leader do? (PDF)
- What is a 4-H SET Volunteer Leader? (PDF)
- Volunteer Application (PDF) (revised May 2023)
- Policy Guide for 4-H Volunteers and Staff (PDF) (revised 8/2024)
- 4-H Leaders' Digest (PDF)
Policies and Operations
COVID-19 Planning Documents
Financial Management
- Treasure's Book - Fillable (PDF) (June 2023)
- Vermont Sales Tax Exemption (PDF)
- Steps to Opening a Bank Account (PDF) (October 2022)
- Missing Receipt Form (PDF)
- 4-H Financial Reporting - Online Form
- 4-H Financial Reporting (PDF)
- For Shooting Sports Only
Forms and Factsheets
For project information, such as books and forms, visit our projects page.
Club Meetings
- Club Constitution & Bylaws (PDF)
- Club Guidelines (PDF)
- Club Monthly Meeting Report Form (PDF)
- Club Officers Handbook (PDF)
- Secretary's Record (PDF)
- Virtual Meetings Best Practices (PDF)
Enrollment
Competition Requirements
- Code of Conduct Infraction (PDF) for adult or youth
- Dress Code (PDF)
- Lyric Checklist (PDF)
Health
Risk Management
- UVM Extension Risk Management Plan for Youth and Family Events (PDF) (Dec. 2023)
- Certificate of Insurance (COI) Request Online Form (preferred request process, from UVM Risk Management)
- Directions for UVM's online DMV form (PDF))
- Incident Report Form (PDF) (University of Vermont Risk Management website)
- Facilities Use Agreement (PDF)
- American Income Life Insurance
- Snapshot of AIL Coverage (PDF)
- Application for Extension Group Annual Accident Coverage (PDF)
- Annual Policy Information Flyer (PDF)
- Special Activities Coverage Activity Report
- Special Activities Coverage Brochure (PDF)
Name and Emblem
The 4-H Name and Emblem are protected under federal statute Title 18, U.S. Code 707. This provides the 4-H Name and Emblem with the level of protection afforded other Federal marks, such as the Seal of the President of the United States. The 4-H Name and Emblem is intended to represent the ideals of the program with its focus on serving the educational needs and interests of 4-H youth.
The Vermont 4-H Program Leader can grant Vermont businesses with a one time use to use the name and emblem on behalf of 4-H clubs or 4-H committees who wish to get the clover printed on jackets, shirts, banners or other items. Please email sarah.kleinman@uvm.edu at least 30 days before desired receipt of items, with the name of the 4-H entity (club or committee), business name and contact information you wish to use, and items wishing to be purchased/desired design.
Please note that the 4-H Mall is equipped to print your unique club or committee name on their merchandise as well.
Specific information, including a list of businesses already approved to use the name and emblem, application to apply for national authorization to use the name and emblem, as well as a general factsheet can be found at USDA Youth Development & 4-H.
High and low resolution 4-H clover emblems are available for download at University of Florida Cooperative Extension. Remember to use "high" resolution for printed materials and "low" resolution for web.
Project Management
- ADA Factsheet (PDF)
- 4-H Award System & Rules (PDF) and 4-H Award Application (PDF) -- Description of recognition levels, recordkeeping, eligible project areas for recognition.
- Group Enrollment Form (PDF)
- Paths to Inclusion (Wisconsin 4-H) - The "Paths to Inclusion" guide is a resource guide for fully including youth of all abilities in community life. It is designed to help you increase opportunities for disabled youth.
Training Resources
4-H Positive Youth Development Modules & Child Protection Training
The following are two areas of trainings that all 4-H volunteers are required to complete. At the bottom of this section you will find the link to directions on how to access the both sections of training.
- Positive Youth Development Modules - As a 4-H volunteer it is important that you know the basics of positive youth development. These 4 modules each take about 10 minutes to complete and cover everything from your role as a volunteer to helping young people learn by doing in safe and inclusive environments.
- Child Protection Training - All 4-H Volunteers must complete child protection training per UVM’s “Protecting Minors” Policy. There are two modules, "Child Protection" Parts I and II", and each one takes 15 minutes to complete.
A word about technology… We highly recommend using a laptop or tablet to access these trainings. The learning modules were developed with these technologies in mind and are therefore not well suited to mobile devices, like phones. If this is an issue, please contact your local 4-H staff member to make an appointment at the Extension office to complete the orientation on a computer. You may also look into computer availability at your local library.
Time Required to Complete Orientation
Completion of all modules within the orientation takes just over an hour to complete. You may begin the modules and come back to finish them later at your convenience.
Completion of Trainings and Certificates
Upon completion of modules, claim your certificate of completion. Please be sure to download these so that you can save them for your files and send a copy to your 4-H staff or educator overseeing your application process. You should also receive a copy of your certificate in your email.
Leader Training Series
The University of Vermont 4-H Leader Training Series has been developed to assist volunteer 4-H leaders who are starting new 4-H clubs or who may be working with current club members. This resource manual for 4-H leaders includes forms and guidelines specific to Vermont 4-H.