“Short-Term Volunteers” are individuals who offer to volunteer at a UMass Extension 4-H event without having completed the UMass Extension 4-H volunteer application and screening requirements. For those individuals whose UMass Extension 4-H screening status can be verified as current, this process is not necessary.
Short-Term volunteering is for 1 – 2 days at a 4-H event or program.
For a person to be accepted as a Short-Term Volunteer, the following conditions must be satisfied: Reach out to the local 4-H Educator for opportunities in your area and for application.
The Short-Term Volunteer must complete, sign, and submit the following:
- The UMass Extension 4-H Short-Term Volunteer Application Form
- The UMass Extension 4-H Volunteer Code of Conduct Form
- Any other form applicable to their specific volunteer role (i.e., conflict of interest form, etc.) NOTE: If the individual is under 18 years of age, his/her parent or legal guardian must also sign the forms.
- The Short-Term Volunteer must produce a photo ID to the UMass Extension Educator so identity can be verified.
- The assigning individual (4-H Educator or staff member) must pair the Short-Term Volunteer with a pre-registered volunteer who has successfully completed the UMass Extension 4-H volunteer screening.
- The Short-Term Volunteer is to physically stay partnered with the screened 4-H volunteer at all times, throughout the entirety of their volunteer duty. Under no circumstances should the Short-Term Volunteer be working alone with minors.
- The screened 4-H volunteer must agree to be responsible to stay with the Short-Term Volunteer during the entirety of the volunteer shift.
- If the screened 4-H volunteer loses contact with the Short-Term Volunteer, the screened 4-H volunteer shall immediately notify the assigning individual (4-H Educator or the screened 4-H volunteer in charge of the event).
The Short-Term Volunteer should receive the same credentials, such as name badge and/or volunteer t-shirt, as other volunteers of the event. It is not necessary for the Short-Term Volunteer to have something that identifies them as a ‘Short-Term Volunteer’ specifically. UMass Extension 4-H recommends the Short-Term Volunteer turn in their identifying credentials, such as name badge as soon as their shift is over.
This is to prevent an unscreened volunteer gaining physical assess to minors (i.e., volunteers are often allowed entry into non-public places at the event). NOTE: This is a recommendation and not a requirement. Extension 4-H Educators are encouraged to use their discretion in this area. All completed forms shall be kept and filed at the local Extension 4-H office from which the event was generated.