Volunteer Corner
February 2021
4-H Online is open for re-enrollment, please sign up as soon as possible, by clicking HERE.
To re-enroll, a 4-H family must log in to their existing 4-H Online profile. Reminder DO NOT create a new family or member profile.
As in 2020, Volunteer enrollment is a two-step process. Volunteers must complete BOTH:
Registration section of the enrollment, that collects information about the individual’s participation, AND
Screening section of the enrollment, that collects information relevant to the individual’s suitability to continue their Volunteer service.
If you have any questions or need assistance please contact Amy Simmons at simmons@umd.edu.
ALL volunteers must be enrolled by March 1, AND/OR before working with any youth.
UME Volunteer Background Policy
As a 4-H volunteer, you will be required to have a commercial criminal background check completed in order to continue in your volunteer role for 2021. As Dr. Hanson stated in his letter, “A commercial criminal background check is a standard in the majority of volunteer programs across the nation and are not designed nor intended to disrespect or to imply mistrust in our volunteers”. This background check policy is structured into several tiers depending upon your role as a volunteer. Different tiers require different levels of background checks. Please see the attached Frequently Asked Questions sheet to review the tiers. The majority of 4-H volunteers within the Washington County 4-H Program will fall into Tier 2. This tier requires a commercial criminal background check that will cost you $15.
This background check will only need to be completed once every three years. The commercial criminal background check is available online and more information on how to initiate and complete the process will be forthcoming. New volunteers will start the process on February 15 and current volunteers will begin the process on March 15, but in a staggered process.
There have been some questions raised about this new policy; and we have been asked to share the attached documents to further answer any questions:
1) Letter from the Assistant Director of Operations for UME
2) Letter from the Vice President of Sterling Volunteers, the group that will be conducting most background checks
3) Chart showing our volunteer tiers - this item was sent in the previous email
In addition you will also find below the original letter from Dr. Hanson as well as the FAQ.
As promised, the UME Volunteer Background Policy Implementation informational video is ready for your viewing. Click on the link below to watch it:
Volunteer Refresher Training
Have you been a volunteer for 5 years or more? If so, you will need to complete the Volunteer Refresher Training as a part of your re-enrollment process for 2021. This 45-minute video training is available on the Volunteer Training website and designed to “refresh” your knowledge. Be sure to answer all of the questions for the completion survey and submit to get credit for your completion.
If this pertains to you, Ashley will be in contact via email within the next week for further directions on how to complete this.
Maryland 4-H Volunteers’ Association & Maryland 4-H Volunteer Specialist Office Hours:
February 24th from 7:00-8:30 pm.
This month’s topic is: Zoom Host Practice which will allow participants to join in and practice the zoom features highlighted in the January 2021 Volunteers’ Association meeting program. This session will allow participants to try their hand at hosting and will cover the following topics at the following times:
- 7-7:15 Welcome and changing participant's names
- 7:15-7:30 Profile pictures
- 7:30-7:45 Searching for attendees, reactions, and emojis
- 7:45-8 Whiteboard
- 8-8:15 Polling
- 8:15-8:30 Breakout rooms
Registration is required: Register in advance for this meeting: https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAodOChpjMoGdT_B7WsFyhsTeIJ0MgR8-TW
Our State office has been working hard to write and review the handbook to align with the Maryland 4-H Orientation information and resources. You will NOW be able to find the handbook on the Volunteer Resource page of the state website or download in the attached file below.
This document is a great resource for new volunteers, as well as volunteers who have served for many years!
Website
Washington County 4-H Team
4-H Educator
Amy Simmons
Administrative Assistant
University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class
Email: simmons@umd.edu
Website: http://extension.umd.edu/washington-county/4-h-youth
Location: 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD, United States
Phone: (301) 791-1404
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/105405106162746/?ref=bookmarks