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*Note that Leaders' Screening is now
only available on-line. Leaders requiring screening will receive an email with
instructions how to complete the necessary steps once their club's registration
has been approved. If you require screening and have not received an email please call the Provincial Registrar at 780-422-4444.
The Alberta 4-H Leader Application process is designed to protect both our members and our leaders. We want to ensure that 4-H continues to provide a safe environment for young people to learn and grow.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Volunteer 4-H Leader. As part of the 4-H leader screening program, all new and re-certifying leaders must undergo a criminal record check. This process is to ensure that you, and the 4-H youth you are working with, are protected.
Click here to download the Criminal Record Check Information Letter (download to your computer, type in the information, the letter can then be saved/printed)
Take the above letter and proper identification, such as a driver’s license and birth certificate, to your local RCMP or city police. (You should call ahead to confirm the procedure at your detachment.) Please ensure your detachment includes a vulnerable sector check when providing you your results.results.
You might have to pay a fee for the record check, although most police detachments do not charge volunteers. You may also be asked to submit your fingerprints in order to complete the record check. Fingerprinting may occur due to the fact that you have the same birth date and or name as a convicted criminal- this is to identify you.
The results of the criminal record check will be given or mailed to you. Remember, in addition to obtaining a criminal record check, you must complete all of the on line leader screening steps (as outlined below) by December 15.
Current leaders must re-certify every 5 years. New leaders remain on non-certified status until their application is approved by the Provincial Screening Committee and they have completed Level One Leader Training. Non-certified leaders must always have another leader or parent with them when they are working with 4-H members, until they have been successfully screened. Remember you will be notified if you require screening and when you have been successfully screened.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Alberta 4-H!
By becoming a 4-H Leader, you are becoming part of group of
individuals who have collaborated for over 90 years to help create
what many believe to be the most effective program around for
creating bright futures for Alberta youth. We know that the continued
success of 4-H depends on our volunteers.
For more information please contact:
Leader Application Hotline at 1-877-682-AB4H (2244).
Leader Screening Steps
For New Leaders and Current Leaders Becoming Recertified
Once you have been registered by your club as a leader, or have been a leader for four years with 4-H Alberta, you will receive an email notification that you need to be screened, simply click on the link and follow the steps provided. Obtaining your criminal record check may take a while. Please download the information letter above if you wish to get a head start on the process.
To become fully screened you will also have to complete Level One Leader Traing one of three ways:
- Level One Leader Training Workshop – presented by your 4-H District. (Check with
your Key Leader for times and locations.)
- Level One Leader Training Session – presented at Alberta 4-H Leaders’ Conference
or any of the other Alberta Project Leader Training Events (BUD, PELF). Applications
are available online and in your Alberta 4-H Program Calendar.
- Individual Study of the 4-H Leaders’ Information Manual – an exam must be
completed and is available through your regional 4-H office or can be found
under Applications/Leader’s Quiz.
Question: Why do I have to apply to be a 4-H Leader?
Answer: The Alberta Leader application process has two goals:
- To protect 4-H members and leaders - we want to ensure that 4-H provides a safe environment for young people to learn and grow.
- To provide standardized training for leaders - to enhance their confidence and leadership skills.
Question: Who has to apply to be a 4-H Leader?
Answer: Key Leaders, all club related leaders (general, assistant, project), alumni who participate in 4-H events, all members of Regional or District Councils who attend 4-H events where 4-H members are present, and finally those who hold a position of trust (ie: a person with Club financial responsibilities) must apply to be a 4-H Leader. Parents who work with members on an ongoing basis should also be considered for screening; in addition to being screened, they will also receive recognition for their leadership work in addition to having access to Alberta 4-H leader opportunities.
Question: Why do 4-H Leaders have to be screened?
Answer: We cannot ignore the fact that there are people who are potential risks to 4-H members. If we do not have a screening program, then we are putting our members at unnecessary risk. The second purpose is to protect the good name and financial stability of the 4-H program. If an incident of abuse occurred, and 4-H did not have a screening procedure in place, then the entire program could be vulnerable.
Question: Will my personal information be kept confidential?
Answer: The Provincial Screening Coordinator and each member of the Provincial Screening Committee have signed an oath of confidentiality that all information will be kept private and only be used to make screening decisions. After the committee has finished its work, the documents are stored securely and remain under the control of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
Question: What happens if I do not complete the Leader Application or Leader Screening process?
Answer: If a 4-H volunteer has not been approved by the Alberta 4-H Screening Committee and continues to act as a volunteer, the membership will be notified of that fact that if the volunteer does not cease involvement immediately, the club will not be considered in good standing and will therefore be ineligible to receive support from higher 4-H entities.
Question: Do I have to re-certify every year?
Answer: No. Leaders are required to re-certify at the beginning of their 5th year of service, and every 5th year after that.
If you are an existing leader re-applying after 5 years of service, please accept our heartfelt thanks for your commitment to our youth. If you are a new leader, congratulations on taking this step to become a part of something truly outstanding!
Leaders Building Leaders
Youth are exposed to a world of infinite possibilities through 4-H. 4-H leaders help members with over 30 different projects ranging from business to photography and livestock to welding. But the projects are just a small part of what makes 4-H so effective. Member 4-H programs also contribute greatly to helping youth gain the skills and confidence needed to emerge as effective leaders and contributing members of society. With hundreds of clubs across Alberta, you can offer your help to 4-H no matter where you live.
If you have other questions about leader screening, please talk to your Key Leader or Regional 4-H Specialist.
For more information please call the Leader Application Hotline
at 1-877-682-AB4H (2244).
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