Volunteer with Virginia Cooperative Extension
In 2013, Virginia Cooperative Extension engaged almost 30,000 volunteers who provided more than 966,000 hours of volunteer service in the commonwealth. Extension offers several master volunteer programs that provide training opportunities in gardening and horticulture; food, nutrition, and safety; natural resources management; water supply systems; financial management; and energy conservation. More than 13,000 adult and youth volunteers served more than 185,000 youth ages 5 to 18 in hands-on educational programs designed to build leadership, citizenship, and life skills through Virginia 4-H. Each local Extension unit has unique volunteer opportunities.
"The tremendous difference Virginia Cooperative Extension has made in the lives of Virginians over the past 100 years has been due in large measure to the contributions of the many dedicated and tireless volunteers," said Edwin Jones, director of Virginia Cooperative Extension.
There are many ways you can get involved with us. Some of them are listed below. If you would like specific information on a particular volunteer opportunity, please contact the person listed. If you are interested in volunteering, but not sure in what way, contact your local Extension office. They will be happy to help you find a way to share your time and talents.
Virginia Master Gardeners are volunteer educators who work within their communities to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management education and training. If you have an interest in horticulture and like teaching and talking to the public, contact your local Extension office and ask about the Master Gardener program.
The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Interested Virginians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service. If you are interested in becoming a Master Naturalist, contact your local Extension office.
Master Food Volunteers help support Extension's family and consumer sciences agents through education and outreach efforts. These volunteers are involved in programs related to food preparation, nutrition, food safety, and physical activity.
Virginia Cooperative Extension's Family Nutrition Program helps income-eligible families and children develop the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthier lifestyle choices on a limited budget.
For more information on volunteer opportunities with FNP go to http://www.eatsmartmovemoreva.org/
The Master Financial Education Volunteer program focuses on helping families build their financial capacity through classes on topics such as managing money, planning for home ownership, getting out of debit, retirement planning, and preventing identity theft. The program also provides one-on-one mentoring.
Master Financial Education Volunteers receive a minimum of 20 hours of classroom instruction and, in return, commit to contribute an additional 40 hours of service to the in the 12 months following the training.
Volunteer educators partner with local Extension Agents to provide individual counseling sessions; assist at Reality Store, Kids Marketplace, and poverty simulations; teach money management workshops to youth; and lead adult financial management classes.
Contact:
Karen Munden, Unit Coordinator
Senior Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences
City of Virginia Beach
757-385-4769, kmunden@vt.edu
Crysti Hopkins,
Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences
Lousia County
540-967-2111, hcrysti2@vt.edu
4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H, the largest comprehensive youth development program in the nation, educates young people, ages 5 to 18, through a variety of experiential techniques that encourage hands-on, active learning.
Every 4-H program across Virginia benefits from the dedication and service of volunteers. If you are interested in contributing your time to help further the growth and development of youth in your community, please contact your local Extension office. If you are interested in serving 4-H at the state level, please contact Cathy Sutphin, associate director, 4-H youth development, at 540-231-1247, orcmsutph@vt.edu.
Empowering Communities Through Local Leadership
Extension Leadership Councils (ELCs) are vital partners in shaping impactful Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) programs. These volunteer councils connect VCE with diverse community voices, ensuring programs are relevant, inclusive, and effective. ELCs support Extension through relationship building, advocacy, and program advisement—helping new agents integrate into the community, promoting Extension’s value to stakeholders, and guiding program development.
Ready to make a difference in your community?
If you would like to volunteer on your local ELC contact your local office and help shape the future of Extension in your area.
Virginia Cooperative Extension's volunteers:
- Educate and engage the public
- Develop community through social connections
- Are prepared leaders
- Serve as knowledgeable and credible resources
- Advocate for Virginia Cooperative Extension
Opportunities in your community
If you'd like to get involved with Extension in your community, contact your county's local unit office for more information about what's available in your area.
Contact
For more information about Virginia Cooperative Extension’s volunteer efforts, contact:
Christina Ruszczyk-Murray
Associate Specialist, Volunteer Engagement
Learning and Organizational Development
Virginia Cooperative Extension
PO Box 65
King William Courthouse, VA 23086
crmurray@vt.edu