Congratulations on becoming a volunteer with University of Illinois Extension! You have joined an amazing group of individuals dedicated to providing service to their communities and to youth and families across Illinois. Being an Illinois Extension volunteer brings rewards like no other opportunity, including helping youth and adults develop in positive and productive ways, broadening horticultural and environmental knowledge in enriching, relevant, and accessible ways, preserving natural resources, producing fresh produce for others, connecting with a social group, finding a sense of purpose, and so much more.

As a representative of University of Illinois, compliance with the Illinois Extension Code of Conduct as you complete your volunteer activities is vital to ensuring the integrity, respect, and dignity of our programs. Treating all with fairness and equity by opening access to Illinois Extension through inclusion and belonging is critical to your success as an Illinois Extension Volunteer. The Illinois Extension Volunteer Handbook is your resource as you engage with our audiences. Be sure to frequently connect and communicate with your Extension educator, program coordinator, county director, or volunteer liaison to optimize your experience as an Illinois Extension Volunteer.

Thank you for making the commitment to give freely of your talents, skills, knowledge, energy, and interests to offer others the ability to explore their curiosities, develop skills, and advance their understanding and passions. We look forward to your many years of volunteer service with University of Illinois Extension.

Volunteers are an integral part of programs and services that Illinois Extension delivers. 

As valued members of Illinois Extension programs, volunteers contribute skills, talents, and experiences to strengthen all aspects of an Extension program and support its mission. A volunteer is any person who gives time and expertise without expecting monetary compensation from University of Illinois.

Our work is always part of a larger picture. We must follow the policies and guidelines of our organization and respect those of our program partners and funders.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Develop leadership skills.
• Gain free educational opportunities.
• Build skills and experiences for future careers.
• Make new connections and explore unique networking opportunities.

Volunteers are valued members of University of Illinois’ Extension programs. Volunteers contribute their skills, talents, and experiences to strengthen all aspects of Extension programs and support our mission. The quality of Extension programs and safety of our participants and the people we work with require that the selection of volunteers be taken seriously, and that the organization works to recruit the best possible volunteers.

Regular Background Checks

Illinois Extension is dedicated to regularly screening current volunteers to ensure the safety and security of those we serve.

Steps to Become a Volunteer

• Application submission through the Gateway Volunteer System.
• Reference checks.
• Interview with Illinois Extension staff.
• Criminal History Check and Registered Sex Offender check through Sterling Volunteers
• Illinois Department of Children and Family Services – Child Abuse and Neglect System (CANTS) check.
• Illinois Extension Child Protection Training.
• Volunteer orientation/training.
• Additional steps or forms may be required by individual programs.

Background Screening and Form Requirements

Process or check	New Volunteers	Annually	Every 3 Years
Extension volunteer application through the Gateway Volunteer System	Yes	No	No
Three reference checks	Yes	No	No
Interview	Yes	No	No
Registered sex offender check	Yes	Yes	Yes
Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct (signature required)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Program Volunteer Agreement (signature required)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Extension Risk Waiver (signature required)	Yes	No	No
Talent Release Form (signature required)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Extension Child Protection Training Certificate	Yes	No	No
Background screening through Sterling Volunteers	Yes	No	Yes
Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) check through DCFS	Yes	No	Yes
Driver authorization for those who will be driving as part of their volunteer role* May not apply to all programs*	Yes	Yes	Yes
Volunteer continuing education	No	Yes	Yes
Reporting Volunteer hours: See specific requirement for Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists and 4-H	No	Yes	Yes
Emergency Medical Form	As needed	As needed	As needed

Background checks are a fundamental part of the volunteer screening process and ensure the safety and security of our volunteers, program participants, and the organization. As a general guideline, background checks are required for any individual who handles money or sensitive information or who directly interacts with vulnerable populations. Background checks are tracked through Extension’s volunteer management platform, Gateway.

Background Checks

The three main background checks are criminal record, child abuse and neglect, and registered sex offender.

Criminal Record

Frequency: Every 3 years

This volunteer-authorized background check includes a social security number trace, a Government Watchlist Search (OFAC), and a validated nationwide criminal search. Searches are performed by Sterling Volunteers. Sterling Volunteers offers volunteer screening services to nonprofits and volunteer programs and provides a secure online platform that allows volunteers to enter and control their information when ordering a background check.

Child Abuse and Neglect

Frequency: Every 3 years

This volunteer-authorized background check includes a search of the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS). Searches are performed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) through their secure online platform.

Registered Sex Offender

Frequency: Every year

This background check includes a search of the U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Registry (Dru Sjodin/NSOPW). Initial searches are performed by Sterling Volunteers; annual searches thereafter are performed by the Gateway system and verified by local Extension staff.

Direct Volunteer Roles

Direct Volunteer

A direct volunteer is an adult who meets the following criteria: 

• Is an approved and active Illinois Extension volunteer within the Gateway system
• Provides unpaid support through direct (in-person or digital) contact with Extension clientele
• Provides a learning experience for adults or youth within Extension
• This support may occur without the presence of another direct volunteer or Extension employee.

Required background checks: Criminal background, child abuse and neglect, and registered sex offender

Minor Direct Volunteer

A minor direct volunteer is an enrolled 4-H member ages 14 to 17 who meets the following criteria: 

• Is an approved and active Illinois Extension volunteer within the Gateway system, including the parent contact information
• Provides unpaid support through direct (in-person or digital) contact with Extension clientele
• This support must occur with another direct volunteer or Extension employee present.

Required background checks*: Criminal background, child abuse and neglect, and registered sex offender

*Parent or guardian permission is required through a Sterling Volunteers Minor Consent Form and DCFS authorization before obtaining background checks for volunteers ages 14 to 17.

Episodic Direct Volunteer

An episodic direct volunteer is an adult who meets the following criteria: 

• Provides unpaid support as a specific task for Extension programming for a single event
• This support must occur with another direct volunteer or Extension employee present
• Does not have supervisory or leadership duties in an Extension program

Required background check: Registered sex offender

Direct Volunteer Types

Common volunteer titles, descriptions, and roles are noted below for reference. If a title isn’t listed, contact the county director, volunteer relations associate, or program specialist for guidance.

 

Volunteer	Description	Role
Certified (Active) Master Gardener	Master Gardener Intern who has completed the required training in conjunction with a local Extension unit and the initial 40-hour volunteer service requirement, or a returning previously certified University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener.	Direct
Master Gardener Trainee	A program participant from the time they are accepted into the program through completion of the training	Direct
Master Gardener Intern	A program participant from the time they graduate from training with an average score of at least 80% on quizzes and exams through completing the initial 40 hours of volunteer service.	Direct
Certified (Active) Master Naturalist	A Master Naturalist Intern who has completed the required training in conjunction with a local extension unit and the initial 60-hour volunteer service requirement, or a returning previously certified University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist	Direct
Master Naturalist Trainee	A program participant from the time they are accepted into the program through completion of the Master Naturalist training	Direct
Master Naturalist Intern	A program participant from the time they graduate from the Master Naturalist training, with a minimum of 40 hours of Master Naturalist training through the completion of 60 hours of volunteer service	Direct
4-H General Volunteer	Adult who provides direct supervision to 4-H youth, handles 4-H club funds, or transports youth	Direct
4-H Club Leader	Adult who is responsible for the organizational functions of the club	Direct
4-H Substitute Club Leader	Adult who temporarily acts as the 4-H club leader	Direct
4-H Shooting Sports Leader	Adult who provides direct supervision to youth in shooting sports clubs	Direct
4-H Transportation Provider	Adult who provides transportation to a 4-H event that is coordinated by Extension or the club/group	Direct
Mentor of Independent 4-H Member	Adult mentoring an independent 4-H member	Direct
4-H Overnight Chaperone	Adult staying overnight as a chaperone for 4-H youth	Direct
4-H Camp Counselor	Cabin counselors who assist with the daily camp program and lead activities in their assigned program areas and are responsible for the health and well-being of the campers in their cabin	Direct
4-H Camp Volunteer	Provides volunteer service and interacts directly with youth campers, program staff and other participants at 4-H camp	Direct
4-H Livestock Superintendent	Adult who provides short-term service for a livestock event that may include weigh-ins, workshops, clinics, shows, farm visits/ownership checks, etc.	Direct
4-H Food Stand Committee Member	Adult who works with youth in food stands	Direct
4-H State Ambassador	An enrolled 4-H member age 18 and older who serves on a 4-H State Ambassador Team	Direct
4-H State Ambassador	An enrolled 4-H member ages 14-17 who serves on a 4-H State Ambassador Team	Minor Direct
4-H Sewing and Textile Project Judge or Superintendent	Adult who provides short-term service in sewing and textile projects for a fair or culminating event	Episodic Direct

Indirect Volunteers

An indirect volunteer is an individual who may provide unpaid assistance during programs, but the level of involvement doesn’t meet that of a direct volunteer. An indirect volunteer does not handle money or sensitive information or directly interact with vulnerable populations. Background checks are not required for indirect volunteers.

Examples of indirect volunteers include, but are not limited to:

• A parent accompanying a child or spouse to an event as an observer
• A parent providing transportation to an event that is NOT coordinated by Extension or the club/group
• An adult providing one-time or short-term service, such as a:
  • Speaker or workshop provider
  • Community garden participant
  • 4-H general project superintendent
  • 4-H general show, livestock, or state fair judge
• An Extension council board or committee member

Supporters

A supporter is an individual, business, or organization that contributes to Illinois Extension without serving in an official Illinois Extension volunteer role. Background checks are not required for supporters.

Examples of supporters include, but are not limited to:

• A board or committee member for a foundation, auction, or other affiliated 501(c)(3) organization 
• A donor, sponsor, or in-kind contributor
• A business or community partner supporting Extension initiative.

Volunteer Code of Conduct

Volunteers are key Illinois Extension partners, helping guide and deliver programs that matter to Illinois citizens. Extension depends on and expects all volunteers to understand and uphold the Illinois Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct at all times while serving as an Extension Volunteer.

The Illinois Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct is signed annually. It is expected that all University of Illinois Extension volunteers comply with the University of Illinois Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct. Failure to comply with any component of the Code or participation in other inappropriate conduct as determined by University of Illinois Extension representatives may lead to dismissal as a volunteer from the University of Illinois Extension Volunteer program.

Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct Forms

Risk Management

All Extension volunteers must be fully enrolled, and all background screening complete to be covered by Extension insurance policies.

Volunteer Liability Policy

Covers damages up to the policy limit that the insured person becomes legally obligated to pay. This policy covers adult volunteers for scheduled and supervised activities.

Volunteer Annual Accident Insurance

American Income Life Insurance covers accidents while participating in an Extension sponsored event.
*No coverage under any AIL policy for accident/injuries involving Medicare or Workers Compensation.

Volunteer Mailing Lists and Directories

Email/Mailing lists and volunteer directories shall not be furnished directly or indirectly to any other person, firm, association, or government agency. Volunteers may share their personal contact information with fellow volunteers at any time. Extension will not share or organize volunteer contact information in a volunteer directory without the written consent of the volunteer to be included.

Program Volunteer Agreements

Volunteer Agreements must be signed annually for each Extension program and include guidelines and policies specific to each program.

4-H Volunteers

Master Naturalist Volunteers

Master Gardener Volunteers

Master Gardener Volunteer Trainee/Interns

Extension Child Protection Training

All volunteers are required to complete online training per the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA) passed in 2012 that requires all higher education institutions to acknowledge their understanding of mandated reporting requirements should they witness or suspect abuse or neglect of a minor.

Required Program Training

Each individual Extension program have additional training and continuing education requirements for volunteers in the specific program.

Conflict Resolution

We are here to support you. If you do not clearly understand a specific policy or procedure, please ask for clarity. If you don’t think a position or activity is a good fit for you, please do not commit to it – or ask to be reassigned if you already have.

Contact with your local Extension office should be made to collaborate and resolve any issues. Issues should be addressed at the appropriate time and place, in a proper and courteous manner. This may include a plan that outlines action steps, a timeline, and open communication to follow up on resolution.

Resignations

Illinois Extension values the gift of time that every volunteer gives us, but we know that life is ever-changing and that sometimes volunteers must stop volunteering with us.

If you need to resign as a volunteer, please provide written notice to your local Extension primary contact. It is helpful if you share your reasons for leaving and the last date that you intend to volunteer. We invite you to complete a Volunteer Exit survey. This conversation will clarify our volunteers’ experience with us and identify new opportunities for growth and improvement.

Dismissals

It is expected that all University of Illinois Extension volunteers comply with the University of Illinois Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct. Failure to comply with any component of the Volunteer Code of Conduct or participation in other inappropriate conduct as determined by University of Illinois Extension representatives may lead to dismissal as a volunteer from the University of Illinois Extension Volunteer program.

Examples of behavior that can lead to dismissal as an Illinois Extension volunteer:

• Failure to comply with Illinois Extension policies.
• Verbal abuse, threatening, harassment or other serious behavior to program participants, Extension staff, other Extension volunteers or public.
• These are only a few examples, please refer to the Illinois Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct for additional information.

Volunteer Testimonials

"I've applied what I've learned to property my husband and I own. I share what I've learned with him as we develop and implement our landowner's management plan. We are restoring natural habitats to 37 acres of bluffs, forested land and former farmland near Cobden IL. We've acquired soil testing tools and tested our soil as we planted native grass, coneflowers, and shrubs for wildlife especially birds. Using what I've learned, we are in the process of creating a pollinator's garden with a special focus on milkweed and nectar heavy forbs for Monarchs."

“As a Field Lead for three different schools for the Fourth Graders on the Prairie program in Barrington, IL, I shared knowledge learned in the Master Naturalist class regarding the nutrient, water, and carbon cycles.”

“The Master Naturalist Intensive Training at the Morton Arboretum was an amazing experience! Many thanks to the Illinois Extension for creating this training partnership.”

“I was exposed to so many places for the first time and am looking forward to exploring more. I was grateful for the diversity of our cohort - it added a lot of depth, thoughtfulness, and curiosity to our group discussions.” 

Our volunteers contribute skills, time, talents, and experiences to strengthen all aspects of Extension programs and support our mission. 

Explore their impact in 2025:

Master Gardener

• 2,048 active volunteers
• 153,653 volunteer hours valued at $5,268,755

Master Naturalist

• 927 volunteers
• 77,794 volunteer hours valued at $2,667,554

4-H Volunteers

• 2,154 volunteers.
• 206,784 volunteer hours valued at $7,090,623.

On average, 4-H volunteers give more than eight hours per month to their program. Annually, that time is worth almost $3,000 per volunteer. But the gift of their time, skills, and passion is invaluable to the youth they support. – Patricia McGlaughlin, Senior Program Lead, 4-H Youth Development

Resources

• USDA NIFA
• Campus Administrative Manual
• Illinois Extension Volunteer Webpage
• Illinois Extension Merchandise Store