Create opportunities for others to grow
The mission of Illinois Extension is to serve the residents of Illinois as we work collaboratively to enhance quality of life for families and economic resilience and vitality for our businesses and communities. This work isn't possible without an army of passionate, dedicated volunteers who generously give of their time and talent. From developing curriculum units to working with kids on 4-H projects, and from mentoring families on personal finances to identifying pesky weeds, volunteers play an essential role within Extension.
Volunteer Gateway Profile
Volunteer Opportunities
Get growing by sharing what you know.
Master Gardeners help others learn to grow. We improve the quality of life by helping people find sound management practices for home and urban natural resources, creating aesthetically pleasing environments, promoting well-being through people-plant interactions and horticultural therapy, and contributing to a safe, abundant food supply through home fruit and vegetable production.
Take your love of nature to the next level.
Master Naturalists provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards. We all have a responsibility to protect the natural resources in the places where we live to ensure our world is fit for the future. University of Illinois Extension partners with local agencies to accomplish the Master Naturalist mission.
Help others achieve their financial goals.
Financial education and coaching can make a huge difference in people’s lives. Money Mentor volunteers offer unbiased resources and quality information at key, timely moments. Illinois Extension educators provide research-based training to volunteers who want to help others with their personal finances. Your help is needed; volunteer with Money Mentors!
The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.
As a 4-H volunteer, you can share your skills and experience to help transform a new generation of confident, young leaders. This is your chance to make a change, to be the spark that inspires a generation. You can make a difference in the lives of young people by teaching them skills that they can use the rest of their lives.
Requirements for Volunteers
Volunteer Process
Volunteers are valued members of University of Illinois Extension programs. They contribute their skills, talents, and experiences to strengthen all aspects of Extension programs and support our mission. We take the volunteer selection process seriously and work to recruit the best volunteers possible to ensure the quality of our programs and the safety of all participants, staff, and fellow volunteers.
Background Screening
University of Illinois Extension partners with Sterling Volunteers as a volunteer background screening provider. Background screening is a requirement to provide liability insurance coverage as part of Illinois Extension’s risk management plan. The process includes certain requirements and checks completed as part of new volunteer onboarding, with some repeated annually or every five years.
Extension Child Protection Training
This course was developed by University of Illinois Extension staff and follows the University of Illinois Abuse and Neglect Child Reporting Act (ANCRA) policy. All Extension Volunteers are required to take this training as part of their volunteer agreement with the University of Illinois. We hope that by taking this training you become aware of what to do if you suspect child abuse or neglect while acting as an Extension volunteer.
Extension Child Protection Training: English
Training Enrollment Instructions: English
Required Documents for Volunteers
Volunteers are valued members of the University of Illinois Extension programs. Volunteers contribute their skills, talents, and experiences to strengthen all aspects of Extension programs and support our mission. Current volunteers and volunteer applicants can find a summary of required documents below. Please note that there may be additional requirements per individual program.
Illinois Extension Volunteer Codes of Conduct
The opportunity to volunteer with University of Illinois Extension is a privilege and not a right. All Extension volunteers who participate in or attend any activity or event sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension Program are expected to uphold the values of the University of Illinois Extension Program and conduct themselves according to the following standards. These standards also apply to online Extension activities, including social media and internet presence.
Volunteers will need to acknowledge the appropriate Code of Conduct through Extension's Volunteer Gateway System on an annual basis:
- Illinois Extension Code of Conduct (Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, Money Mentor, or general volunteer)
- Illinois 4-H Code of Conduct (for 4-H volunteers only)
Agreement to Assume Risk Waiver
This document must be signed by volunteers to acknowledge and accept the risks involved in participation. By signing, the risks associated with activities, such as potential injury or property damage, are understood and assumed. It is agreed that the University of Illinois and its affiliates are released from liability for any incidents that may occur. The signing of this agreement ensures that both the volunteer and the organization are clear about the responsibilities and risks involved, allowing participation in the activities to be permitted.
Illinois Extension Program Volunteer Agreement
Volunteers must acknowledge annual agreements specific to their program when they first begin as a volunteer and then again annually through the duration of their service. Once a volunteer has been approved, they will be able to acknowledge agreements through the Volunteer Gateway System. Acknowledgments are required for the following programs:
- Illinois 4-H
- Master Gardeners
- Master Naturalists
- Money Mentors
Talent Release Form (Photo/Video/Audio)
Volunteers need to sign the Talent Release Form to give the University of Illinois permission to use their image, voice, or both in videos, photos, or recordings. Signing the form ensures that the University can use these materials for purposes like advertising, fundraising, and publicity. It also confirms that the volunteer understands they won't receive compensation for the use of their image or voice and that they waive the right to approve the final content. By signing, volunteers help support the University's efforts while acknowledging that the consent is permanent and binding.
Emergency Medical/Contact Form
This form varies by program, please contact your program coordinator for the relevant form.