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 Opportunities
Get growing by sharing what you know.
Master Gardeners helping 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.
Take the Next Step
Complete the form below for more information about volunteering in your community.