Volunteer Agreements

Body

Volunteer agreements for Illinois Extension volunteer programs include guidelines and policies specific to that program. Agreements must be acknowledged through Extension's volunteer gateway system by new volunteers before they start and then acknowledged annually after that.

4-H Volunteer Agreement

The opportunity to volunteer with University of Illinois Extension 4-H is a privilege and not a right. All 4-H participants 
– youth, families, volunteers, and Extension staff – who participate in or attend any activity or event sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Program are expected to uphold the values of the Illinois 4-H program.

In the capacity as a University of Illinois Extension 4-H volunteer, I understand and agree to:

  • Abide by the University of Illinois Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct.
  • Work with local Extension Unit staff and other volunteers to implement a program of excellence which fosters positive youth development experiences in the community.
  • Cooperate with and support Extension staff members to jointly further the missions and objectives of University of Illinois 4-H Youth Development Program.
  • Consistently exhibit a professional manner to Extension staff, other volunteers, and the public.
  • Comply with training and documentation as outlined, currently a minimum of 3 hours of approved continuing education annually.
  • Treat others in a courteous, respectful manner demonstrating behaviors appropriate to a positive role model for youth.
  • Make all reasonable effort to assure that 4-H youth programs are accessible to all. Follow guidance from Extension staff on the implementation of accommodations that will support equitable participation of youth in Extension programs.
  • Not participate in or condone neglect or abuse which happens outside the program to 4-H youth participants and report suspected abuse to authorities.
  • Treat animals humanely and teach 4-H youth to provide appropriate animal care.
  • Follow state and federal laws and regulations as well as the policies and guidelines of the University of Illinois, local Extension Unit and 4-H sponsors and partners.
  • Operate motor vehicles (including machines and equipment) in a safe and reliable manner when working with 4-H youth, and only with a valid operator’s license and the legally required insurance coverage.
  • Follow requirements for keeping financial records and managing 4-H funds which includes but not limited to submitting annual 4-H Club Financial Statements and supporting documentation to the University of Illinois Extension Office at the close of each 4-H program year.
  • Follow risk management policies in planning club/program activities in consultation with Extension staff.
  • Abide by the spirit of the above rules and follow current University of Illinois 4-H program policy.
  • Watch what you wear. Use good judgment. Wear clothing suited for the activity in which you will participate. Dress in a manner that is respectful to yourself and others. Clothing that displays or promotes violence, obscenity, illegal activities, discrimination, or intimidation is prohibited. Do not wear revealing clothing, such as short skirts or shorts, midriff-baring tops, or anything showing undergarments.

Illinois Extension agrees to provide the orientation, training, supervision, and support deemed necessary by Illinois Extension for the successful engagement of volunteer responsibilities.

Acknowledgment

After the application process and before beginning their role, accepted volunteers will be required to acknowledge that they have read and understand this volunteer agreement, that they are at least 18 years of age, and have the full right and authority to execute the agreement. They must agree to abide by the conditions and behavioral expectations of this agreement. Failure to comply with these expectations may result in termination as a University of Illinois Extension 4-H program volunteer.

Master Gardener Volunteer Agreement

The purpose of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program is to provide horticultural information specific to local climates, soils and plants, and training to the general, non-profit gardening public, based on University of Illinois research, when available.

In the capacity of a certified University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteer, I understand and agree to:

  • Abide by the University of Illinois Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct.
  • Work with local Extension Unit staff and volunteers to implement a program of excellence in the community.
  • Comply with training, documentation, certification, and re-certification requirements, as delineated in the Illinois Master Gardener Manual, currently a minimum of 20 hours of approved volunteer service and 10 hours of approved continuing education annually.
  • Provide non-biased horticultural information endorsed and sanctioned by University of Illinois Extension.
  • Make all reasonable effort to assure that horticultural information is accessible to the general public and nonprofit public.
  • Refer non-home gardener inquiries to the appropriate UI educator or specialist.
  • Cooperate with and support Extension Unit staff members to jointly further the missions and objectives of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program.
  • Consistently exhibit a professional manner to Extension Unit staff, other volunteers, and the public.
  • Use the title of University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener only when doing unpaid public service work through University of Illinois Extension-sponsored or approved programs. The title is not to be used to advertise names or places of business, nor to associate the Master Gardener name with commercial products or give implied endorsements of any product or place of business.
  • Follow state and federal laws and regulations as well as the policies and guidelines of the University of Illinois, local Extension Unit and Master Gardner sponsors and partners.
  • Provide my own transportation and pay my own expenses incurred as part of official volunteer activities. Expenses may be tax deductible with proper documentation. Actual out-of-pocket expenses for supplies and materials provided by volunteers may also be recovered through program or class fees charged to participants upon prior approval of the county director.
  • Abide by the Illinois Department of Agriculture licensing requirements for the application of pesticides when acting as a Master Gardener volunteer.
  • Possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and the minimum amount of state required automobile insurance if I drive others as part of my approved volunteer role.
  • Abide by the spirit of the above rules and follow current University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program policy guidelines in order to maintain my certification as an Extension Master Gardener.
  • Receive email communications from Extension staff in order to stay up to date on volunteer activities.

Illinois Extension agrees to provide the orientation, training, supervision, and support deemed necessary by Illinois Extension for the successful fulfillment of my volunteer responsibilities.

Acknowledgment

After the application process, accepted volunteers will be required to acknowledge that they have read and understand this volunteer agreement, that they are at least 18 years of age, and have the full right and authority to execute the agreement. They must agree to abide by the conditions and behavioral expectations of this agreement. Failure to comply with these expectations may result in termination as a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program volunteer.

Master Gardener Trainee or Intern Volunteer Agreement

The purpose of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program is to provide horticultural information specific to local climates, soils and plants, and training to the general, non-profit gardening public, based on University of Illinois research, when available.

In the capacity of a certified University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener trainee/intern, I understand and agree to:

  • Abide by the University of Illinois Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct.
  • Successfully complete all Master Gardener core course training units.
  • Work with local Extension Unit staff and volunteers to implement a program of excellence in the community.
  • Comply with training, documentation, and certification, requirements, as delineated in the Illinois Master Gardener Manual, currently a minimum of 40 hours of approved volunteer service to complete my internship.
  • Provide non-biased horticultural information endorsed and sanctioned by University of Illinois Extension.
  • Make all reasonable effort to assure that horticultural information is accessible to the general public and nonprofit public.
  • Refer non-home gardener inquiries to the appropriate Illinois Extension educator or specialist.
  • Cooperate with and support Extension Unit staff members to jointly further the missions and objectives of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program.
  • Consistently exhibit a professional manner to Extension Unit staff, other volunteers, and the public.
  • Use the title of University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener only when doing unpaid public service work through University of Illinois Extension-sponsored 
    or approved programs. The title is not to be used to advertise names or places of business, nor to associate the Master Gardener name with commercial products or give implied endorsements of any product or place of business.
  • Follow state and federal laws and regulations as well as the policies and guidelines of the University of Illinois, local Extension Unit and Master Gardner sponsors and partners.
  • Provide my own transportation and pay my own expenses incurred as part of official volunteer activities. Expenses may be tax deductible with proper documentation. Actual out-of-pocket expenses for supplies and materials provided by volunteers may also be recovered through program or class fees charged to participants upon prior approval of the county director.
  • Abide by the Illinois Department of Agriculture licensing requirements for the application of pesticides when acting as a Master Gardener volunteer.
  • Possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and the minimum amount of state required automobile insurance if I drive others as part of my approved volunteer role.
  • Abide by the spirit of the above rules and follow current University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program policy guidelines in order to obtain my certification as an Extension Master Gardener.
  • Receive email communications from Extension staff in order to stay up to date on volunteer activities.
  • Illinois Extension agrees to provide orientation, training, supervision, and support deemed necessary by Illinois Extension for the successful fulfillment of my volunteer responsibilities. 

I have read and understand this volunteer agreement. I am at least 18 years of age and have the full right and authority to execute this agreement. I further agree to abide by the conditions and behavioral expectations of this document. I understand that my failure to comply with these expectations may result in my termination as a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteer.

Acknowledgment

After the application process, accepted volunteers will be required to acknowledge that they have read and understand this volunteer agreement, that they are at least 18 years of age, and have the full right and authority to execute the agreement. They must agree to abide by the conditions and behavioral expectations of this agreement. Failure to comply with these expectations may result in termination as a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardner Trainer or Intern program volunteer.

Master Naturalist Volunteer Agreement

The purpose of the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program is to provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards. We encourage individuals to experience nature, develop knowledge of and respect for the environment, and practice natural resource stewardship.

In the capacity as a University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist trainee, intern, or certified volunteer, I understand and agree to:

  • Abide by the University of Illinois Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct.
  • Successfully complete all Master Naturalist core course training units.
  • As an intern, accomplish 60 hours of approved volunteer service within 2 years of completing training.
  • Comply with training, documentation, and certification requirements of the Illinois Master Naturalist program.
  • As a certified Master Naturalist accomplish 30 hours volunteer hours and 10 hours of approved continued education annually.
  • Work with sponsors and partners to implement a Master Naturalist program of excellence in the community.
  • Use the title of Illinois Master Naturalist volunteer only when doing unpaid public service work through sponsored or approved programs. The title is not to be used to advertise names or places of business, nor to associate the Master Naturalist name with commercial products or give implied endorsements of any product or place of business.
  • Respect and abide by any policies or regulations of Master Naturalist sponsors and partners when engaged in programs at their facilities and natural areas.
  • Follow state and federal laws and regulations as well as the policies and guidelines of the University of Illinois, local Extension Unit and Master Naturalist sponsors and partners.
  • Abide by the Illinois Department of Agriculture licensing requirements for the application of pesticides when acting as a Master Naturalist volunteer.
  • Provide my own transportation and pay my own expenses incurred as part of official volunteer activities. (Expenses may be tax deductible with proper documentation. Actual out-of-pocket expenses for supplies and materials provided by volunteers may be recovered through program or class fees charged to participants upon prior approval of program sponsor.)
  • Possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and the minimum amount of state required automobile insurance if I will drive others as part of my approved volunteer role.

Illinois Extension agrees to provide the orientation, training, supervision, and support deemed necessary by Illinois Extension for the successful fulfillment of my volunteer responsibilities.

Acknowledgment

After the application process, accepted volunteers will be required to acknowledge that they have read and understand this volunteer agreement, that they are at least 18 years of age, and have the full right and authority to execute the agreement. They must agree to abide by the conditions and behavioral expectations of this agreement. Failure to comply with these expectations may result in termination as a University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program volunteer.

Money Mentor Volunteer Agreement

  • Provide 30 hours annually of volunteer time (financial mentoring and community outreach) and participate in 12 hours of continuing education annually.
  • Assist individuals and families to analyze their financial situation and generate action strategies to improve their financial situation.
  • Be familiar with a variety of financial management tools and community resources that many be useful to individuals and families.
  • Promote University of Illinois Extension as an educational resource
  • Practice effective communication and mentoring skills to interact with individuals and families in a respectful, nonjudgmental manner.
  • Understand the uniqueness of an individual’s attitudes, beliefs, and values regarding their financial situation.
  • Use the title of Money Mentors volunteer only when doing unpaid public service work through sponsored or approved programs. The title is not to be used to advertise names or places of business, nor to associate the Money Mentor name with commercial products or give implied endorsement of any products or place of business.
  • When acting as a Money Mentor will not promote or sell any commercial product or business, especially any financial products.
  • Treat others in a courteous, respectful manner demonstrating behaviors appropriate to a positive role model for the community.
  • Obey the laws of the locality, state, nation, and University of Illinois Extension policies and guidelines.
  • Make all reasonable effort to assure that Money Mentor programs are accessible to everyone, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or disability.
  • Do not consume alcohol or illegal substances while representing University of Illinois Extension Money Mentor program.
  • Recognize that verbal and/or physical abuse is unacceptable in University of Illinois Extension programs and will not be tolerated.
  • Provide my own transportation and pay my own expenses incurred as part of official volunteer activities.