Choose how you help others
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.
4-H Youth Volunteer
University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development takes great pride in the quality of its adult leadership. Being a registered volunteer in 4-H is a true privilege. The quality of the 4-H program and the safety of our youth members requires that the selection of volunteers be taken seriously and that our organization works to recruit the very best. As the backbone of the 4-H program, volunteers are organizers, teachers, and counselors. Positive youth development research shows the importance of caring adults in the lives of young people.
Master Gardener
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.
Master Naturalist
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 to provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards.