Did you know that April was first designated as National Volunteer Month in 1991? Thirty years later, this month continues to remind us of the important role volunteers play in all aspects of our lives. With April upon us, let us all take a moment to thank the many volunteers in our community, and also consider new volunteer opportunities that will change lives, right here in our own back yard.

As the University of Illinois Extension Director for Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington counties, I know that volunteers are the lifeblood of many Extension initiatives; our organizational impact would not be possible without them. This past year presented challenges as many of our educational programs were forced to virtual settings, but it was our willing volunteers who helped us pivot smoothly and charged ahead to serve community needs.

As we hope for resuming more in-person activities in the future, I cannot wait to be on the frontlines working side-by-side with our local volunteers again someday. Until then, our volunteers will continue the behind-the-scenes work needed to meet the five grand challenges we are focused on at Extension: energy and environmental stewardship; food safety and security; economic development and workforce preparedness; family health, financial security, and wellness; and youth development.

Would you like to join us? Our mission is to align research to needs and translate research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. More than 1.5 million Illinois residents take part in Extension programs each year, including nearly 200,000 who participate in 4-H youth programs. Each month, U of I Extension web pages draw more than 5 million page views, and people in more than 200 countries access Extension's web-based information. Join in on the action and make a difference right here in our community!

Some of the Extension volunteer opportunities include:

4-H Leaders – Guide youth as they learn about careers, leadership, and community service.

Master Gardeners – Join a network of gardening enthusiasts as you transform communities and cultivate new skills.

Master Naturalists – Engage in environmental stewardship and educate your community about natural resources.

Extension Unit Council – Council members provide insight and diverse expertise to guide the future of our organization.

Please visit the Volunteer Page on our site at www.extension.illinois.edu/bcjmw or email me directly at jordeej@illinois.edu to learn more. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bcjmwu23.

THANK YOU to all our active volunteers, and I look forward to meeting new ones as we continue to thrive because of the giving spirit throughout our communities!