Volunteers are frequently identified as the backbone of any service-oriented organization.  University of Illinois Extension - Bureau County is no exception.  We honor our numerous volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 18 – 24.

University of Illinois Extension - Bureau County and its 4-H program currently have hundreds of volunteers contributing to the success and expansion of the educational programs and services provided to the citizens of Bureau County.

Volunteers are involved in helping to plan and deliver such programs as the 4-H Program, school enrichment opportunities, adult and youth educational workshops such as terrarium and dog obedience training.  Volunteers are a tremendous resource, especially if you look at it in terms of hours given and the value of that time. Employers now seek employees who are actively involved in their communities as volunteers. Some employers offer service points and job-related incentives for community volunteerism. Some high schools and colleges require volunteer hours as required credits toward their diploma or degrees.    

Volunteers are an asset to a community's quality of life. As people give of themselves, the overall community is enriched, and overall program quality is improved and strengthened.  Volunteers add a unique perspective to programs as well as being objective policy makers.  Extension's volunteer base also adds diversity in age, race, socioeconomic background, and educational level. Through their efforts in volunteering, individuals develop greater self-confidence and expand their own leadership capabilities. 

                Volunteers are provided with challenges, opportunities to share skills or knowledge with others, and to gain satisfaction from working with youth and other citizens in areas which interest them.

University of Illinois Extension - Bureau County appreciates the hard work of all the volunteers assisting through the various committees, Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists, Unit Council, workshops, 4-H Fair judges and superintendents, 4-H community club leaders, as well as in other areas of the program.

          For more information on becoming a volunteer with 4-H in Bureau County, please contact the University of Illinois Extension-Bureau County Office at (815) 875-2878 or stop by the office located at 850 Thompson Street (in the Becker Professional Suites Building), Princeton. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed from noon to 1:00 p.m.).

The Mission of University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

For more information about 4-H programs, please contact Danielle Gapinski, 4-H and Youth Development Program Coordinator.

If you have questions or need more information, please call University of Illinois Extension- Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit Office at 815-875-2878. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please indicate when registering or contact the Extension office. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.