Illinois Extension will support strong and resilient youth, families, and communities through civic engagement, volunteer, and leadership training programs.

An inventory of existing Extension civic engagement, volunteer, and leadership development programs will be conducted, and these curricula will be innovated to meet current and future needs in critical areas such as recruitment; audience development; issue identification; diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA); professional training; leadership and management styles; marketing and communications; strategic planning; partnerships; program evaluation; and impact reporting as informed by research and evidence.

A portfolio of featured programs will be produced to allow for targeted statewide implementation and impact to meet local needs. Existing Extension volunteer needs will be assessed, and programs from the portfolio that meet their identified needs will also be implemented.

A needs assessment will be conducted to identify and prioritize opportunities for new volunteer and leadership development programs for external audiences and areas of synergy or efficiency for internal operations. Key businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholder groups and partners will be involved to foster inclusive collaboration.