Get Involved
Virginia Cooperative Extension relies on volunteers to accomplish its mission. We believe that active citizen involvement in our programs makes a difference in our success. The work of volunteers at the local level helps us leverage our paid faculty and staff resources into a much greater impact for the people of Virginia.
There are many ways you can get involved with us. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss available opportunities.
WE NEED YOU!
Extension Volunteers are the key to successful programs! See How you can HELP!
- Volunteers play an active part in the community
- They agree to fill defined roles in planning, implementing, mentoring, facilitating and/or evaluating local programs
- They have a positive impact on our programs, citizens and community
Volunteer Opportunities
- planning committee
- activities coordinator
- project leader
- teacher
- club sponsor
- adult camp leader
- grant writer
- judge
- resource leader
- instructor
- fundraisers
- office assistant
Volunteers are changing the lives of youth, adults and communities across the country. Their spirit and exceptional leadership is shaping the future while strengthening the social connections. Your skills and expertise can impact the youth in your neighborhood and community.
Volunteers are required to pass a background check at minimum once every three years. Some programs require additional screenings.
Join the Revolution! “Making the Best Better”
All Richmond City Elementary Public Schools participate in this wonderful horticultural activity that teaches youth all of the facets of container gardening and plant growth/development. Community partners that support this event are the Richmond Council of Garden Clubs. In order to gather comprehensive information, drawing, pictures, etc we need more VOLUNTEERS! If you have time available during normal elementary school hours and have an interest in working with youth and gardening, contact us. This program runs February-May
These are opportunities for you to give your time and talent to insure a positive youth camping experience for Richmond City youth ages 9-13. If you are interested, contact the office at 804-786-4150 ext 3.
We are currently looking for Richmond City community leaders to join the Leadership Council. This partnership will ensure that Etension educational programs will be relevant in your community, and will combine our resources with others in an effective manner to meet the needs of the citizens of our community. The City of Richmond is changing, and we hope you will be part of shaping the future of this city by giving your time, energy and creative thoughts about how the Richmond City Extension programs can help. Contact the Extension staff if you are interested. 804-786-4150 ext 2.
The Master Gardener program, offered through Virginia's two land-grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, provides intensive horticultural training to individuals who then volunteer as Master Gardeners in their communities by working with residents, carrying out projects, diagnosing plant problems, conducting research, and many other projects.
Become a City of Richmond Master Gardener through our training program offered in the fall. Master Gardeners are volunteer educators of environmentally sound horticultural practices. They seek to improve the quality of life in their communities through education. Master Gardeners are individuals who
are specially trained by extension
love gardening
enjoy teaching others
feel a strong commitment to community service
feel strongly about preserving natural resources
The Master Gardener Program begins with a 60 hour training class that is folowed by a 50 hour internship during which volunteer service is performed. The training class covers the basic subjects of soils and nutrient management, basic botany, insects, plant diseases, pruning, propagation, safe pesticide use and integrated pest management, as well as the more specific subjects of landscape design, vegetable gardening, trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, organic gardening, fruits, roses, lawn care and establishment, water gardening, herbs, wildlife management, water quality/conservation, yard waste management, and more. Trainees have the chance to educate and inspire others in their communities through horticultural activities. Volunteer tasks may include visiting elementary schools with gardening demonstrations, creating a horticulture therapy program at a senior center, volunteering at a local plant clinic, or helping a neighborhood home owner with gardening questions and plant selection. Individuals must contribute a minimum of 50 hours of internship before becoming certified.
Certification
Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their internship volunteer commitment. There are continued requirements yearly to maintain certification: 20 hours of approved volunteer service and 8 hours of approved education and record keeping via the Extension Volunteer Management System.
For more information
804-786-4150
Provide your first and last name, phone number and county/city of residence