Touch the Heart of Texas - Be an Extension Volunteer!

Volunteers who do the hard work and the "heart work" of educating youth and adults truly touch the future of our country.

With Texas AgriLife Extension Service, you can put your knowledge and skills to work as part of the largest grassroots educational organization in Texas. You'll learn a lot, meet new people, and even have fun while you're helping your community.

Extension offers programs in agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H and youth development, and community development, reaching rural and urban Texans with the education they need to improve their quality of life and to build a bright future for our state.

Why volunteer with Extension?

Volunteers are the real heart and hands of many different Extension programs, extending our reach into every community and every neighborhood in Texas. Extension volunteers help people to gain knowledge and skills that will benefit them for life. And, in return, volunteers have the satisfaction of knowing they're making a difference for their friends and neighbors. What about your neighborhood? Extension needs your help!

What do Extension volunteers do?

Extension volunteers can lead activities, teach lessons, answer questions, and organize events. And along the way, they gain new skills, make new friends, and have fun, too! Volunteers help adults and kids learn about:

• Staying healthy
• Gardening for health and leisure
• Building strong families and relationships
• Managing money
• Getting ready for a job
• Reducing stress
• Keeping food safe to eat
• Smart shopping
• And much more!

Volunteers also work with young people in the 4-H program. They can be advisors and managers for 4-H clubs, leaders and teachers for subject-matter lessons, and coaches for special skills activities.

How much time does it take?

Volunteering with Extension can be short- or long-term. You can decide what fits your schedule and other responsibilities.

Do I need special knowledge or experience?

Much of the work Extension volunteers do grows out of their own interests and experience, but they also receive training from educators in each field. Volunteers can improve their own skills while helping others!

How do I sign up?

To find out about the volunteer opportunities available in your community, call your county office of Texas AgriLife Extension Service. We look forward to hearing from you!