AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week is April 18-23. Iowa’s 100 county extension offices will host activities throughout the week to thank volunteers who contribute their time to extension education efforts throughout the state.
“We celebrate our extension volunteers because they are our partners for a #StrongIowa. Because of their support, our educational opportunities for Iowans continue to grow,” said John Lawrence, ISU vice president for extension and outreach.
Statewide, more than 7,600 volunteers contribute their time to ISU Extension and Outreach programs. Independentsector.org values volunteer time at $28.54/hour – which equals nearly $217,000 if each of those volunteers work for only one hour.
“We’re glad to have this opportunity to show our appreciation for our volunteers, as well as our stakeholders and colleagues. Together we serve as a 99-county campus, connecting the needs of Iowans with Iowa State University research and resources,” Lawrence said.
“ISU Extension and Outreach engages Iowans in solving today’s problems and planning for tomorrow. We offer many ways to get involved and we welcome new volunteers,” Lawrence added.
For example, volunteers with 4-H Youth Development may lead 4-H clubs, help 4-H youth plan and conduct projects, promote positive youth development, support learning and growth opportunities, serve as mentors or support the 4-H program at the county level.
Master Gardeners share their time and gardening expertise as volunteers in community gardens, city beautification projects, farmers markets and other gardening efforts.
Master Conservationists learn how to apply ecological principles to help people solve conservation challenges related to water, wildlife and soil.
Several ISU Extension and Outreach county offices support the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Certified community volunteers offer free tax preparation and electronic filing for Iowans with low to moderate incomes.
Across the state 900 elected county extension council members work with decision makers, build relationships and help select extension educational opportunities to address local issues.
For information about volunteer opportunities, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office.
ISU Extension and Outreach is part of the federal Cooperative Extension Service — a network of more than 100 land-grant institutions, including Iowa State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture serving communities and counties across the United States. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level.
For more information about ISU Extension and Outreach, visit www.extension.iastate.edu or contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office.