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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.

James City County Cooperative Extension does not determine in isolation the needs of communities, nor does it implement solutions to those needs on its own. Instead, Extension facilitates an approach to education that involves the community in the identification of their own needs and the implementation of solutions. The primary means for Extension to facilitate community involvement in Extension education is through a representative group know as the James City County Extension Leadership Council (ELC).

Mission of the Extension Leadership Council

To develop and implement a program plan that will direct Extension's resources toward the resolution and identified issues and concerns.

Roles and Functions of the ELC

  • Identify and prioritize issues and programs
  • Design, develop and implement appropriate programming
  • Assess and monitor programs and reports results to appropriate groups
  • Be an advocate for Extension programming.

How to Get Involved

Contact any of the VCE-James City County Office staff at 757-564-2170.

ELC Membership

Margaret Mondul - Chair, Elaine Cannon, Eletha Davis, Jane Ferguson, Ellen Ford, Doris Heath, Dr. Jocelyn Henry-Whitehead, Phyllis Hurr, Jeremy Johnson, Linda Lucas, William Pickney, Drew Stelljes, Anita Taylor, Barbara Watson and Shirley Willis.

Goals of the James City County Extension Leadership Council

The Extension Leadership Council has identified that there is a need to increase program participants from diverse ethnic and cultural, social, economic, and geographic backgrounds.

Meetings

The Virginia Cooperative Extension, James City County, Extension Leadership Council meeting dates will be posted at a later date. 

Volunteer Enrollment Short Form

The Short form may be used when volunteers are working in low-risk positions or performing their role along with and under constant supervision of the Extension staff or trained volunteer supervisor. Examples of use of this form would be for a person who will be making a presentation to a group, assisting with a contest, or serving on Extension Leadership Councils.

All Virginia Cooperative Extension volunteers complete this form annually and submit to the James City County Office by October 15 of the year.  This form is current from October 1 through September 30 of the current year.

Volunteer Enrollment Short Form

Volunteer Enrollment Long Form

The Long Form should be used if the volunteer role calls for the volunteer to work with vulnerable clientele (examples: youth, seniors, those with disabilities) without direct supervision. The form is also recommended when the volunteer will be asked to handle confidential information or manage funds. Examples of volunteer roles appropriate for the long form: 4-H club organizational leader, financial mentor volunteer, after-school program volunteer, adult treasurer.

All Virginia Cooperative Extension volunteers complete this form annually and submit to the James City County Office by October 15 of the year.  This form is current from October 1 through September 30 of the current year.

Volunteer Enrollment Long Form

Standards of Behavior for Virginia 4-H Volunteers Form 

The 4-H Standards of Behavior for Virginia 4-H Volunteers form is completed annually for any Virginia Cooperative Extension volunteer that works with you between the ages of 5 - 19.  This form is current from October 1 through September 30 of the current year.

Standards of Behavior for Virginia 4-H Volunteers Form

Virginia Cooperative Extension Risk Management Card

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Risk Management Card provides detailed information and steps to follow in the event of an incident resulting in serious injury and/of fatality and incidents that involve law enforcement/or may result in litigation.  This wallet-sized card and specific contact information may be obtained from the James City County Office. This card should be carried by all volunteers when conducting any programming on behalf of Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Risk Management Card

4-H Cloverbud Club Leader

Work with at least one other adult to organize, manage, and/or lead hands-on educational activities for 5-8 year old youth, once or twice a month. Location and schedule are flexible. Curriculum and start-up supplies are provided. Time needed: 4-6 hours per month

4-H LEGO Robotics Leader

Plan and lead educational activities related to computer programming and LEGO Robotics to teach youth science, technology, and engineering. Computer equipment, robots, and training are provided. Programs may be short-term, concluding in a few weeks or months. Location and schedule are flexible.
Time needed: Variable – minimum of 8 hours over course of program.

In-school 4-H Club Leader

Teach science lessons to 4th graders once a month, October-May. Must have good basic knowledge of science. Lesson plans and materials provided.
Time needed: Approx. 5 hours one day per month, plus 2 hours preparation time

4-H Fundraiser

Coordinate fundraising efforts to support specific program efforts fo James City County 4-H, such as camp, workshops, new clubs, and teen activities. Communicate with potential donors in person, by phone, and in writing.
Time needed: 4-6 hours per month

To learn more about volunteering for these or other 4-H programs, contact the Extension office.