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Immeasurable impact gained through
dedication of Illinois Extension volunteers
[April 23, 2025]
URBANA, Ill. — They are
friends, neighbors, family members, or someone we run into at local
community events. More than 5,000 of these individuals are
University of Illinois Extension volunteers
These volunteers make a difference
in their communities daily by supporting Illinois Extension’s
mission of extending knowledge through partnership, lifelong
learning, and lifelong impact. Sharing their passions through
volunteering finds them alongside programs for community, economy,
environment, food and agriculture, health, partnership, technology
and discovery, and workforce excellence.
In 2024, volunteers contributed $15,735,213 in value back to their
communities. Without their dedication and time, Extension could not
have reached over 730 communities and over 800,000 program attendees
statewide, from Jo Daviess to Alexander counties.
“When visiting an Extension office,
there is a high probability of running into a volunteer or five on
any given day,” says Sheila Powers, volunteer relations associate
with Illinois Extension. “Whether they are there working help desk
hours for the Master Gardener program or meeting with Extension
staff to plan future events, they always have a great story to
share.”
While the numbers show impact, it is the individual stories and
relationships that are worth a lifetime. Alongside Extension,
volunteers thrive through values including collaboration,
credibility, inclusivity, and learning.
Without each and every volunteer throughout Illinois Extension’s
111-year history, the organization could not be available to
individuals in every county throughout the state. Extension impacts
people’s daily lives, and volunteers continue to help drive the
change.
To all of those who are Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists,
Illinois 4-H leaders, Money Mentors, and anyone who participates in
Extension’s volunteer programs, thank you.
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Take a moment to thank
those who positively impact communities and learn more about
Illinois Extension’s volunteer programs at
go.illinois.edu/ExtensionVolunteers.
For questions, contact Extension at extension@illinois.edu.
ABOUT ILLINOIS EXTENSION: University of Illinois Extension
develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds
partnerships to support people, communities, and their
environments as part of the state's land-grant institution.
Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of
Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102
Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and
over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to
eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment,
food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and
discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through
six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and
agribusiness, community and economic development, family and
consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural
resources, environment, and energy. Learn more at
extension.illinois.edu.
[Jenna Braasch,
media communications coordinator,
Illinois Extension]
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