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.

Extension Leadership Council

Virginia Cooperative Extension – Greene County facilitates an approach to education that involves the community in the identification of their needs and the implementation of solutions. The primary means for VCE-Greene to facilitate community involvement is through a representative advisory board known as the Extension Leadership Council (ELC). 

Roles and Functions of the ELC

To guide local programming by:

  • Identifying and prioritizing issues and programs
  • Assisting in the design, development and implementation of programming
  • Assess and monitor programs and reports results to appropriate groups
  • Be an advocate for Extension

Our Extension Leadership Council meets quarterly in the Extension Office. Our next scheduled meeting is May 19, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.  We will be presenting our quarterly report and discuss future programming – along with a pizza party!  Be there or be square!   

If you would like to be a part of this group, please contact any of us at our office or just drop on by the night of the meeting! 

Master Gardeners

Want to polish your green thumb and serve your community?  Become a Master Gardener!! Master Gardeners are trained volunteers serving their communities by educating others on all things related to home horticulture.  Class is forming now for Fall 2009.  Classes will be held Mondays & Thursdays, 8:30 – 11:30 am September 8-November 10   

http://www.hort.vt.edu/mastergardener/ - Virginia Master Gardener Program

http://www.vmga.net/ - Virginia Master Gardener Association 

Virginia Master Well-Owner Volunteer

Who should consider being a Master Well Owner volunteer and why? Anyone interested in learning more about proper location, construction, and maintenance of water wells, springs and cisterns, who is interested in educating others about these topics. Ideal volunteers have their own well, spring or cistern.

Why volunteer?

Private water system owners often have limited access to information and resources about maintaining and protecting their wells, springs, and cisterns, yet are completely responsible for the safety of their own water supply. By becoming a Virginia Master Well Owner, you not only learn how to take care of your own water supply and system, but can share what you learn with others.

Together we can build capacity to protect the water quality of Virginians dependent on private water supplies, and ultimately, improve their health, safety, and quality of life.

Workshops will cover the following topics:

  • Proper Well Location & Construction
  • Wellhead Protection
  • Landuse Impacts
  • Springs & Cisterns
  • Drinking Water Standards
  • Water Testing & Interpretation
  • Solving Water Problems
  • Water Quality Resources for Private Water Supplies

http://www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu/become_a_mwo.php - For additional information and an application to apply to be a volunteer

 

Become a 4-H Volunteer!

Without the leadership and support of club leaders, parent volunteers and occasional volunteers, it would be impossible to offer such a variety of programs, clubs, camps and activities. We have Livestock Club, Pet Club, Greene Horse Shoes Club for youth ages 9-19, Teen Club for youth ages 13-19, and Cloverbuds for youth ages 5-8.  Volunteers are also invited to assist with our after school clubs  such as Greene County 4-H FIRST LEGO League, 4-H Young Naturalist's, Knitting and Crocheting Club. Join up as a volunteer of an existing club, or talk to 4-H Agent Kathy Alstat about starting a new club!  We also need occasional and short-term volunteers to serve as adult leaders for 4-H Summer Camp, chaperons for 4-H State Congress, and a variety of day camps and special events and competitions throughout the year.  All Club leaders and camp volunteers  must be screened and trained.  Call Kathy Alstat for more information!