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.

4-H Volunteer Leaders

If making a difference in the life of a young person appeals to you, become a 4-H volunteer leader.  4-H adult and teen volunteers work with Extension agents to provide leadership to 4-H groups.  With training, supervision, and support from Extension agents, volunteers add their own expertise, talents, and experiences to 4-H activities.  For more information, contact our 4-H Extension Agent, Carol Nansel at 540-459-6140 or by e-mail at cnansel@vt.edu. 

Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners

Sponsored by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Master Gardeners are volunteer educators within our community who serve the public by assisting local Extension agents to provide sound and practical gardening information to area property and homeowners.  You will discover Master Gardeners answering questions at your local farm markets, providing garden demonstrations, writing articles for the local media, and responding to inquiries on the "green line".  Master Gardeners are in the Shenandoah County Extension Office to answer questions on Friday mornings from 9am-noon from May thru September.  For more information about volunteering, click here to visit the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener website. 

Shenandoah County Extension Leadership Council (ELC)

An Extension Leadership Council is composed of a diverse group of salaried and volunteer staff who truly own an ever-changing Cooperative Extension program in their planning area.  The ELC assumes responsibility not only for identifying the needs and concerns that exist in their planning area, but share a commitment to determining solutions, implementing them, and evaluating and reporting results. The diversity of the group enhances discussions, deliberations, and actions. In addition, there is a recognition that each person brings unique experiences and information that will contribute to the process.  The ELC serves as a advocate for Extension and its programs.   The ELC meets 4-6 times per year at the Shenandoah County Extension Office.