Volunteer

Volunteers are very important to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County. 

Through duties as diverse as teaching others to prune trees or make compost, answering callers' questions on consumer or gardening issues, mentoring young people as they acquire new skills, or serving as board members or on committees that guide our work, volunteers represent Extension's far-reaching roots in our community.

Ongoing opportunities appear below, with contact names for additional information. Some programs may require specialized training to participate; upcoming training dates are listed where known.

Prospective volunteers complete an application form In addition to consenting to a criminal background screening at Cooperative Extension's expense, as a means of ensuring the safety and security both of our volunteers and of the people we serve through our programs.

Master Gardener Program

Trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension in the science and art of gardening, as part of a nation-wide education and service program, these volunteers take an interest in gardens, landscape, and the environment at large. Master Gardeners are willing to learn and share their knowledge and experience with others. Contact the Ashly Piedmont, MG Program Coordinator at ap824@cornell.edu for more information.

4-H Youth Program

4-H offers youth aged 5-19 from throughout Monroe County a variety of special interest clubs, afterschool programs, short-term enrichment offerings, a public speaking program, Environmental Appreciation Days, and summer programs. There are many short- and long-term opportunities for volunteer involvement, depending upon the skills you care to share and the time you wish to commit to volunteering.

• 4-H Club & Fair Programs
  Share a craft or a special skill with young people, help lead a 4-H Club, or spend a day as an evaluator for 4-H Fair or public speaking competitions. Individuals with knowledge of agriculture, plant science, animal husbandry, entomology, and textile/clothing construction are always welcome, but if you have a different expertise you'd like to share, please contact monroe4H@cornell.edu to talk about your ideas! Orientation for new leaders and volunteers is provided on an ongoing basis throughout the year. 

Agriculture Volunteer

Are you interested in helping to connect the community to agriculture?  Do you see a disconnect between people eating and knowing where their food comes from?  Are you passionate about locally grown food? Consider becoming an Agri-tourism Volunteer. These volunteers connect the community to agriculture through what we call "tabling events" - where we set up an interactive information table at area farmers' markets and community events with the goal of educating the public on the value and importance of local agriculture. Contact Agriculture Educator, Jarmila Haseler for more information: jh954@cornell.edu

Climate Stewards

Climate Steward Volunteers support the Natural Resource program team in addressing climate change in their communities through educational outreach and steward-led climate smart projects.  Volunteers will participate in a 12 week training course designed to equip them to lead and educator their communities in climate science, adaption, and mitigation.  For more information, visit the Climate Steward site here. 

Board of Directors

Board membership in Cornell Cooperative Extension can be a rewarding and exciting time of service, and is foundational to the oversight of the organization. As a board member, you will assume the duties of care, loyalty and obedience for both the organization and the governing body. Consider joining colleagues across Monroe County who provide governance, oversight and direction for our local association, and  make a unique contribution to the over 100 years of extension in New York State and your community.  Board of Directors for CCE Monroe must live within the County. For more information contact monroe@cornell.edu.

Office Volunteer

Are you an organizer or a planner?  Are you comfortable using computers, enjoy social media, and like to be creative?  Consider becoming an Office Volunteer and support the behind the scenes functions of CCE Monroe!  For more information contact monroe@cornell.edu.

Last updated February 19, 2024