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.
The Bedford Extension Office has many volunteer opportunities involving all program areas:
What is 4-H All Stars?
4-H All Stars is an honor/service organization. Membership in 4-H All Stars is the highest recognition that a Virginia 4-H'er can achieve. Virginia 4-H All Stars is service oriented, and volunteer operated.
Purpose of 4-H All Stars
To contribute to positive youth development through "service" to the 4-H program of which they are a part. The 4-H program becomes the springboard from which an All Star jumps to other areas of service to people throughout his/her lifetime. The 4-H All Star organization strives for a cooperative effort with the 4-H program in all areas.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners (VCE-MGs) are volunteers with Extension dedicated to working with the community to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management educational Programs.
What is the Master Food Volunteer Program?
The Master Food Volunteer (MFV) Program provides a foundation of knowledge to volunteers in the subject areas of food safety, food science, food preparation, and food preservation. The Extension Master Food Volunteer Program allows people with interests in food, cooking, and nutrition to take their expertise to a higher level while developing new avenues for helping in the community. The Master Food Volunteer Program is patterned after the successful Master Gardener Program.
Advantages and Rewards of the Master Food Volunteer Program
- Multiplies expertise in a subject
- Builds strong support base
- Allows extension educators to focus on in-depth training
- Enables extension educators to devote resources to issue-based programs
- Increases self-esteem of the volunteer
- Provides volunteer hours to support extension programming
Who Can Become a Master Food Volunteer?
Anyone with an interest in food preparation, food preservation, food safety, or food science can apply for the Extension Master Food volunteer Program if it is active in your county. If you want to improve skills and knowledge and you like to work with people, the Extension Master Food Volunteer Program may be for you.
Who are the Volunteers?
- People with an interest in foods and nutrition
- People who wish to contribute to their community
- People who believe in continuing education
- People who believe volunteering is important and will complement their life
- People who want to be affiliated with Extension
- People who want to meet other volunteers
- People who like a challenge
- People who want to help other people
What are the Program Requirements?
The Master Food Volunteer Program provides approximately 40 hours of training in food science, food preparation, food preservation and food safety. These classes are taught by county extension professionals, K-State extension specialists, and industry professionals. Class members complete certification as an Extension Master Food Volunteer by contributing a minimum of 40 hours of approved volunteer service back to the community.
Volunteer Requirements
- Live in the county in which you will volunteer.
- Be available for at least 40 hours of training classes.
- Be committed to donating at least 40 hours of approved service back to the community.
- Have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent.
- Able and willing to travel to a training site for all classes.
Enjoy working with adults and/or youth and willing to share your love of food!
If you would like to learn more about this volunteer opportunity, contact Susan Prillaman at 540-586-7675 or sprillam@vt.edu.