Volunteers are critical members of the MSU Extension team. Common goals and interests motivate our volunteers to strengthen programs and get things done. Volunteers extend nonformal education and experiences to youth, families, and community members in an effort to help improve their lives and the communities in which they live. We are looking for volunteers to work in the following programs:

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• 4-H Youth Development: 4-H volunteers have the opportunity to interact with youth and adults in projects and activities designed to develop life skills, enhance leadership skills, and gain positive growth experiences. Volunteers participate in the Volunteer Selection Process and receive 3 to 12 hours of training per year. They encourage young people and adults to participate in learn-by-doing projects. 4-H clubs are available to all communities in Macomb County. Click here to learn more about the 4-H program.  To become a screened volunteer for 4-H youth development, interested applicants must complete an application, criminal background check, sexual registry check, three reference checks, attend an orientation and be interviewed.. Please contact the 4-H office at 586-469-6431 to sign up for the next orientation or if you need more information

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• Food and Nutrition: The Food and Nutrition Department offers various volunteer opportunities for anyone interested in assisting with our year-round activities. Nutrition education is presented at the county and state fairs, to young children at after-school programs, and at the Farmers Market. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to help educate others and promote the benefits of good nutrition. Click here to learn more about the Foods and Nutrition Department.  Call 586-469-6432 if interested.

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• Great Lakes Education Program (GLEP): GLEP is a great way for older teen and adult volunteers to get involved in teaching children to appreciate and understand our unique water environment. Volunteers receive 18-24 hours of training and materials prior to working with youth. Students take a cruise down the Clinton River and across Lake St. Clair over to Metro Beach while learning through hands-on water activities that range from testing for dissolved oxygen to dragging for plankton. It's interesting, challenging, and fun! Click here to learn more about the program.  Call 586-469-6085 if interested.

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• Master Composter: After completing a six-week course and the required 15 hours of community service, participants become Certified Master Composters. Volunteer hours can be earned through a variety of activities that help educate others and promote the benefits of composting and yard waste reduction.  Click here for more information or call 586-469-6085 if interested.

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• Master Gardener: Volunteers in the Master Gardener Program receive 11 weeks of intensive horticultural education. Upon completion of their training, volunteers commit 40 hours of community service to share what they have learned about horticulture. The volunteers may work directly in the community by guiding and working on beautification projects, youth and senior gardening programs, information booths, and plant clinics at parks and nature centers. Volunteers may also provide support to the MSUE Home Horticulture Program by answering the gardening hotline, giving presentations and workshops, and doing outreach at the plant exchange, garden centers, and the local Farmers Market. Click here to learn more about the Master Gardener program.  Call 586-469-6440 if interested.

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• Water Conservation: Adult volunteers receive six hours training to present 50 minute programs to first and second graders in schools throughout Macomb County.  Call 586-469-6085 if interested.

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• Youth Mentor: The MSU Extension 4-H Youth Mentor Program has provided mentor services to Macomb County youth since 1991. We match qualified adult volunteers with Macomb County youth in need of guidance, encouragement, and direction. The goal is to prevent youth from becoming more deeply involved with the Court systems. We are a prevention program, proven to save county tax dollars by diverting youth from more costly levels of care and intervention.
  Mentor volunteers receive training and provide one-on-one mentoring services to youth ages 8-17. Adult volunteers are required to meet at least 2 hours a week with their mentee, working around their schedule. Mentors provide friendship support, and positive role modeling. They may engage the youth in formal education and/or recreational activities. In addition, volunteers and youth attend monthly workshops and support group meetings (Readiness Workshops and Mentor Roundtable Discussions) at the MSU Extension office.
  
  For more information, contact Dequindre Bell (586) 469-5979 or email at belldequ@anr.msu.edu
  

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