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 Northumberland County Extension Office has many volunteer opportunities:

Extension Leadership Council (ELC)

Northumberland County Cooperative Extension does not determine in isolation the needs of communities, nor does it implement solutions to those needs on its own. Instead, Extension facilitates an approach to education that involves the community in the identification of their own needs and the implementation of solutions. The primary means for Extension to facilitate community involvement in Extension education is through a representative group known as the Extension Leadership Council (ELC).  

Northumberland and Lancaster counties share most of their Extension faculty, so the two units operate a joint ELC that meets quarterly. The ELC is instrumental in focusing Extension programming for Northumberland and Lancaster County Extension agents. Each program area has a subcommittee of ELC members devoted to helping each agent develop their programming goals. The ELC also serves as hosts of an annual Volunteer Appreciation Program where outstanding Extension volunteers are recognized. Extension faculty and staff value the leadership and support our ELC provides.

Master Gardeners

Master Gardeners are an important part of the VCE program in Northumberland Co. Northern Neck Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who provide their community with research based gardening and horticulture information. They receive training in all areas of horticulture from the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Service.  

From April through October, there are help desks each week in all three counties: Northumberland County Extension Office on Tuesday from 9-12, Westmoreland County Extension Office on Monday from 9-12, and the Lancaster County Extension Office on Thursday from 9-12. From November through March, Northern Neck Master Gardeners are available to answer gardening questions from 9 -12 each Tuesday morning in Northumberland County Extension Office.