University of Illinois Extension has been helping the citizens of Macon County put knowledge to work over 85 years.

Thousands of Macon County residents take advantage of research-based educational programming every year to enable them to make practical decisions to improve their quality of life. No matter what your age or occupation, or where you live, University of Illinois Extension-Macon County has something for you. Educational programming in leadership, agriculture, food and nutrition, work force preparedness, family life, horticulture, consumer sciences, 4-H and Youth development and community and economic development. As one Extension user put it, "We have programs for everyone from cradle to retirement."

Read about the Programs accessed by residents in our Annual Reports.

One cannot speak of Extension programs without mentioning in the next breath the impact of Extension Volunteers. They are truly "making the difference" in Macon County with the quality programming they share. As we try to measure a dollar value of what Volunteers collectively contribute, it is very interesting! If we conservatively assume that each Extension Volunteer dedicated only one hour this year to Extension, programming, this would total nearly 1,000 collective hours. According to the Independent Sector's* 2005 estimated value of a volunteer hour, this would represent $18,040.00** in one year for that single hour of each volunteer's time, as they assist in carrying out the mission of University of Illinois Extension. And we know that nearly all of our volunteers are donating far more than that one hour example!

We respectfully celebrate the involvement and support of Macon County Extension Volunteers who are responsible for forwarding Extension's mission: To enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work.

Douglas Harlan, Macon County Extension Director

*a nonprofit, coalition of approximately 500 national organizations, foundations, and corporate philanthropy programs, collectively representing the thousands of charitable groups in every state across the nation.

**The "Independent Sector" * announced that the 2005 estimate for the value of a volunteer hour has reached $18.04**per hour. The hourly value of volunteer time is based on the average hourly wage for all non-management, non-agriculture workers as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Volunteer opportunities with our office include:

• 4-H Afterschool Volunteer
  Looking for a volunteer opportunity after school? We are searching for volunteers to assist with local afterschool 4-H Clubs.
  
  
• 4-H Cloverbud Leader
  Youth ages 5-7 years old are invlolved in the 4-H Cloverbud program. If you would like to start a new Cloverbud group and volunteer as a leader, please contact us for more information.
  
  
• 4-H Organizational Leader
  Would you like to work with youth ages 8-18 years old? Start a 4-H Club in Macon County. The 4-H Organizational Leader provides leadership to the club organization, structure and operation and serves as the primary contact for the club.
  
  
• 4-H Show Superintendents
  Are you interested in a short term commitment in a specific program area? Volunteering as a 4-H Superintendent you will be involved in setting the criteria for exhibits in your project area and finding a judge for these exhibits. 4-H has projects ranging from computers to foods to natural resources to clothing. Contact us with your interests and we will find a match.
  
  
• Project Workshop Volunteers
  Do you have a talent you would like to share with youth? Volunteer to lead a workshop for 4-H members.