Each year, thousands of volunteers in Indiana donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live. These volunteers will be among the millions across the country who will be spotlighted during the 50th anniversary of National Volunteer Week, April 21-27.
Research reported by AmeriCorps found that 23.2% of adult Americans (60.7 million) volunteered 4.1 billion hours of service with an economic value of $122.9 billion. In 2021 in Indiana, more than 1.4 million residents volunteered, contributing $2.4 billion in economic value.
One group that relies heavily on volunteers is the Indiana 4-H Program. In 2022 over 13,000 youth and adults are volunteering in some capacity with 4-H. In Montgomery County, 60 volunteers, both youth and adult, will serve as club leaders, project leaders, committee members, and in advisory capacities for the 4-H Youth Development Program.
Volunteers spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as helping a child with a 4-H project, leading a project to serve the community, or helping organize an event at the county fair. Montgomery County 4-H volunteers are a key component to helping lead our youth. They serve as caring adults that can help 4-H members learn the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. With more than 500 youth in the Montgomery County 4-H program, adult volunteers are always needed to help share their passions and skills to the next generation.
4-H Program volunteers are just one group of volunteers who are instrumental in carrying out the mission of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of the Extension Service, including determining the needs of the local residents, planning and implementing programs to address these needs, securing resources, and evaluating programs.
An example of these volunteers is the Montgomery County 4-H Incorporated Board. The 17-member board, which consists of elected adults and youth, works with the county Extension staff to plan and oversee 4-H programming and activities. They strive year-round to provide a safe, fun, and educational environment for our 4-H members.
The work of Extension volunteers is continuous. Every day volunteers lend a helping hand to make Extension programs more beneficial to the residents of Montgomery County. Those interested in joining the team of volunteers are invited to contact the Montgomery County Extension Office at 765-364-6363 or email asweet@purdue.edu.
Abby Morgan is the Montgomery County Extension Education, 4-H Youth Development Educator. The office is at 400 Parke Ave., Crawfordsville; 765-364-6363. She may be reached by email at asweet@purdue.edu.
