Two people sitting in chairs viewed from the knees down wearing tennis shoes and holding small hand weights. — Oklahoma State University Extension is looking for volunteers interested in health and wellness to work alongside family and consumer sciences educators to promote healthy living statewide. (Photo by Mitchell Alcala, OSU Agriculture)

Master Wellness Volunteer program boosts public value of OSU Extension

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Media Contact: Trisha Gedon | Sr. Communications Specialist | 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu

Individuals interested in health and wellness are invited to join the Oklahoma State University Extension Master Wellness Volunteer program and work with family and consumer sciences educators statewide.

Facilitated by OSU Extension, the family and consumer sciences volunteer project will help Oklahomans make informed decisions, enhance their quality of living and meet unique challenges affecting their families, farms, communities and the economy, said Suzette Barta, community engagement coordinator for OSU’s College of Education and Human Sciences – Extension, Engagement and Continuing Education.

“OSU Extension has so much research-based information about healthy living to offer that can make a difference in the lives of all Oklahomans,” Barta said. “The volunteers play a vital role in sharing information about safe and healthy cooking, diabetes prevention, exercise, mental health, financial planning and more. We want to build bridges that will help provide this valuable information to more people.”

Applicants selected for the Master Wellness Volunteer program must be a new or current Master Family and Consumer Sciences Volunteer or certified 4-H Volunteer who has completed Master FCS Volunteer training. More information is available on the website.

Training requires 25 hours of instruction consisting of a six-hour in-person orientation, six weekly 90-minute Zoom lessons, five core subject training videos and five hours of internship. The in-person training will take place Oct. 22 in Kingfisher County.

Once training is complete, Master Wellness Volunteers are encouraged to assist with or potentially lead educational wellness activities in their county, volunteering at least 25 hours over the next year. Volunteers must engage in 10 hours of continuing education over the next year.

The program requires a $50 sign-up fee, which includes a meal at the Oct. 22 training session. Applications are available from family and consumer sciences educators at county OSU Extension offices.