Gray-haired woman wearing brown overalls, pink sweatshirt, black cap and gloves, grasps the hands of a black lawn cart after planting a new tree. — Oklahoma State University Extension offers a variety of opportunities to volunteer within the community. Helping with community beautification projects, serving as a mentor to 4-H youth and helping with nutrition education programs are just a few of the ways in which volunteers can play a role. (Photo by Mitchell Alcala, OSU Agriculture)

OSU Extension highlights statewide support during National Volunteer Month

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

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

Sometimes a helping hand, an act of kindness or an encouraging word is all it takes to create a ripple effect that positively impacts communities across the state.

Observed the third week of April as a time to shine light on the giving spirit of volunteers around the country during National Volunteer Week, Oklahoma pays homage to its countless volunteers the entire month of April.

For more than a century, Oklahoma State University Extension has positively impacted Oklahoma residents by providing quality programming and research-based information through school enrichment activities, educational workshops, community gardens, experiential camps, hands-on learning opportunities and more.

OSU Extension educators and staff in all 77 counties and dedicated faculty and staff on the OSU campus partner with thousands of volunteers to make a difference in the lives of Oklahomans.

“Volunteers are greatly valued by everyone in Extension,” said Damona Doye, associate vice president of OSU Extension. “They bring new ideas, different skill sets, enthusiasm and energy to a variety of roles. They expand our ability to serve our youth, families, homeowners and gardeners, businesses and communities immensely. We thank them for all they do with and for Extension and the people of Oklahoma.”

Interest is growing in the environment and home gardening, said David Hillock, OSU Extension consumer horticulturist and statewide coordinator of the Oklahoma Master Gardeners program.

“The service from the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program has proven to be a highly popular means of extending the knowledge of OSU Extension to the residents of Oklahoma,” he said.

In 2024, 12 counties provided volunteer training, which resulted in 182 newly established Master Gardeners. Currently, there are 27 counties with active Master Gardeners programs, totaling 1,185 active volunteers. They collectively provided nearly 89,000 volunteer hours through educational programming.

Candy Gabel, senior Extension specialist and state coordinator for the Community Nutrition Education Programs, said more than 700 volunteers are vital in supporting these programs.

“We provide direct education to adults and youth,” Gabel said. “Our partners serve as volunteers. Agency personnel, teachers and others assist with our programs. Last year, CNEP had nearly 15,000 program participants.”

Curricula taught under the Community Nutrition Education Programs umbrella include Fresh Start, Farm to You, CATCH, KIK it UP! and Teen Cuisine. Gabel said in 2024, 167 volunteers with the Farm to You exhibit committed 700 hours to educating children about where their food comes from and how the body uses nutritious food to build strong bones and muscles.

“Our volunteers intricately support our programs and help us meet the goal of improving the health of Oklahomans,” she said.

The Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program is the youth segment of OSU Extension and offers more than 60 project areas. More than 1,200 certified adult volunteers and hundreds of youth volunteers of Oklahoma 4-H play a key role in helping 4-H’ers develop life skills through hands-on learning opportunities.

“The number of certified volunteers doesn’t take into consideration the number of episodic volunteers who are a vital part of our programming,” said Karla Knoepfli, OSU Extension senior specialist in the state 4-H office. “We have many volunteers across the state who graciously give their time to specific events such as the county fair and summer day camps.”

4-H volunteers follow what Peter Benson, one of the world’s leading authorities on positive human development, said in his book, “Sparks: How Parents Can Ignite the Hidden Strengths of Teenagers.” He said that as a young person’s spark is illuminated and nurtured, they experience joy, energy and direction, changing a young person’s life from merely surviving to truly thriving.

“As a 4-H volunteer, we have the opportunity to help identify these sparks and encourage youth to grow them into something extraordinary,” Knoepfli said. “Whether through club management, program delivery, event management or chaperoning, their involvement makes a significant impact.”

Oklahomans looking for ways to make a difference in their communities may contact a county OSU Extension office.