OK Volunteerism
Volunteerism Conference
Call for Proposals
Submit your proposed workshop, funshop or poster using the online form. The proposal deadline is January 16, 2026.
Conference DetailsWe are committed to the wise use of resources, including finances, time, personnel, and volunteer efforts, to maximize our impact and achieve meaningful results.
Awards
- Excellence in Volunteerism Award - will recognize a county volunteer organization/group that has demonstrated service, community impact, and civic leadership through their volunteer contributions.
- Excellence in Teamwork Award- will honor exceptional teamwork demonstrated by a partnership of two or more Extension volunteer organizations/groups who have significantly contributed to their community through collaborative service, citizenship, and impactful engagement.
- Excellence in Community Partnership Award - will honor OHCE, Master Gardeners, and 4-H Parent/Volunteer groups and their partners that have demonstrated outstanding efforts in building and sustaining partnerships to address educational or community needs within their county.
- Excellence in Volunteer Engagement Award - will recognize a county Extension educator who has strengthened their ability to engage volunteers and build the capacity of their educational program to serve more clientele.
Conference Registration
Registration will open Feb. 1, 2026. The 2026 conference registration details coming soon!
Sponsorships
Your support can make a lasting impact in Oklahoma communities! By becoming a sponsor/donor, you help provide valuable resources, educational opportunities, and enriching experiences for Extension volunteers and staff.
- Green Level - $250
- Orange Level - $500
- Bronze Level - $750
- Silver Level - $1000
- Gold Level - $2,500
- Diamond Level - $5,000
- Platinum Level - $10,000
Thank You to our Sponsors!
- $5,000 - Simmons Foods
- $5,000 - Oklahoma Farm Bureau
- $1,000 - American Plant Products & Services
- $1,000 - Precure Nursery & Garden Center
- $1,000 - State 4-H Parent-Volunteer Association
Earn the All Extension Volunteer Digital Badge
Overview
Volunteers and educators who attend the Oklahoma Conference on Volunteerism (June 26–27, 2026) and complete the recommended workshops will earn the All Extension Volunteer accreditation and the Extension Merit™ digital badge, hosted by the AgriProspects Workforce Development Network (Extension Foundation).
This accreditation recognizes your commitment to collaboration across 4-H Youth Development, Master Family and Consumer Sciences, and Master Gardener programs — advancing OSU Extension’s land-grant mission statewide.
Competencies
Participants will strengthen key volunteer competencies:
- Facilitation
- Communication
- Active listening
- Relationship-building
- Conflict resolution
- Program planning and evaluation
How to Earn Your Badge
- Declare your intent when registering for the conference.
- Complete a brief pre-survey (link sent by email).
- Attend at least 7 workshops.
- Complete a quick post-conference survey.
- Receive your digital badge by email to share on social media, resumes, record books, or award applications.
Guest Speaker - Martin J. Cowling
Martin J Cowling is an experienced leader, researcher, and international consultant in the nonprofit sector. He led the Australian Government’s Office of the Not-for-Profit Sector and helped establish the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). He has overseen national strategies on volunteering and Indigenous employment and co-founded key professional networks for volunteer managers.
A recognized speaker in philanthropy, Martin has presented in 16 countries on leadership community engagement and volunteering plus authored over 200 publications. He is very familiar with 4-H and Extension programs including working with groups in multiple states and presenting at the National Extension Conference on Volunteerism twice! Passionate about people-driven change, he actively volunteers in causes across Australia, Scotland and Thailand.
