Civil Rights Compliance of VCE Volunteer Organizations and Clubs form.

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) recognizes the importance of accessibility and reaching all audiences in the development and implementation of Extension programs. VCE uses the Program Evaluation and Reporting System (PEARS) for gathering direct and indirect contacts data on an ongoing basis to meet federal and state expectations. This resource will review what information to collect and how to report it.

Everything that Virginia Extension Master Gadeners do involves some sort of risk. It could be risk to their own health and safety, risk to the health and safety of participants in the programs they lead, risk to property (like those new pollinator plants they are planting), risk to natural resources, or risk to the reputation of the volunteers, chapters, program, Virginia Tech, Commonwealth of Virginia, and local partners with whom they are volunteering. “Risk management” is the sum of all the strategies we use to try to reduce the likelihood that an action we take will cause harm. Risk management is the responsibility of every Virginia Extension Master Gardener (EMG). In this publication, we describe the common categories of risk EMG volunteers may encounter as part of their learning and service in the program. We give examples of specific risks in each category, and we describe recommended strategies for EMG volunteers to follow.

Very often, EMG projects and activities “spontaneously generate,” whether from a community request or from a volunteer who has an idea that meets a local need. Because the projects may or may not integrate with the planned educational programming to be implemented by EMGs, the opportunities that arise should be evaluated to see if they are appropriate Extension activities, whether they are feasible, and if there is sufficient commitment to ensure completion. New projects should be evaluated to determine how they fit into Extension program areas, such as sustainable landscape management, the unit’s Situation Analysis and the agent’s plan of work. If EMG projects and activities are planned outside of the educational program plan designed with local VCE agents and staff, then a Project Proposal and Authorization Form should be completed.

"Virginia Cooperative Extension is required to ensure that its digital content is accessible by everyone regardless of physical or technological readiness. This includes all content that is posted online —websites, publications, social media, email, presentations, etc. This template has been designed to help you create a publication that meets this requirement. Please use this template and follow the guidelines below to create your publication. If your publication does not meet accessibility guidelines, it will not be published."

The Frequency of LEP Contacts Record is used to track LEP contacts.

Extension employees are involved in many programs and projects. This resource shares information about where information about the day-to-day work of Extension is documented in the Program Engagement and Reporting System (PEARS).

Military family well-being is improved when professionals who support families are ready, knowledgeable and networked. Family well-being contributes to retention and readiness of military service members, helping to build and sustain effective and efficient military and family support and community partnerships. This handout provides information on how OneOp supports the work of VCE professionals engaging with military families.

An effective printed flyer program promoting Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) events and programs requires: clarity, hierarchy, and brand consistency. Flyers should feature high-contrast visuals, minimal but informative text (event name, date, time, location, CTA), and accessible formatting. By leveraging VCE branding including colors, fonts, and decorative elements, Extension professionals can enhance outreach and increase program visibility and engagement.

Social media is a strategic communication tool that enables Virginia Cooperative Extension units to disseminate information, promote programs, and engage stakeholders in real time. By leveraging platform-specific analytics, Extension professionals can enhance outreach, increase program visibility, and measure engagement to inform future communication efforts.

A career in Extension offers a diverse and rewarding opportunity to make a difference in your community. This publication is based on a webinar with experienced Extension professionals who shared insights, tips, and encouragement for building a successful career in Extension. The information below is derived from that conversation and is not intended to be comprehensive, but rather a starting point for defining your strategies for success as you embark on your career. Finding your place in the diverse world of Extension takes time, relationships, conversations, and self-honesty. You have a network of colleagues cheering for your success!

Volunteer screening supports the process of educating volunteer applicants about Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and creates the opportunity to allow faculty and staff to learn more about the interests of the volunteer applicant. The screening process also helps to protect the fidelity of Virginia Cooperative Extension programs, its participants, and volunteers.