Leading Extension Volunteers takes a deeper dive into specific concepts related to effectively working with volunteers in any Extension program. Leading Extension Volunteers course content varies each year based on the needs of Extension professionals.
2026-27 Course offerings include:
Developmental Stages of an Extension Professional Mini-Series
- November 10, November 17, December 1, 2026
- Cost: Free
- Registration link
- Registration Closes: November 6, 2026
- Course flyer
This interactive three-part webinar series introduces the Developmental Stages of an Extension Profession (DSEP) Model and its application to volunteer systems work. Participants will explore how their leadership approaches influence volunteer engagement and learn how the DSEP model and ISOTURE research can guide professional growth and volunteer development.
Working with Volunteer Boards
Offered in: 2025, 2027
- 2027 Course Dates: February 1-18, 2027
- Cost: $75
- Registration link
- Registration Closes: January 15, 2027
- Course flyer
This short three-week professional development opportunity is designed to equip Extension professionals with tools to: create volunteer boards orientation plan, identify ways to recruit new board members and sustain board efforts, identify ways to diversify board composition and representation, and identify methods to evaluate board performance and function.
Recruitment & Retention of Volunteers
Offered in: 2025, 2027
- 2027 Course Dates: March 1-16, 2027
- Cost: $75
- Registration link
- Registration Closes: February 12, 2027
- Course flyer
This short three-week professional development opportunity is designed to equip Extension professionals with tools to: create volunteer boards orientation plan, identify ways to recruit new board members and sustain board efforts, identify ways to diversify board composition and representation, and identify methods to evaluate board performance and function.
Previously Offered Topics:
Creating Connections Leading to Volunteer Retention
Offered in: 2026
- 2026 Course Dates: February 24-March 12
- Cost: $75
- Registration link
- Registration Closes: February 1, 2026
- Course flyer
Description: This three-week professional development opportunity builds upon the ISOTURE model presented during the Achieving the Extension Mission through Volunteers Course. This training is intended to help professionals to understand how communication and connection leads to greater volunteer retention. Take a deep dive into volunteer systems health and application of ISOTURE process. Reflect on current practice and application with your local system and strengthen your system through intentional planning.
Identifying When and How to Have Challenging Conversations with Volunteers
Offered in: 2023, 2025, 2026
Description: This short, one-week professional development opportunity builds upon the concepts and resources presented during Module 5:Coaching of the original Achieving the Extension Mission course. This training is intended to equip staff to identify when and to have challenging conversations with volunteers.
- 2026 Course Dates: April 7th – 16th
- Cost: $75
- Registration link
- Registration Closes March 20, 2026
- Course flyer
Data Driven Volunteer Identification
Offered in: 2024
Description: This short, two week professional development opportunity builds upon the concepts and resources presented during the original Achieving the Extension Mission Course. This training is intended to equip staff to use high quality data to achieve outreach and volunteer retention goals.