• By Deidre An
• Posted Thursday, April 8, 2021

Celebrating our volunteers during the month of April

Celebrating our volunteers during the month of April - Dee An

Did you know that April is Volunteer Appreciation Month? National Volunteer Week is also held during the month of April, and this year it will take place during the week of 18th-24th. This is an ideal month to reach out and thank a volunteer- or go volunteer for yourself! There are still many ways to get involved with programs by volunteering from home by micro-volunteering or virtually volunteering, volunteering with just your household members, sending positive support, and more! As actor Denzel Washington once said, “At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”

At N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center, volunteers are a major driving force behind many programs, and we are especially grateful for the dedicated support of our volunteers. Even during this past year when we cancelled in-person events, our volunteers stepped up to promote our virtual programs and educate the community. When meetings and competitions moved online, our 4-H club leaders and club volunteers took extra steps to engage with 4-H’ers through creative virtual activities. Our club leaders made sure projects and competition entries were still on the way and helped plan many events to engage and empower youth year round.

Our Extension Master Gardener? Volunteers (EMGV) contribute their time and talents each year to the Forsyth County Demonstration Garden, The Arboretum at Tanglewood Park, and to the many educational events focused on horticulture such as Adult Education at the Arboretum. Our horticulture-savvy EMGVs found virtual ways to teach gardeners about best horticulture practices in Forsyth County, and our Community Gardeners did the same by growing the knowledge of many edible horticulture enthusiasts as well as growing some pretty amazing plants themselves. Our countless other program volunteers have helped along the way as well by serving on advisory boards, helping us plan events, and giving their time to educate the community.