Extension volunteer programs not only benefit the communities they serve, they also benefit the volunteers themselves. The objective of this project was to demonstrate the health-related benefits seen by Extension volunteers and prove that volunteering is good for you.  The many health-related benefits of volunteerism have been documented in various studies and can be realized in Extension volunteer programs such as 4H, Master Gardener Volunteers, and Master Food Volunteers. Benefits include reduced stress, improved nutrition, increased self-esteem, and improved mental and physical health.  Master Gardener Volunteer program coordinators in two Florida counties researched and reviewed health-related studies, created surveys for the volunteers, and compiled data to prove that the information in the studies did in fact prove that health-related benefits of volunteerism are present in the Master Gardener Volunteer program.  

In the two Florida counties in this project, Master Gardener Volunteers indicated the following personal wellness benefits as a result of volunteerism..

70% Enabled them to help others

71% Increased ability to research information

63% Helped them meet and interact with other gardeners

57% Improved mental health

52% Helped them stay physically active

44% Gained confidence in using new technology (such as social media, the internet, webinars, email, mobile apps, etc.)



27% Helped recover from a loss or disappointment



73% Increased self-esteem



74% Reduced stress levels



37% Helped them make new contacts that might help with their business, career, and/or paid work.

The coordinators were then able to compile the outcomes and create program objectives, which can be use in state reporting.  

The benefits that volunteers gain from volunteering are measured far beyond what we traditionally report but the opportunity is there for us to demonstrate the symbiotic relationship between Extension and volunteers.