Join our Consumer & Finance Programs as a Volunteer!

Volunteering is a great way to meet people, learn new skills and share what you already know while contributing to our community.  Some ongoing opportunities are listed below.  Prospective volunteers complete an application form (LINK).  In addition, those who volunteer to work with vulnerable populations (children, individuals with disabilities, etc.) will be asked to consent to a criminal background screening at Cooperative Extension's expense, as a means of ensuring the safety and security both of our volunteers and of the people we serve through our programs.

Consumer HelpLine 

The Consumer HelpLine is a community education effort staffed by trained volunteers, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Volunteers help callers to explore options for solving current problems, and provide information that can help them make informed decisions. We offer training and flexible scheduling. Volunteers should have good listening skills, a warm telephone manner,  and an interest in helping people find information and learn how to work through their problems.  Knowledge of consumer/housing issues or an interest in learning about them is suggested.  For information, contact Carole Fisher at 272-2292 or crf11@cornell.edu.

Money Management Educators

Volunteer Money Management Educators are matched with individuals who want to improve their financial well-being and who have enrolled in CCE's One-on-One Money Management Education Program. Volunteers provide individual instruction and coaching on setting goals, tracking spending, and making the most of resources. Participants set their own pace and meet individually with the volunteer for 4 or more sessions,  generally in a room at Cooperative Extension at a mutually convenient time. CCE provides a minimum of 10 hours of training, quarterly volunteer in-services, and ongoing staff support. A strength-based approach is used as participants identify their personal financial goals and strategies for accomplishing them. A sincere interest in money management and in working with people is required. Volunteers also need to be willing to commit to the program for at least one year.  For more information, contact Helen Ranck at 272-2292 or hkr24@cornell.edu.