Just as we participate in an extensive needs assessment and program-planning model for UT Extension programming, we should do the same when thinking about volunteer involvement. Some questions to consider in assessing needs might include:

• What are the needs of the program?
• Where can volunteers be utilized?
• What are the priorities and issues in your local program?
• What current programs could volunteers lead?
• How do volunteers fit into my plan of work?
• What activities or projects have you always wanted to do but never had time for?
• What are some things you would like to see done that no one has the skills to do? (Or that we cannot afford to pay someone to do?)

The Tennessee Extension Program Planning and Evaluation Model (Donaldson, 2003) is a very helpful tool to Extension staff, system wide. As you move through the process, it is important to think about how volunteers fit into the plan. This is an excellent activity for Extension staff to involve advisory committees, local volunteer leader organizations, and other key stakeholders. In cooperation with these groups, decide the extent of volunteer involvement needed and/or desired in your programming efforts.

After you identify the needs, it is time to begin planning how you will involve volunteers.