Empowering volunteer leaders to facilitate supportive networks and personal development
According to the Puerto Rico Department of Health, one in four people in Puerto Rico live with a mental health condition. With research-backed approaches and deep community ties, Extension is particularly equipped to address issues of individual and community health and well-being. To extend its reach, the University of Puerto Rico Agricultural Extension Service consolidated offices in Camuy, Hatillo and Quebradillas into one Extended Unit (UE C/H/Q).
This reorganization generated positions for Volunteer Leaders (VLs), who conducted practical workshops on self-employment and skill development, but disconnected operations during initial implementation resulted in limited collaboration. Community conversations revealed additional needs for mental health support, stronger entrepreneurial skills, safe spaces for engagement and more collaborative opportunities.
In response, the Extended Unit implemented the Leadership Support Program for Volunteer Leaders of C/H/Q, which combined participatory action research, monthly meetings, field visits, workshops and educational interventions tailored to the needs of the community and the VLs. This structured support network enabled VLs to lead workshops that better met the needs of individuals and the community in topics like self-employment, self-esteem, burnout prevention, emotional well-being, entrepreneurship, transformative networks and VL roles. In 2025, 575 students participated in a pilot entrepreneurship program, with 520 completing the requirements to earn certifications.
Effective leadership development strengthened VLs ability to provide topical workshops and social support for communities. One participant stated, “Being here helped me manage my depression,” while another indicated, “This group was there for me…even when my family didn’t support me.” VLs facilitate supportive networks, individual skill development, collaborative problem solving and social integration, all of which contribute positively to individual and community resilience.
University of Puerto Rico Agricultural Extension Service | Project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds. Photo courtesy of University of Puerto Rico Agricultural Extension Service.
