Volunteers' Ideas in Practice

December 14, 1999

GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings to 4-H Volunteer Leaders:

This has been a full and fun filled year for me. I would like to thank each of you for your support. Especially at Rock Eagle, because it takes all of us to make the Best Better and you made that happen. We made MS shine this year with quality workshops. Thanks to Inez Saum, Patrick Morgan and Harvey Gordon. We know that next year is the big one. MS will host the forum. So we have got to get on the board with Dr. Michael Williams and get busy. Share the magic and make Mississippi shine in 2000.

We had some outstanding District 4-H Volunteer Leader Forums through out the state this year. I was able to attend and represent you in all of them. I enjoyed sharing and visiting with my fellow 4-H Volunteer Leaders, and learning more about the great work that is going on in the state. Thanks to Mr. Gordon for providing these momentous experiences.

We are looking forward to the Annual 4-H Volunteer Leaders Conference February 18-20, 2000. I hope that each of you are planning to meet me there. Camp Wesley Pine is a great place and I believe everybody enjoyed the Annual Conference last February. So let's invite some new volunteers to come and share and gain some volunteer leadership skills. As we enter the year 2000, we want the Annual Conference to be filled with fun.

We are still working toward a goal of increasing membership in MVLA to 500 annual member and 50 Lifetime members by February 1, 2000. To accomplish that goal, we need your help.

Robert Davenport
President, MVLA

NATIONAL 4-H IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROJECT

By now, many of you know that Mississippi was one of just four Southern States randomly selected to take part in the National 4-H IMPACT Study, and within our state, seven counties were randomly selected to be included in this project. The purpose of this project is to let leaders and volunteers at the national and state levels know the type of impact that 4-H is having on those who participate in it. The study works by getting 4-H'ers (grade 4 through 12), parents, and adult volunteers to complete surveys about their 4-H experience. The following counties will be taking part in the study:

Coahoma, Hancock, Neshoba, and Desoto Counties will assess the 4-H Club program. Panola and Warren Counties will assess 4-H Special Interest programs. Panola and Harrison Counties will assess 4-H School Enrichment programs.

If you live in one of the counties listed above, there is a very good chance that you will be asked to be a part of this project in some way. Dr. Rae Wilkinson and myself will be working with the 4-H Youth Agents in these counties to get the survey completed by the end of the year. We all look forward to seeing the results of this study so we can better know how to serve the youth of our state.

Adam Weaver
Graduate Assistant

NATIONAL WORKFORCE PREPARATION INITIATIVE

If you are implementing programs that are centered around workforce preparedness, we encourage you to contact Judy McKenna, Co-chair of the National Workforce Preparation Initiative at (970) 491-5772. Judy will provide you with information about a satellite broadcast that aired December 6, 1999 which could possibly provide ideas for programming in your county.

Larry Alexander
4-H Youth Development Specialist

NATIONAL JUNIOR HORTICULTURE ASSOCIATION

The theme for the 1999 convention was Running Down The Dream and we certainly spent the week Running. From cruising on Tampa Bay to a day at Disney World, and a day at Cypress Gardens, how could you not run. What a busy and exciting trip!

The state winning Horticulture Judging team from Lowndes County attended this event to participate in the national level contest. The team members included Lea Ann Prevost, Stoney Sharp, David Strait and Sabrina Strait. The team was coached by Inez Saum and myself. The team placed 8th in a very difficult contest. They have much to be proud of and we congratulate them on their accomplishments.

Also held at the convention was a photography contest, public speaking contest, extemporaneans Speaking Contest and several demonstration contests. The 4-H'ers also participated in some of these contest as well as another 4-H'er from Mississippi, Bethany Burnett. Bethany is a 4-H'er from Harrison County, she participated in the illustrated talk (visual presentation) contest. Bethany did a super job, we are proud she got to go with us and we are also proud of everything she has accomplished in 4-H. Lea Ann Prevost also received the honor of a National winner for her demonstration on using fruit to create baskets.

I hope that you will make it part of your goals for the year 2000 to be an active Leadership Team member. Please call if you have questions or concerns.

Angie Chrestman
State 4-H Youth Leadership - Coordinator

VOLUNTEERS EMPOWERING VOLUNTEERS!

The 1999 Fall 4-H Field and Stream training was held in West Point, Mississippi at a facility owned by Mossy Oaks, the Outdoor Outfitters. This training was attended by one of the largest groups of any prior training. The training was conducted by volunteers who have invested much of their time in making the program successful.

There were more than 101 volunteers in attendance with more than eighty per cent being first timers. The state training offered disciplines in: Archery, Hunting, Black Powder, Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, and Wildlife. Each participant also got an opportunity to receive instructions in Youth Development and Ages and Stages.

On the second day of the training, all participants traveled to the Mossy Oaks firing range to take part in the experiential phase of the training sessions. Participants also got an opportunity to cross-train on a second discipline.

Special guests included: Steve Adcock, State hunter Education Coordinator and Jerry Cantrell, Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Representative. Both addressed the group explaining opportunities through MDWFP programs.

The fall and summer training are offered by 4-H State Trained Volunteer Leaders. The fall training was conducted by the following volunteer trainers: Bob Dendy, Pistol; Buddy Kerr and David Sansing, Rifle; Dale Davis, Black powder; Debby Martin and Inez Saum, Wildlife; Mike Williams, hunting; Charlie Fitts, Archery; Raymond and Sherry Radcliff, Shotgun.

Coordinators for the Mississippi 4-H Field and Stream program are Dean Stewart, Extension Wildlife Specialist and Jared Quillen, 4-H Field and Stream Program Assistant. For more information about this program, please contact the above mentioned coordinators at (662) 325-3074. Larry Alexander
Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist

SOUTHERN REGION 4-H VOLUNTEER LEADER FORUM 2000

The State planning Committee will conduct the Second Half Kick-off meeting Saturday, December 11, 1999, at Hinds County Extension Office. The purpose of this meeting is to develop a strategy to make Mississippi shine at Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Leader Forum 2000. Mississippi will be the host of the 2000 Forum at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, located in Eatonton, Georgia. To help implement our plans, we need input from agents and volunteers. Don't hesitate to call or e-mail to me your suggestions. Our goal is to prepare a game plan that will set the standards for the new millennium.

Harvey L. Gordon
Extension Specialist 4-H Youth Development

HARVEY'S TIPS- PART I

TRAINING VOLUNTEERS

Effective leader training furthers not only the growth and maintenance of the 4-H program but also the personal development of each volunteer. Leader training should be presented so that each volunteer feels it will contribute not only to success on the job but also to his/her personal growth. As a leader with responsibilities for the organizational aspects of the 4-H group, you will sometimes be involved in leader training. Be sure to coordinate your plans with the Agent with 4-H Responsibilities.

A good learning climate for adults will:

  • Involve them in planning training content.
  • Focus on the problems they want answered.
  • Have volunteers help set the training objectives.
  • Build a climate of warmth, support and acceptance.
  • Let the volunteer help set the learning pace.
  • Foster ties between leaders.
  • Present the most important information first.

New leaders need orientation on the organization's mission and the specific program they will work with. They want to know how to work effectively with their groups, how to plan and implement a program, how to involve parents, how to obtain resources and facilities, and what support is available to do their jobs. Short-term leaders primarily need to know the purpose of their jobs and how they relate to the total program. They will also want the specific details of what is expected of them.

Several training opportunities are being planned to help volunteer become effective 4-H club leaders. The first of these opportunities will be the Annual 4-H Volunteer Leader Conference, which will be held February 18-20, 2000, at Wesley Pines Conference and Retreat Center, located in Gallman, Mississippi. The second opportunity will be District Leader Forums, which will be at several locations throughout the state. Watch the calendar for dates and locations. The last of these opportunities will be the Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Leader Forum, October 4-8, 2000, at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Georgia. Mississippi will serve as Chair of the Forum. Our goal is to represent Mississippi at the Forum with 200 delegates. I encourage you to take advantage of these training opportunities.

Harvey L. Gordon
Extension Specialist 4-H Youth Development

END OF THE YEAR DONATIONS

It's that time of year again when you should consider the tax advantage of making donations to the 4-H program. There are several opportunities to consider. The Mississippi 4-H Foundation can always make good use of your donations to help the youth and volunteers in the Mississippi 4-H program. If that is your choice, then contact Dr. Susan Holder at the State 4-H Department.

Also consider donating to the scholarship program, which the Mississippi 4-H Volunteer Association (MVLA) started with their donation of over $8,000 last spring to the MS 4-H Foundation. To donate to that cause you can either send a check to Dr. Susan Holder, State 4-H Program Leader, and designate that the money be added to the Volunteer Association scholarship fund or send a check to Harvey Gordon at the State 4-H Department, with instructions for the donation to be added to the Association's donation this coming spring.

You might also want to consider becoming a life time member of the MVLA. This would give you the membership to the Association as well as make a contribution to the MVLA program. There is also your local program that can use your monetary support as well as your contribution of time and assistance.

Whichever one of these ways you choose to designate the use of your money, rest assured it will be used for the benefit of the youth in 4-H in Mississippi. Don't delay, send your contribution today before the end of the year slips up on you and it is to late to benefit from that tax relief this year.

Inez Saum
Reporter VIP Newsletter

A CALL TO ALL PAST OFFICERS OF THE MVLA

All past officers of the Mississippi 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Association (MVLA) are being asked to contact Harvey Gordon, 4-H Volunteer Specialist, to make sure that he has your current address. Also let him know what office and what year you served in that office. If anyone knows of a former officer that might not be receiving the VIP Newsletter, please have them contact Mr. Gordon.

Millennium Milestones is the theme for the MVLA Annual Conference this year and the past officers of the MVLA are considered one of the Association's triumphant milestones. Because of this we would like to invite all of the past officers to the Annual Conference February 18-20, 2000. The past officers will be acknowledged at the conference.

Inez Saum
VIP Reporter

NOMINATIONS OF OFFICERS 2000

This year is really passing by quickly and there are some things we all need to attend to as it comes to a close. As a past-president of the Mississippi Volunteer Leaders Association, I know just how quickly time can pass. Before you know it there are too many things to get done in the time remaining, so I want to get this request in early and ask each person to attend to it as if you are the only one who is going to ! I'm talking about nominations, both for outstanding volunteer leaders and most importantly for officers to lead this Association.

These are working jobs and they are very important. We must have the best we can to work in the MVLA, so nominate peers who you know will work and lead us forward!

We will select a new president-elect, vice-president, parliamentarian, and secretary (2 year term) in 2000. These individuals will have the task of leading us during the time when we will be hosting the Southern Region Leaders' Forum at Rock Eagle. Let's choose workers and if you are asked to run please just say- "I'll be glad to". Send in your slate of nominations- today or by January 10, 2000!

Lisha Hopper
Past President

FROM THE VIP REPORTER

Due to some unavoidable challenges, this VIP was delayed and therefore might be a little longer than usual. But please take the time to read and make note of the articles. Look for a VIP early in January to let you know more about the plans for the MVLA Conference in February, 2000 and the hosting of the 2000 Southern Region Leader Forum in October.

Remember, during this busy holiday season, to take the time to tell your family and friends how important they are to you.

Best wishes for the Holidays.

Inez Saum
VIP Reporter

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

December

11

Southern Region Volunteer Leader Forum
(SRLF) State Kickoff Meeting (2nd half)

Dec. 21- Jan 1

Winter/New Year's Holidays

January

6-9

Western 4-H Round-Up, National 4-H Horse Classic (Western Division), and National Western Livestock & Meats Judging

7

DEADLINE: Livestock Entries for District and Round-up Shows DUE

8

North Mississippi 4-H Livestock and Dairy Judging Clinics

10

DEADLINE: Outstanding 4-H Volunteer Nominations DUE in STATE 4-H OFFICE

10

DEADLINE: Nominations for MVLA Officers DUE in STATE 4-H OFFICE

10-14

Orientation II

15

North Mississippi 4-H Livestock & Dairy Judging Workshop

17

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

25-29

Northwest District Livestock & Dairy Judging Contest- Batesville

27-29

Northeast District Livestock & Dairy Judging Contest- Verona

28-30

Southeast District Livestock & Dairy Judging Contest- Hattiesburg

31- Feb.2

Judging Contest- Greenwood

31- Feb.3

Southwest District Livestock & Dairy judging Contest- Jackson

February

1

DEADLINE: Registration for the State4-H Volunteer Leaders' Association(MVLA) Conference due in State Office

1

DEADLINE: State Region 4-H Volunteer Leader Forum (SRLF) Workshop Proposals DUE in STATE 4-H OFFICE

3-10

Dixie National Junior Livestock & Dairy Round-Up and Judging Contest

4

DEADLINE: 4-H Legislative Page Applications DUE (postmarked) (Mail to: Center for Gov't Technology; Box 9643; Mississippi State, MS 39762)

4

DEADLINE: Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) County Reservation Deposit Due

13

State Beef Ambassador Contest

14-18

Orientation I

18-20

Mississippi 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Association (MVLA) Conference - Wesley Pines Conference & Retreat Center - Gallman, MS

23-25

MS Association of Family and Consumer Science Meeting

24-25

Southern Region Character Counts Taskforce Meeting

24-27

National 4-H Collegiate Training

25-26

State 4-H Leadership Training

TBA

4-H Legislative Day (Leadership Team)

Larry Alexander
Extension 4-H Youth Specialist

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARD

Each year one volunteer will be chosen as Outstanding Volunteer from the 10 areas in the state. Every County should submit a volunteer to be considered for this prestigious award. The volunteer selected from each area will be recognized during the Banquet at the Annual 4-H Volunteer Leader Conference on February 19, 2000.

Harvey L. Gordon
Extension Specialist 4-H Youth Development

The VIP Newsletter is published for Mississippi 4-H Volunteer leaders with the Mississippi State University Extension Service by the State 4-H Office. Articles and news items should be sent to VIP, Box 9641, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Editor: Harvey Gordon, 4-H Youth Development Specialist. Distributed to: MSU-ES Administration, Area Directors, State 4-H Staff, Agents with 4-H Responsibilities.

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