Volunteers
4-H volunteers are valued partners working with youth!
The process to become a Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H Registered volunteer will consist of three-steps:
- Effective December 1, 2018, all potential 4-H volunteers must complete the MSU-ES approved TrueScreen background check. See the TrueScreen instructions here.
- Must fill out a Volunteer Application Packet.
- Must complete the Mandatory Online Training (Best Practices for Working with Underage Participants) and must complete the Minor Protection Policy Acknowledgment Form.
- Must be a registered 4-H Volunteer 30 days prior to any 4-H activity/event.
(Special Note: Only MSU-ES approved TrueScreen Background Checks will be accepted. This is a MSU policy and as a MSU Unit, we will comply.)
Volunteers In 4-H Youth Development Programs:
- Work in partnership (adults and young people) to lead 4-H clubs, activities, and events
- Lead workshops to share knowledge with young people
- Help plan and conduct events
- Chaperone field trips and leadership conferences
- Recruit other volunteers
- Serve in management roles.
- Contribute through promoting and supporting 4-H.
Volunteering is a privilege.
All that’s needed is a desire to provide a quality educational program for 4-H'ers. Previous 4-H youth development experience is not necessary. For more information, contact the youth development staff in your local Mississippi State University Extension Service office.
Publications
News
The Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions began in 1969 as a conversation between two Mississippi State University livestock specialists dedicated to building better youth through livestock programs.
Ready “to make the best better”? October 1 is the official start of the 4-H year!*
*If you don’t know what 4-H is, start here, with 4-H Wants You!
Success Stories
It all started back in 1966, when former 4-H’er Ruby Beckley decided to become a 4-H volunteer leader. During her own days in 4-H, she won corn-growing competitions, and she knew, even though she wasn’t a mother yet, she needed to share her talents with the next generation.
For Mattie and Willie Williams, it’s always been about the children. They first got involved with the MSU Extension Service through 4-H when their children were young. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)
Katelyn Orr helped Cleveland residents get their hearts pumping and burn a few calories during the Community Walk in April.
After working all day, Deidra Rollins knew the last thing she wanted to do was spend every evening and weekend at the ball field. But she wanted something she and her daughter, Tory, could do together. So she stopped by the local Mississippi State University Extension Service office.
When she started volunteering with Tate County 4-H almost 15 years ago, Joy Magness didn’t know much about the youth development program delivered by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
She was home-schooling her two children, Samantha and Eli, and her fellow home-schooling parent and friend Adelia Gaines asked Magness if she’d like her kids to join 4-H and if she’d like to volunteer.