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
Patrick Lemoine has been guiding young people for nearly two decades. As a volunteer with the Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H youth development program, he’s coached numerous 4-H forestry, poultry, and livestock teams to victories. But his 2019 Rankin County 4-H forestry team’s second-place win at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational in August was one of his proudest accomplishments.
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.