From the Dirt Up

  That was the theme for this year's NC 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Conference.  Our Robeson County delegation to advantage of all the opportunities offered.  This year in attendance were Katherine, Kenneth, and Laura Bethea; Emma Hill, Marilyn Merritt, Aggie Rogers, Larry Russ and our own 4-H Agent, Shea Ann DeJarnette.  Volunteers had the opportunity to attend workshops that includes camps, electric projects, horse programs, legos, leather crafting, Health Rocks!, Parliamentary Procedure, Plant propagation and sooooo much more!  In between all the workshops and learning fun were meetings, fellowship, making new friends, shopping, fundraising and so much more packed into two fun filled days.
 

So many people ask, "Why go to a 2 day conference in Raleigh?  What could be so special?"  Well really it's all about the people who are there.  Everyone in attendance is connected to 4-H as a staff member or volunteer.  That means you have the opportunity to meet folks from around the state who share the same passion for youth and youth programming as you do.  This is a group of people who have a great amount of wisdom, problem solving skills, and are so organized that they have their own association.  That means besides the fact that you can meet new and interesting folks in 4-H you can also learn about great programs and activities, take what you learn home, and even strengthen your own leadership skills.
  Since this is the annual business meeting for the NC 4-H Volunteer Leaders' meetings and elections are also conducted on the district and state levels.  This year in the Southeast District our own Aggie Rogers was elected President, Paula Woodall was elected President-Elect, Page Redmon was also elected as Vice President, Gwindy Stewart will be Treasurer, Rose Lee will be secretary.  Kim Lackey will move into the Past President's role and will serve as our state Vice President.
  While everyone is there it seemed like a good time to do a couple of fundraisers for the association as well.  The South Central District hosted a basket Raffle and the Southeast District was in charge of the Country Store and silent auction.  Together both fundraisers raised about $2,500 for the organization.
 At the end of Saturday night a banquet was held.  Volunteers received awards, were recognized for their achievements, and had the opportunity to hear from the state staff.    Dr. A. Richard Bonanno, who began in his new role on Monday as Director of Extension was on hand to give thanks to the volunteers for all that they do.
We met back at the McKimmon Center on Sunday morning for two more workshops on duct tape crafts and t-shirt quilts.  After all the fun it was time to install the officers and finish the closing meeting.  Dr. Mike Yoder, the 4-H Program Leader talked with the volunteers and expressed how much he appreciates their efforts.  When it was all said and done we headed back to Robeson County with new friends, lots of ideas, and a new appreciation for our North Carolina Clover.