Happy Spring! April has quickly approached and with it, the month of celebrating volunteers! The Kansas Association of 4H Volunteers has been hard at work planning a one day forum event "Spring into Volunteering".

"Volunteers Are Not Paid-Not Because They Are Worthless, But Because They Are Priceless." author anonymous. We hope to give volunteers new energy and information to continue the great work that they contribute! As volunteers we do not always know our value and sometimes forget what WE mean to others. As a volunteer, we hope you know just how much you are truly appreciated!

"Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else's help." author Heather French Henry.

Please reach out if you need anything.

Malinda Lehman, President

“Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into the future of which we can all be proud.” By: Helen Dyer

To be a volunteer is something that can’t just be summed up in just a few words. 4-H is such a strong organization built by strong leaders and building strong leaders for the future of the world. The skills needed to be a strong volunteer varies greatly in every person. One person’s individual skills differ from someone else, when you bring everyone together and have built a strong foundation to support the growth and learning for all of our youth.

New volunteers are always needed and welcomed at KVF. It not only helps the youth but there is also a sense of a new found purpose in your life. Some of the top benefits that have been mentioned that volunteers value are; having a sense of community reaching further than their own county, meeting life long friends, getting outside of their own comfort zones, improving self-esteem, and of course seeing the growth and love spark in the youth they are helping is the absolute best! There are so many opportunities right in your own back yard.

We would like to feature Tiffanie Mai, she is an outstanding volunteer in the state of

Kansas and fully understands the 4-H program in great depth. She has been a leader of the Sunflower 4-H Club for over 10 years and has really helped to support all the 4-H’ers in Russell County and throughout the state. Even after her own children have aged out, she has continued to lead and support the 4-H club and help throughout the 4-H year. She is the head of the County Achievement Banquet, the 4-H Fair Foodstand, on 4-H Council, and many other committees to keep our local program running strong. Russell County 4-H wouldn’t be the same without her and we are very thankful for all she has done and continues to do.

“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without

someone else’s help” By: Heather French Henry

Submitted by: Janella Eck, Northwest Area VP

Attached you will find a list of our lifetime members. Please double check if you are on the list and let us know if we mistakenly missed you.

Lifetime Member List

*Kjrsten Abel Ruch *Jeri Albright *Jo Ellen Arnold *Rhonda Atkinson*Karla Arpin*Cynthia Baldwin*Kevin Bernhardt*Mary Bernhardt*Catherine Berry*Shirley Black*Denise Butler*Jessica Cabrales*Lana Clawson*Tamara Clawson*Cherry Coen*Crystal Coffman*Julie Davis*Robyn Deines*Anita DeWeese*Jessica DeWeese*Taylor DeWeese*Sara Eubank*Steve Fisher*Jeannine Flory*Pansy Fryman*John George*Gary W. Gerhard*Barbara Goss*Linda Henningsen*Nancy Herrnbruck*Carla Hilton*Lisa Hogan*Nancy Honig*Brenda Hoobler*Wendy Hughes*Megan Jeschke*Ron Jones*Gwen Kramer*Phyllis Kriesel*Darrell Kuhn*Linda Kuhn*Pam Kvas*Allison Lecklider*Linda Lecklider*Malinda Lehman*Marie Lehmann*Dalene Lewis*Carol Limon*Sarah Maass*Patsy Maddy*Donna Maskus*Misty Mason*Amy Masters*Kim McMurry*Pat McNally*Christine McPheter*Cara Moore*Shelly Morgan*Susan Mueller*Averie Nelson*Ann Newcomer*Rosemary Pillar*Marty Piotrowsky*Shawna Riffle*Janell Robertson*Regina Roth*Kimberly Schmeidler*Jerry Seim*Judy Sullivan*Mary J. Sullivan*Linda Thurston*Bernadette Trieb*Cherle Trieb*Berny Unruh*Wade Vogel*Kirk Waymire*Margaret Waymire*Mary Waymire*Michelle Waymire*Regina Westoff*Donna Wiley*Debra Wood

April is National Volunteer Month. Without the many individuals that give of their time, talents, and financial support, programs such as 4-H would not be able to exist. As a volunteer, it is important to prioritize self care to avoid burn out both emotionally and financially. In addition, burn out can leave a person tired, unmotivated, and even resentful. Adding time to your calendar specifically for self care and making it a habit is necessary. We have found the following helpful in maintaining the demanding lifestyle most volunteers live. ● Be mindful of feelings and take breaks as needed. ● Get enough rest- This promotes health and higher energy levels. ● Exercise- Assists in relieving stress and improves mood. ● Eat regular meals ● Do something for yourself- Read, craft, watch a movie, take a hot bath, etc ● Unplug- Put technology away for a day to “recharge” your brain encouraging productivity and creativity. We hope this will leave you renewed and ready to embrace your next volunteer opportunity.

Kansas Association of 4-H Volunteers Officers

2022-2023

President- Malinda Lehman, Greeley County

President Elect- Shawna Riffel, Chisholm Trail District

Secretary- Kim Schmeidler, Cottonwood District

Treasurer- Melissa Baxter, River Valley District

NE VP- Stacy Haug, Meadowlark District

SW VP- Dixie Harlow, Meade County

NW VP- Janella Eck, Midway District

SE VP- Melinda Bass, Harvey County

Past President- Jessica Juhl, Doniphan County

Email: jkschmeidler@gmail.com
Website: https://www.kansas4-h.org/
Location: Kansas 4-H Youth Development Program State Office, 1612 Claflin Road, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
Phone: 785-532-5800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KA4HV