Volunteer Update

The National 4-H Volunteer Conference at Rock Eagle, GA, was held on October 3-6. Tennessee had 26 participants, and was the largest state delegation for the fourth year in a row! Special thanks to Matthew Hibdon, Karen Smith, and Dee Wolters for their leadership in serving on the Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Advisory Team, which was tasked with planning and organizing the event. Mark your calendars for October 2-5, 2025, for next year's conference, also at Rock Eagle.

The Tennessee 4-H Volunteer Jam has been scheduled for Feb 28 - March 1, 2025 in Lebanon, at the Wilson County Fairgrounds.

Have a great idea or topic to share! This event is open to any 4-H volunteer, teen, or professional. Volunteer Jam will feature educational workshops, displays, and other fun interactive experiences. Make plans to be there.

More information will be sent soon regarding a call for workshops and exhibits.

By the President of the United States of America. a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

-President George Washington, New York, 3 October, 1789

Read the rest of President Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation from the National Archives

This information from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, as well as other organizations across the state and country, are provided to assist individuals, families, and producers who have been impacted by the flood event.

Well, they are on the UT Extension Publications website.

Want to know what happens When Rain Drains the Terrain? You can find it there. How about Planning for a Fashion Show? You guessed it, its there. Looking for Hygiene Hijinks? Want to visit the Log Hotel? Then check in at the UT Extension Publications website.

The State 4-H FCS Fashion Revue has been scheduled for August 23, 2025 at the Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon. Take a look at a flyer about the event for more information.

4-H members who enter must be 14 years of age by January 1, 2026, and must have not reached their 19th birthday. 4-H members can have an entry in each category. A 4-Her cannot compete in the state contest in the same category in which they competed at the National Contest. A 4-Her cannot enter the same garment outfit they entered in the state contest more than one time. Contact your County Extension Office for more information.

Tennessee 4-H State Council President and Vice President, Gabe Harville and Isaac Welch stopped by the RFD-TV Studio to talk to RFD-TV's Suzanne Alexander on the activities they are involved in, their favorite experiences, and what the rest of the year looks like for them.

This is the time of year to get persons in your county certified as County 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors (Level 1). Please be aware of two certifications upcoming:

Level 1 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training - November 2 - York 4-H Center, Crossville

Level 1 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training - January 25 - Ridley 4-H Center, Columbia

Contact your County Extension Agent for more information on these certifications. All Extension youth shooting activities must be done by a Certified 4-H Shooting Sports instructor.

For all deadline dates, County Offices may establish earlier deadlines:

• Level 1 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training - November 2 - York 4-H Center, Crossville
• National 4-H Congress - November 29 - December 3 - Atlanta
• 4-H Livestock All-Star Banquet - December 21 - Knoxville
• State 4-H Swine Show - January 8-11 - Cookeville
• Senior Citizenship and Leadership Project Portfolios Due - January 20 - State Office
  
• Level 1 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training - January 25 - Ridley 4-H Center, Columbia
• State 4-H High Council Meeting - January 31-Feb 1 - Lebanon
• State 4-H Congress Registration Due - February 3 - Your County Office
  
• State 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest - February 10 - Franklin
• National Wild Turkey Federation Conference - February 12-15 - Nashville
  
• State 4-H Horse Educational Contests - February 16-17 - Knoxville
  
• 4-H Volunteer Jam! - Feb 28 - March 1 - Lebanon
• Tennessee 4-H Alumni and Friends Meeting - March 1 - Lebanon
  
• Tennessee 4-H Congress - March 9-12 - Murfreesboro and Nashville
  

Email: dsarver@utk.edu
Website: https://4h.tennessee.edu/volunteers/
Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
Phone: 865-974-2128
Facebook: facebook.com/Tennessee4H

Volunteer Update is a publication of Tennessee 4-H for 4-H Volunteers. Managing editor is Daniel Sarver, Extension Specialist, University of Tennessee. If you are receiving this newsletter via direct email (not forwarded to you), you have a subscription. Subscriptions are free! To subscribe, go to the web version of the newsletter and click on the "Subscribe" button.