« Blue Bell Releases Ice Cream in Honor of 4-H | Main | Ford Motor Company Donates Truck for 4-H Fundraising »
April 21, 2008
Monsanto Partnership Supports Volunteers Nationwide
Marking the mid-point of a two-year program, Monsanto's 4-H Volunteer Initiative Program has helped nearly all 50 states in their efforts to recruit, train and recognize 4-H volunteers. The $500,000 grant from Monsanto has already had a great impact across the 4-H community with more great opportunities coming throughout 2008.
Over the past year, Monsanto's support has strengthened numerous 4-H volunteer forums. 4-H volunteers use these forums to network with each other, learn about innovative 4-H programs and activities, and return home with a fresh perspective to enhance their local 4-H programs. They also use the time to consider how to recruit, retain, recognize and promote 4-H volunteers nationally, regionally and locally.
"As a company 100 percent focused on agriculture, Monsanto is committed to investing in ag youth who represent the future of farming," said Ernesto Fajardo, Monsanto Vice President. "We appreciate and are proud to support the dedication of 4-H volunteers across the country as they help youth became active citizens and community leaders."
Doug Swanson, a Nebraska Extension 4-H youth educator, said several hundred Nebraska 4-H volunteers benefited from the volunteer orientations held across the state last fall thanks to Monsanto's support. The eight orientation sessions gave new and potential volunteers a chance to join 4-H for an evening of information and hands-on activities to use with members.
Earlier this month, South Dakota 4-H also held a volunteer forum which provided participants with workshops and networking opportunities.
"Our conference allowed volunteer leaders from across the state to network and grow," said South Dakota 4-H Extension Educator Sonia Mack. "The stand that Monsanto is taking to say that YES, 4-H is a valuable program across America is priceless. Today's youth are tomorrow's leaders, we need to make them as strong and confident as we can and by providing the support today we can make those things happen."
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For additional information, please visit www.monsanto.com
4-H is a community of more than 6.5 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. National 4-H Council is the national, private sector, non-profit partner of the 4-H Youth Development Program and its parent, the Cooperative Extension System of the United States Department of Agriculture. Learn more about 4-H at www.4-husa.org
Posted in category Partnerships at 4:41 PM