Volunteers, especially parents, are important for maintaining and growing successful 4-H livestock programs. Parents can assist with entry nights, validations, transporting youth and animals to shows, coordinating hotel rooms, assisting with project visits and show preparation like washing and shearing animals. Most parents are willing to help if educated on their roles through programs like MENTOR and trainings. Engaging parents allows more youth to be reached and improves communication between parents and agents.
3. Why volunteers are important Volunteers are vital to maintain and/or grow a program Especially for livestock projects Acquiring volunteers as a new agent is one of the most important things one can do Having volunteers will ensure a much more successful livestock program Texas 4-H and Youth Development
4. How to utilize parents Stock Show/Horse Show Entry night (ie. collecting fees, review of rules, possible notary, etc.) Validations Travel to shows (haul animals, youth, etc.) Coordinate hotel rooms at shows Assist with project visits Assist with clinics Show preparation (washing, shearing, trimming, etc.) Texas 4-H and Youth Development
5. How to utilize parents Most parents are very willing to help Must be educated on what to do Become involved in MENTOR program, district and county trainings, as well as 4-H project publications. Parents allow agent to reach more clientele faster Must have good communication between parent and agent Texas 4-H and Youth Development