Michigan 4-H Volunteer Forum

Dixie Sandborn<dixie@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

The 2013 Michigan 4-H Volunteer Forum identifies keynote speaker, Amanda Eicher.

Michigan State University Extension says volunteers are the heart and soul of Michigan 4-H Programs.  Data from December 2011 suggest there were 20,324 adult volunteers and 6,376 youth volunteers. Together these volunteers served 176,199 Michigan 4-H members in program areas and at 4-H events on the local, regional, state and national level. 

One way for volunteers to get connected, stay connected and recharge is to learn and network with other volunteers the 2013 Michigan 4-H Volunteer Forum. The forum will be held November 9, 2013 on the campus of Michigan State University. 

Amanda Eicher has been selected as this year’s keynote speaker. Eicher resides in Sturgis Michigan with her husband Luke and four daughters ages 9, 7, 5 and 4.  She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Family Community Services with an emphasis in Youth and Leadership.  As a youth Amanda was involved in 4-H and FFA in Hillsdale County.  She also served on the State FFA officer team while attending MSU. Amanda is passionate about motivating people to volunteer and to make a difference in their communities and throughout the world. 

Amanda has volunteered at Indian Reservations across the U.S., orphanages overseas and in her community in a variety of ways.  She is on the board of the Sturgis Family and Youth Council, an organization that hosts activities for families and youth in the community.  She also leads the Sturgis Mom’s Club, connecting moms with each other throughout the community.

The Eicher’s are currently building a house in the woods, but in their free time enjoy fishing, hiking and exploring.  Amanda also finds time to travel and is an avid reader.  She also is very excited her daughters for one day become involved with 4-H.

The Michigan Volunteer Forum is sponsored by Michigan 4-H Youth Development, the Michigan 4-H Foundation and the Monsanto Company in partnership with the National 4-H Council.

This year’s forum will offer a variety of workshop sessions including using social media, animal science activities, experiential learning, environmental education, activities for teens, preparing a global workforce, managing stress and anger as well as many project specific topics such as dogs, goats, gardening, sewing, shooting sports and more. To learn more about the Michigan 4-H Volunteer Forum or register for the forum, visit http://events.anr.msu.edu/2013volforum/.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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