National 4-H Council has received a $1.5 million award from the Monsanto Company to drive the expansion of the National 4-H Volunteer Initiative. This new grant will fuel the expansion of vital volunteer training programs and fund the development of new volunteer recruitment and retention strategies. This announcement also launches a new national call for 4-H volunteers to lend their time in order to further positive youth development nationwide.

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is September 17th. The National Constitution Center offers new and exciting resources to engage students in the Constitution, current events and civic learning. Visit the website to learn more about the U. S. Constitution: http://www.constitutionday.com/

This handbook has been developed to help organizational leaders carry out their responsibilities.

Successful 4-H meetings do not happen by chance. Great meeting require careful planning, club officers who know and use good meeting procedures, and respectful and responsible club members who are attentive, who are prepared to be involved, to express their ideas and give feedback to the club officers and committee chairs. By following a well-planned agenda that officers have discussed in advance, a lot of meeting business can be accomplished in a short time.

This handbook is designed for use by the 4-H Club member who is responsible for planning and conducting special activities and events for the club meeting. It may also be useful for 4-H leaders who work with 4-H'ers. This handbook does not contain complete programs. Its main purpose is to provide the club member with a variety of ideas for the meeting.

Helpful hints on how to give a Method Demonstration.

In planning meetings a definite purpose should be kept in mind. Meetings are successful when they are planned for a specific reason or reasons. The time and thought given to advance preparation will pay dividends in the form of better club programs and increased participation by members.

What is expected of me as a leader? To be successful in any job, people must know what is expected of them. Based upon those expectations, people then need the information and training to enable them to complete the job successfully. This resource guide will explain your role; give suggestions for accomplishing the job, conducting election of officers, working with officers, how to get parents involved and what they can do.

It can be a challenge for 4-H leaders to plan exciting, involving meetings. Active club programs help create interest and provide inspiration and stimulation for members to learn through new experiences. There are many ways to incorporate active, fun learning into the 4-H Club experience. This publication provides a 4-H Club planning worksheet as a helpful resource for your club.

Louisiana 4-H recommends schools and youth organizations across Louisiana teach the same character trait each month and integrate decision making into lessons and daily activities.