MISSISSIPPI STATE -- An army of volunteers is largely responsible for the success of 4-H, and once a year, this group has the chance to meet to renew their enthusiasm and better equip themselves for the task of working with youth.

4-H volunteer adult leaders from across the state are gathering March 2-4 at the Bost Extension Center at Mississippi State University for the state’s annual 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Conference. This year’s theme is “4-H Volunteers Gearing Up for the Race.” The deadline for registration is Feb. 1.

Organizers with the Mississippi 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Association want representatives from every county at the event to participate in workshops and events planned to further develop leadership in an organization dedicated to the improvement of youth. In addition to current volunteers, past association officers and Outstanding Volunteer Leader award recipients are invited to attend.

Twenty-one workshops and eight “funshops” will better equip volunteers to help their youth prepare for subject area competitions, for self-improvement and for other activities. The association will install new officers and present awards to outstanding volunteers for the year.

For more information on this conference, contact Harvey Gordon at (662) 325-3350 or harveyg@ext.msstate.edu, or call the local county Extension office.