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Melinda Souers

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Melinda Souers

Orcid ID0000-0002-4196-5891

County agent

UF/IFAS Blogs profile

Publications

thumbnail for publication: 4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: Starting 4-H Clubs in After-School Programs

4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: Starting 4-H Clubs in After-School Programs

Sharon K. Junge (original lead), Vanessa Starr Spero (lead); Niki Crawson, JR Davis, Tara Dorn, Beth Rasa Edwards, Stacy Hall, Karen Henry, Heather Janney, Beth Kerr, Andrea Lazzari, Abby Morgan, Kristie Popa, Cindy Smalley, Melinda Souers, Katie St

This resource guide is designed to be used by Extension/4-H professionals and after-school providers to deliver well-formed, positive youth development programs in after-school sites. It includes information on initiating the development of 4-H clubs at after-school sites, volunteer training resources and exercises, how to sustain the clubs, and connections to the community and beyond. The original educational material was edited and revised for this edition by the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals Afterschool Working Group, led by Vanessa Spero. Published by the 4-H Youth Development Department, UF/IFAS Extension, March 2024.

thumbnail for publication: 4-H Volunteer Training Series: Planning a Successful Field Trip

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Planning a Successful Field Trip

Written by K. G. Diem. Revised by Karen Henry, Claire Davis, Heather Kent, Melinda Souers, Paula Davis, and Candi Dierenfield.

 Field trips can be great experiences for youth to learn project content and life skills. Field trips also contribute to the experiential learning philosophy of 4-H. This publication includes some suggestions to make field trips educational, safe, and fun.

thumbnail for publication: What Is an Extension Program?

What Is an Extension Program?

Glenn D. Israel, Peyton Beattie, Michelle Atkinson, Melinda Souers, and Matt Benge

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Academic audience(s).

thumbnail for publication: 4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: 4-H Youth Development Programming in Hard-to-Reach Communities

4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: 4-H Youth Development Programming in Hard-to-Reach Communities

Sharon K. Junge (original lead), Vanessa Starr Spero (lead); Niki Crawson, J. R. Davis, Tara Dorn, Beth Rasa Edwards, Stacy Hall, Karen Henry, Heather Futch, Beth Kerr, Andrea Lazzari, Abby Morgan, Kristie Popa, Cindy Smalley, Melinda Souers, Kateli

This is part of a series of guides that have been updated with permission from 4-H National Council. This resource guide is designed to be used by Extension professionals and after-school providers to deliver positive youth development programs in hard-to-reach areas or populations. It includes information on identifying hard-to-reach audiences and potential challenges to their participation in 4-H programming. The original educational material was edited and revised for this edition by the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals Afterschool Working Group, led by Vanessa Spero. Published by the 4-H Youth Development Department, UF/IFAS Extension, May 2023.

thumbnail for publication: 4-H Volunteer Training Series: Selecting a Name for Your 4-H Club

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Selecting a Name for Your 4-H Club

Keith G. Diem, Marilyn N. Norman, and Joy C. Jordan. Revised by Jessica Emerson, Candi Dierenfield, Shreemoyee Ghosh, David Hafner, Amber Norris, Melinda Souers, Paula Davis, and Heather Kent

This is one part of the 4-H Volunteer Training series. It was originally published in 2005 and revised in 2012. It was updated in the summer of 2023 and is now published in 2024.

thumbnail for publication: Risk Management for Florida 4-H Youth Development Work: Records and Contracts

Risk Management for Florida 4-H Youth Development Work: Records and Contracts

Written by Dale Pracht, Paula Davis, Janet Psikogios, Marilyn N. Norman, Kate Fogarty, and Jean Hink. Revised by Kathy Hartman, Candi Dierenfield, and Melinda Souers.

This is one part of the series Risk Management for 4-H Youth Development Work.

thumbnail for publication: 4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: Teens as Volunteer Leaders

4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: Teens as Volunteer Leaders

Sharon K. Junge (original lead), Vanessa Starr Spero (lead); Niki Crawson, J. R. Davis, Tara Dorn, Beth Rasa Edwards, Stacy Hall, Karen Henry, Heather Janney, Beth Kerr, Andrea Lazzari, Abby Morgan, Kristie Popa, Cindy Smalley, Melinda Souers, Katel

This resource guide is designed to be used by Extension/4-H professionals to deliver teen-led curricula in after-school programs. It includes an overview of program delivery, recruitment processes and training outlines. The original educational material was edited and revised for this edition by the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals Afterschool Working Group, led by Vanessa Spero. Published by the 4-H Youth Development Department, UF/IFAS Extension, April 2023.

thumbnail for publication: 4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: Developing and Managing a 4-H Afterschool Program

4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: Developing and Managing a 4-H Afterschool Program

Sharon K. Junge (original lead), Vanessa Spero (lead), Laura Valencia, Niki Crawson, J. R. Davis, Tara Dorn, Stacy Hall, Karen Henry, Heather Janney, Beth Kerr, Andrea Lazzari, Abby Morgan, Kristie Popa, Cindy Smalley, Melinda Souers, Katelin Stenro

This guide will assist Extension professionals in establishing new after-school programs in communities with insufficient programs available for school-age youth. The chapters cover a range of steps and considerations, including conducting needs assessments, hiring and training staff, and program sustainability. However, this guide cannot cover everything required. Additional resources that provide more in-depth information and tools are listed in this publication.

thumbnail for publication: 4-H Volunteer Training Series: How to Start a 4-H Club (for Youth Ages 5–18)

4-H Volunteer Training Series: How to Start a 4-H Club (for Youth Ages 5–18)

Keith G. Diem, Joy Jordan, Dale Pracht, and Judy Butterfield. Revised by Candi Dierenfield, Nicole Crawson, Jessica Emerson, Shreemoyee Ghosh, David Hafner, Baliea Scarborough, Paula Davis, Melinda Souers, and Dallas Meringolo.

This is one part of the 4-H Volunteer Training series. It was originally written in 2005, adapted in 2014, and updated in 2023.

thumbnail for publication: 4-H Volunteer Training Series: Adopting Club Bylaws

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Adopting Club Bylaws

Written by Keith G. Diem. Revised by Candi Dierenfield, Karen Henry, Shreemoyee Ghosh, Melinda Souers, Abbey Tharpe, Claire Davis, and Paula Davis.

Why does a 4-H club (for youth ages 8–18) need bylaws? It is for the same reason our country needs a constitution! Fair and written rules protect the rights of all members. The following is a suggested format for 4-H bylaws, which may be adapted to meet local conditions.