Information Possibly Outdated
The information presented on this page was originally released on May 14, 2012. It may not be outdated, but please search our site for more current information. If you plan to quote or reference this information in a publication, please check with the Extension specialist or author before proceeding.
Tennessee, MSU 4-H benefit from donation
MISSISSIPPI STATE –4-H programs in Mississippi and Tennessee received a donation from North American energy infrastructure company TransCanada to fund training for community leaders.
The $30,000 contribution will be divided between the two states’ programs to finance a social media training program taught by trained 4-H members. 4-H’ers train county government officials, emergency responders and business leaders to use a variety of methods to communicate with constituents and community members.
“These social media skills include how to use Facebook, Twitter, text messaging, blogs, websites and other communication technologies,” said Linda Mitchell, 4-H technology and programming specialist with Mississippi State University’s Extension Service. “With this training, leaders and emergency responders can more effectively and efficiently communicate with each other and with the public, especially in times of emergency.”
The MSU Extension Service 4-H tech team works with county personnel to create and implement a social networking plan. Team members help maintain websites for the first few weeks as county leaders and business owners observe the results and change the website to meet their needs.
“We are honored to be associated with the Mississippi and Tennessee 4-H Foundations,” said James Ethridge, area manager with TransCanada’s ANR Pipeline in Sardis, Miss. “We believe in investing in the communities where we live and work, especially when it comes to youth organizations.”
4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, boasting more than 6 million members from urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods across the country. 4-H is the youth development program of the nation’s 109 land-grant universities and the Extension Service.
TransCanada is a leader in North American energy infrastructure, including natural gas and oil pipelines, power generation and gas storage facilities. TransCanada is the parent company of ANR Pipeline Co., which has a presence in both states, with two compressor facilities and more than 300 miles of pipeline in each.
