Truesdell Recognized as Montana 4-h Volunteer of the Year
Author: Allison Kosto, Broadwater County Extension Agent
Truesdell Recognized as Montana 4-H Volunteer of the Year
Allison Kosto
Broadwater County Extension Agent
During the Montana 4-H Congress in July, the 4-H program recognized volunteers with the 4-H Tribute to Volunteer Excellence Awards. These awards recognize individuals who have made an innovative change or impact on the 4-H program, positively affecting the lives of youth, and creating a standard of excellence that helps motivate others.
This year, Daniel Truesdell, a Broadwater County 4-H volunteer, was recognized as the Montana 4-H Volunteer of the Year. Though Truesdell has only been a volunteer for four years, he has already made an incredible contribution to the program.
Truesdell’s first volunteer role in 4-H was as a shotgun leader in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. He and a co-leader took over this program and through their leadership, they more than doubled the enrollment in the shotgun project in a single year. He has assisted with writing grants to the NRA Foundation and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to expand the resources and equipment for the program and make it more accessible for youth who may not have the means to purchase their own equipment.
Truesdell’s first volunteer role in 4-H was as a shotgun leader in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. He and a co-leader took over this program and through their leadership, they more than doubled the enrollment in the shotgun project in a single year. He has assisted with writing grants to the NRA Foundation and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to expand the resources and equipment for the program and make it more accessible for youth who may not have the means to purchase their own equipment.
In 2021, Daniel stepped up again along with his wife, Brandi, to become leaders of the Old Baldy 4-H Club. Despite little experience, they have done an excellent job and kept the club running without missing a beat. Around this same time, the 4-H program was having capacity issues with clubs in the Townsend area due to a growing and thriving 4-H program. There was a major need for more clubs in Townsend. Daniel and Brandi were approached about starting a new club, specifically reviving a club charter that had gone inactive.
Daniel and Brandi answered the call for help yet again, and for one year they were leaders for two clubs in the county, the Old Baldy 4-H Club and Elkhorn Clovers 4-H Club. Their plan was to revive the club and recruit a new leader to take over Elkhorn Clovers. Their plan was successful. In the fall of 2023, they were able to transition Elkhorn Clovers to a new leader. Daniel has stayed on board to continue to mentor the new leader.
Truesdell’s participation doesn’t stop there. He is active at the county level in nearly all aspects. He saw that as a club leader, it is important to have a good grasp on the different 4-H activities. He regularly attends 4-H Council Meetings, 4-H Indoor Committee and 4-H Livestock Committee. He has assisted with many projects and activities including building more poultry cages, developing solutions for camping during the Fair, helping with New 4-H Family Orientation and assisting with Fair Indoor Judging. He is always willing to step in wherever needed.
Outside of 4-H, Truesdell is a school board trustee and search and rescue volunteer. He has three children who are actively involved in multiple activities. The future of Broadwater County 4-H is bright with leaders like Daniel! Thank you, Daniel, for your time and service.
For information on 4-H or to volunteer, contact the MSU Extension Office in Broadwater County at 406-266-9242 or broadwater@montana.edu. 4-H is the youth development program of Montana State University Extension.
Article Images
Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Brandi Truesdell
Image 1 Caption: Daniel Truesdell with his award at the Montana 4-H Congress
Brandi Truesdell Photo
