By By Patty Swearingen / MSU extension service county director
Sept. 28, 2003
What is Master Clothing Volunteer, or the MCV? It is a person who is experienced in sewing that has completed advanced training and in turn, shares his or her skills and knowledge with others.
The Master Clothing Volunteer Program is another outlet for extending the education of the Mississippi State University Extension Service into our local communities.
What else can a Master Clothing Volunteer do besides sewing? Clothing is the focal point of MCV, yet being a volunteer encompasses much more than teaching sewing classes. Currently, there are more than 100 MCV members in the state.
During the year members receive updates on consumer economics and sewing information. Becoming a member of a working team provides a valuable service to the people of the community.
Other benefits to Master Clothing Volunteers include gaining work experience, developing skills in teaching adults and/or youth and working effectively with groups. One of the greatest rewards of the program is the development of leadership skills. MCV members gain confidence and experience success throughout all facets of the program.
If you are interested in becoming a Master Clothing Volunteer, the Basic Volunteer Training is planned for Oct. 22-24 at the Lauderdale County Extension Office. The registration fee is $50. Participants will receive 30 hours of training through a combination of lecture, demonstrations, discussion and hands-on experience.
Topics cover teaching techniques, program planning and implementation, resource development, sewing techniques, current products and resources. MSU Extension Service Specialists and volunteers will conduct the training.
Upon completion of the training, each Master Clothing Volunteer will receive a plaque. The MCV will provide 40 hours of educational service in clothing construction to the community within one year of the training.
This service is not limited to sewing classes. It may include events such as judging youth fashion revues or presenting clothing exhibits. Yes, MCV members are doing more than sewing.
Even when they are teaching sewing, they are also teaching other valuable life skills. Who knows with the Master Clothing Volunteers active in your community, you may see some new entrepreneurs developing.
How does one apply? Call or go by your local county office or the Mississippi State University Extension Service and ask for the Master Clothing Volunteer application form. The forms need to be turned in by Oct. 10 in order to reserve your space for this workshop. In Lauderdale County call 482-9764 for more information.
Upcoming
Plans are well under way for the 19th Annual Homemaker Arts and Crafts Show and Sale on Nov. 1 and 2. All of the spaces have been filled and lots of new items will be featured at this year's show.
The doors will open Nov. 1 from 10 a.m.n5 p.m. and Nov. 2 from noon to 5 p.m. Admission will be 50 cents. Homemade soup, chili, sandwiches and deserts will be for sale. All proceeds benefit different agencies in Lauderdale County that the Lauderdale County Extension Homemaker Volunteers support. For more information call (601) 482-9764.