Choosing to Lead

Q&A with Michaela Parker | Photos by Kevin Hudson

Bert Sanders is a longtime resident of Tallahatchie County, where he faithfully serves as a Mississippi 4-H Shooting Sports volunteer, demonstrating his support in the growth and development of 4-H’ers. The youth development program, overseen by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, trains and certifies volunteers who teach young people firearm safety and qualities critical to the development of productive citizens, like responsibility, sportsmanship, and self-discipline. Sanders has given 25 years of his life to investing in the lives of his 4-H’ers, and he’s served as president of both the Mississippi Volunteer Leaders’ Association and the Mississippi Shooting Sports Association.

How did you get involved with 4-H?

I was in junior high, and one of my friend’s mothers started a 4-H Club. She invited me to come and that’s where it all started. Shortly after my daughter turned nine, she wanted to know how to get into 4-H. That’s what sparked me to get back into 4-H and volunteering, and it’s been my life ever since.

What are some of the disciplines that you teach as a shooting sports volunteer?

I’ve taught pistol, rifle, muzzle loader, and now Western Heritage. I like to teach safety to make sure that I’ve done my part to ensure the kids are safe and know how to be safe when handling guns.

Which discipline is your favorite?

Without a doubt, Western Heritage. There’s so much more to this than the other disciplines. The 4-H’ers actually have to study and learn about history in order to reenact it. They’re getting to live out part of history.

What are some character traits that 4-H shooting sports instills in a child?

I’ve always said that shooting sports is just a doorway to get them to learn other things. Through shooting sports, they learn about decision making, prioritization, using good judgement, and discipline. It also broadens their perception and allows them to start seeing other methods of doing things. It’s much more than teaching kids how to safely pull a trigger and put a hole in a piece of paper.

What has kept you around as a 4-H volunteer for more than 25 years?

That’s a hard question. My kids were, and now my grandkids have been in 4-H. I’ve enjoyed getting to do stuff with them. Being with the youth in general just recharges my batteries. Anytime I’m working with a youth and I see a smile on their face, that’s all I need. A long time ago, my daddy asked me why I did it. I said, “If I don’t do it, who will?”

What makes the shooting sports program in Tallahatchie County special?

We have some of the most dedicated volunteers out there. If you call them in the middle of the night and ask if they can do something, they will. They want to boost the kids up and make them feel like they’re doing something great.

Why should people volunteer with 4-H?

I believe a volunteer is a kind, loving, open-hearted person that gives truly and wholly to the kids. Our youth are looking for somebody to help. They might not get it at home, so they’re looking for somebody. Somebody’s got to step up and help with the development of our youth. I think it’s a grand opportunity for anybody to come in. If you don’t help one child, that one could turn into one hundred in the future. Every youth needs an adult leader somewhere, and this is my way of giving back to the community and giving back to the folks that gave so much to me.