The purpose of the 4-H Ambassador Program is to enhance and utilize the leadership, citizenship, and communication skills of 4-H teens. We strengthen and expand upon 4-H Ambassadors’ current leadership abilities so that they may serve as positive role models for younger youth; build meaningful partnerships with other teens, adult volunteers, and 4-H professionals; and promote the 4-H mission in South Carolina. These 4-H Ambassadors will be better prepared to educate the public about the South Carolina 4-H Program and the various youth and community issues 4-H addresses.
Objectives
- Ambassadors will select one youth and/or community issue in which to focus, seeking to educate the public about this issue and position 4-H as a catalyst for positive change.
- Ambassadors will serve as the youth coordinators in their county for any statewide 4-H community service projects.
- Ambassadors will promote 4-H in their community and, upon request, on the county, regional, state, and national levels.
- Ambassadors will utilize the youth-adult partnership model to increase 4-H resources, programs, and membership.
Guidelines
- Applicants must be senior-aged 4-H members (ages 14-19) and have the time to fulfill their Ambassador responsibilities.
- To apply, youth must submit an application and leadership resume.
- All ambassadors must attend ambassador training in the fall and submit an ambassador report (insert document).
- After serving as a 4-H Ambassador for one year, youth may choose to be a Horse, Leadership/Civic Engagement, Livestock, Natural Resources, Science, or a Healthy Lifestyles Ambassador the following year.
Timeline
Ambassador Applications open on June 1st and close on August 1st
Menu of Opportunities
Objective 1- Select one youth and/or community issue in which to focus, seeking to educate the public about this issue and position 4-H as a catalyst for positive change.
Opportunities:
- Research the issue to determine its history, current status, and the pros and cons of possible solutions.
- Determine the impact of this issue on the community in which you live. Determine which solution is best for your community and how 4-H can take a lead putting this solution into action.
- Design and implement a publicity campaign to inform both youth and adults in your community of the issue and 4-H’s role in improving the situation.
Objective 2- Serve as the youth coordinator for your county in any statewide 4-H community service projects.
Opportunities:
- Promote the service project to youth and adults in your county.
- Assist in the gathering of any needed project information, materials, and/or other supplies.
- Coordinate the delivery of completed project items to appropriate audience, if needed. Prepare a summary of the project for your county including number of participants, impact of the project on participants, and impact of project on the community.
Objective 3- Promote 4-H in your community, and upon request, on the county, regional, state, and national levels.
Opportunities:
- Speak to non 4-H groups and community organizations about your 4-H experiences and encourage them to support 4-H.
- Assist local 4-H Extension Agents in the recruitment of new 4-H volunteers.
- Provide local media (newspapers, radio, television, etc.) with information about local 4-H programs and success stories (events and/or people).
- Create and conduct educational games and exhibits for youth and adults about the 4-H program for fairs and other community events.
Objective 4- Utilize the youth-adult partnership model to increase 4-H resources, programs, and membership.
Opportunities:
- Assist the state 4-H office with the development of new or revised club materials.
- Working with an adult volunteer, develop a local, county or regional teen club.
- Working with an adult volunteer, start your own 4-H Clover bud Club.
- Serve as a resource person to your county office by providing workshops to local 4-H clubs on 4-H project records, teambuilding activities, project skills, etc.
