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The Voice of 4-H: 4-H Ambassadors

Being elected to the State 4-H Cabinet as a 4-H Ambassador is a crowning accomplishment for many 4-H’ers. Ambassadors are teens between the ages of 14 and 19 who are elected by their peers to represent their districts in a variety of 4-H activities.

   

image 1 The 2008-2009 Virginia 4-H Ambassadors on the steps of Burruss Hall at Virginia Tech.



A key part of the 4-H program, ambassadors are called upon to help out in many different ways. “Ambassadors enhance and promote the Virginia 4-H program,” says Tonya Taylor, State 4-H Cabinet advisor and 4-H associate specialist. “They assist in the planning of statewide events, improve Virginia 4-H through promoting leadership, act as an advisor and spokesperson for Virginia 4-H youth in expressing their ideas and concerns, and they create an awareness of opportunities for all 4-H youth.”

Current State 4-H Cabinet president and former 4-H Ambassador Brad Copenhaver says that being an ambassador has helped him grow and gain new skills. “It has taught me to successfully work with people as a member of a team. I have learned how to remain open-minded and appreciate the ideas and opinion of those with whom I am working,” says Copenhaver. “I have also honed my skills as an effective communicator by being able to have a lot of interaction with fellow 4-H members and speaking in front of large groups.”

Ambassadors are called upon to do a wide variety of service and outreach projects, such as speaking engagements. “Agents will call them to speak at achievement nights or help do a service project in their unit,” says Taylor. “They represent Virginia 4-H on all levels – from the county all the way up to the international level. In January, they went to Richmond to meet with legislators. They gave out shamrock plants to thank them for their support of 4-H and Virginia Cooperative Extension.”

The 4-H Ambassadors program gives those involved the opportunity to develop important life skills while helping others. “It’s just like the 4-H national motto says,” explains Copenhaver. “The program is all about learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.”