Virginia 4-H

National 4-H Congress

For over seventy-five years, National 4-H Congress has served as the premiere educational and recognition event for senior 4-H members. National 4-H Congress is held in Atlanta, Georgia, in late November. National Congress provides participants an exciting opportunity to explore careers, engage in a variety of quality learning experiences, and have great fun by getting to know other 4-H members from across the country.

Outstanding 4-H members will be selected to represent Virginia at National 4-H Congress. Candidates for selection must be senior 4-H members in the current 4-H year who are able to demonstrate outstanding achievement as a 4-H member in the areas of leadership, citizenship, and personal development.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

National 4-H Congress Application Process

Virginia 4-H values the life skills that are developed through personal record keeping. The 4-H portfolio, which replaced the 4-H Achievement Record, will serve as the foundation for the 4-H member's application to participate in National 4-H Congress.

The formal process will include two steps, which are intended to provide the 4-H member learning exercises that reflect an employment application and interview procedure:

  1. The submission of a written personal resume;
  2. Interview and presentation of personal portfolio.

Personal Resume:
The personal resume is intended to give the 4-H member the opportunity to succinctly communicate his/her participation in the 4-H program, as well as demonstrate service and involvement outside of 4-H. The 4-H member should utilize the portfolio as the source of the information for the resume and should creatively organize the resume to demonstrate outstanding achievement

The resume, which should be accompanied by a candidate's letter stating why he/she wishes to represent Virginia at National 4-H Congress, must include (but not be limited to) the following information:

  1. Personal: name, address, telephone number, and birthdate.
  2. Education: List in chronological order the schools attended and diplomas and honors/ recognition received.
  3. 4-H Participation: List club membership(s), projects, conferences, camps, and special activities (demonstrations, talks, judging event(s) in which participated). Include dates of the project/activity and, when appropriate, what was gained from participation.
  4. 4-H Citizenship/Leadership: List significant leadership and citizenship/ community service experiences carried out as a 4-H member. Activities that should be included are: offices held at the club, county, district, or state levels; activities or events for which leadership was provided; and any 4-H community service projects. Be sure to include dates, the role played, and what was accomplished.
  5. Leadership, Citizenship, Scholarship Outside 4-H: List in chronological order other significant citizenship or leadership experiences had outside of 4-H such as school, church, or other organizations. Again, include date, the role played, and what was accomplished.
  6. Letters of Reference: Attach three letters of reference from individuals who can attest to you personal attributes. One must be either your 4-H agent or a 4-H adult volunteer leader.

Resumes must be received at the State 4-H Office by April 15.

Application Review:
The Associate Director, 4-H and FCS will appoint an application review committee, which will evaluate personal resume's on the following weighted criteria:
Growth through 4-H participation: 25 percent
Growth through 4-H leadership/citizenship: 50 percent
Growth through leadership, citizenship, and scholarship outside 4-H: 10 percent
Letters of Reference: 5 percent
Organization and presentation: 10 percent

The committee may consist of two agents, two volunteers, two 4-H members, one Extension Specialist, and one State 4-H Faculty. The committee will meet during the month of April and announce its candidates for interview by May 15.

Interview Selection:
Finalists will be invited to participate in an interview the week of State 4-H Congress. The interview process will afford the candidates the opportunity to gain additional presentation skills and orally communicate their 4-H experiences. Candidates will be encouraged to creatively utilize the resources they have included in their 4-H portfolio to enhance their presentation.

The interview teams will include: the Associate Director, 4-H and FCS; representatives from VAE4-HA, VA4-HAVL, the State 4-H Cabinet; and the Virginia 4-H Foundation.

Additional Information:
Those delegates selected will be required to pay $100 towards the cost of the trip. This is non-refundable unless approval is made for unforeseen circumstances (death in the family, etc.).  If the cancellation is made after refunds are no longer available or funds have been committed, the delegate may be responsible for the costs incurred by the State Office.  Delegates will also be expected to purchase a Virginia 4-H Golf Shirt for $20 to wear at the event.  Do not let finances discourage youth from applying; contact the State Office or your local extension office for more information.

Timeline:
April 15 Personal Resume Deadline
April 30 Resumes Reviewed and Finalists Announced
State Congress Week Interviews and announcement of Va delegation
late November/early December National 4-H Congress

Mailing Instructions:
All resumes should be addressed and mailed by April 15
Katie Lafon
4-H Events Coordinator
106 Hutcheson Hall (0419)
Blacksburg, VA 24061