County 4-H Ambassadors

What is a County 4-H Ambassador?

The County Ambassador Program is a program designed to help outstanding teen 4-H’ers develop leadership and public relations skills while promoting the county 4-H program. A County 4-H Ambassador encourages community participation in 4-H. If people know what the 4-H program in their area does and how kids benefit from it, they are more likely to become involved as 4-Hers, volunteers, and donors. Remember, if we do not “tell the 4-H story” then no one will tell the 4-H story. Often 4-H’ers are more successful in telling the 4-H story – after all, they have personally experienced it!

Qualifications for Weber County 4-H Ambassadors

· Currently enrolled in 9^th – 12^th grades

· Enrolled in 4-H for at least two years

· Active in local club

· Enthusiastic about 4-H

· Have time to fulfill County Ambassador role

· Responsible

· Willing to attend Ambassador orientation

· Willing to serve in Ambassador roles when asked

Application Process:

Up to three county teens will be selected each year through an application and interview process. Applications are available on the county website and are due to the County 4-H Office by September 14.

As part of the application process, youth submit a detailed description of their proposed County Ambassador project. This will be a two - three month project conducted by and through the leadership of the Ambassador applicant. The project could also be utilized as a State Ambassador project, if desired. The project can start and finish any time during the 4-H year (October 1^st – September 30^th). Each application must include a project proposal for consideration. This project must fit into one of the following categories:

1. 4-H Public Relations and Awareness

2. 4-H Fund Raising

3. 4-H County Teen Development

4. 4-H Member Recruitment

County Ambassador Roles:

Depending on his or her expertise and unique interests, each County Ambassador will represent and promote 4-H in various ways such as:

· Represent 4-H in a public relations role

· Promote 4-H with potential members, parents and general public

· Help conduct 4-H events

· Organize 4-H promotion activities

· Develop personal leadership skills and self-confidence

· Help others develop leadership skills

· Encourage financial support for 4-H

Duties of County Ambassadors

· Attend Ambassador orientation and planning sessions

· Serve as a 4-H representative to other organizations

· Promote 4-H through mass media and speaking appearances

· Serve as coordinator or emcee for 4-H activities and events

· Meet with 4-H supporters and potential donors

· Recruit new members and help organize new clubs

· Make friends and have fun

Dress for Weber County Ambassadors:

· Each County 4-H Ambassador will receive a polo shirt. When representing 4-H as an Ambassador, always dress appropriately wearing your Ambassador shirt and slacks (or a skirt of a modest length), preferable black or khaki – each year’s County Ambassador team will select the color for their uniform – and dress shoes. Occasionally, jeans and sneakers/boots may be more appropriate for the role you are performing; however, make sure to wear appropriate jeans that help present a good image for 4-H (clean, no holes, not low rise or faded, etc.).

Key Dates and Roles for County 4-H Ambassadors:

Sept. 14^th: County Ambassador Application Due
Sept. 17^th: County Ambassador Interviews
October 3^rd: Volunteer Awards Banquet - New Ambassadors Announced
October: County Ambassador Orientation
Year Round: Promote 4-H at Town Festivals, PTA, conferences, civic clubs, etc.
Year Round: Provide support for county 4-H programs (emcee, promotion, etc.)
Year Round: Implement Your County Ambassador Project

Next Fall:

August: Promote 4-H during County Fair
October: Promote 4-H during National 4-H Week