Where: Washington D.C.

When: Saturday – Thursday, Late March/Early April of Program Year

National 4-H Conference Goals:

• to provide an opportunity for youth/adult partnerships to make recommendations to expand and improve 4-H
• encourage states to include both youth and adults in planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs

Delegates update legislators on current developments in 4-H, take new ideas back home, and work with each other to put together and implement a report on a specific area of improvement.

Between 8-10 youth are selected to attend this working conference. Each participant selects an issue (for example – education, promotion, environment, violence) and works with other youth from across the country to develop plans helping direct future 4 H programming.

Delegates spend the majority of time contributing to stimulating, task oriented groups. One day is spent on Capitol Hill meeting with legislators and touring.

Youth Delegate Advisor Position Description

Qualifications:

• Be in 10th-12th grade during the program. Minimum age 15 and maximum age 18 as of January 1, year of travel
• Submit an application with references to the State 4-H Office
• Carry county approval through time of award program

Costs:

• Cost is approximately $1,300.
• The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation sponsors a portion of the cost.
• Many county 4-H Youth Development programs provide partial local sponsorships.
• The remaining amount is the responsibility of the delegate and his/her family.

Promotional Flyer-coming soon

Experience Timeline

Late 2021 – Applications available for National 4-H Conference.

TBD January 2022 – State applications, complete with signatures, are due to the State 4-H Office.

February – Participate in a Mandatory Zoom Orientations

February-Departure in April – Delegates conduct research on their county and state 4-H and Extension programs, roundtable topics, and other assigned information.

TBD – Attend all conference and travel

July 31, Oct. 31, Jan. 31, and April 30 – Submit ‘Report Back’ form to Wisconsin 4-H Educational Programs, 130 Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St., Madison WI 53706

More Qualifications

• Diverse 4-H Youth Development Program experiences at the county, state and/or national level, such as WI 4-H & Youth Conference, Area Animal Science Days, State Arts Experiences, Citizenship Washington Focus, etc.
• Experience in local, county, area, and/or state developmental committees, advisory groups, councils, etc. and in public speaking to strengthen or advocate for 4-H Youth Development Programs.
• Willingness and ability to work prior to National Conference in collecting facts, ideas, etc. of local people regarding concerns of youth and possible action.
• Commitment and time to stay involved in the work of conference throughout the year and make significant contributions in their communities.
• Flexibility as individuals to meet differing situations and to cope with ambiguity, have growth potential, and a curiosity about situations, people, and events.
• Strong interpersonal skills with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Good energy levels, capable of participating fully in an active and demanding program involving long hours.
• Committed to fully participating in a Mandatory Zoom Orientations and the entire conference (including travel time).

What Should Delegates Expect?

• A great honor to represent Wisconsin with 8-10 other individuals, but also a responsibility to accurately and professionally represent Wisconsin 4-H.
• Conduct research to be completed prior to departure to the conference to prepare for lobbying on Capitol Hill and creating a briefing for a federal office related to your topic.
• Responsibility to cover academic obligations during absence.
• A formal dress code from business casual to business professional attire for many conference events.
• Participation in professional workshops, federal agency briefing group meetings, and meetings with congressional members on Capitol Hill Day.
• Opportunity to hear from renown speakers, meet with other passionate 4-Hers across the United States and Canada, and work with conference leaders to further 21^st century soft skills.
• Live at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center
• Experience landmarks, monuments, and museums in Washington, D.C.
• Identify ways that you can make a positive impact in your home community from the tools you gained during National 4-H Conference.

Applications

Check with your County 4-H Youth Development Staff member about county scholarship procedures. If you do not have a county agent, you may complete the application and obtain a reference from another source (see application for more details).

State applications, complete with signatures, are due to the State 4-H Office at a date TBD. The application materials are available at the link below. The application process includes answering a list of questions, obtaining a county educator (or equivalent) reference, and a resume. Delegates are chosen by a group of State staff members after reviewing each applicant’s qualifications. Interviews may also be conducted.

2022 National 4-H Conference Application Packet (available late 2021)