Minnesota 4-H has many opportunities to build leadership skills. Among them are the ambassador program opportunities for teens.
Local ambassadors
Minnesota local 4-H ambassadors are youth in grades 7 through one year past high school who want to make a difference in 4-H and in their communities. Local 4-H ambassadors use their skills in leadership, civic engagement, communication and teamwork to promote 4-H, plan events, guide younger youth and serve their communities. Specific roles of local 4-H ambassadors may vary from county/tribal nation. Contact your local 4‑H office to learn more about these programs in your area.
State ambassadors
For over 50 years, the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador program has offered leadership and civic engagement to 4-H members and their communities through service, promotion and education across the state. Ambassadors are role models for other 4-H'ers and they serve as positive representatives of the Minnesota 4-H program. They represent a diverse group of 4-H projects, programs and areas of the state.
Statewide service project
Each year, the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors select a service theme to engage all Minnesota 4-H youth in learning about a community issue and taking steps to make a positive, collective impact. The theme is determined by input collected from youth at leadership conferences, 4-H staff across the state and the state ambassadors.
Learn more about the service project
How to become a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador
You can apply to be a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador if you will be in grades 11-13 for the 2022-2023 school year. Applicants must be enrolled in Minnesota 4-H throughout their July-June term.
- Review Program Information (https://z.umn.edu/stateambieappinfo) before applying.
- Apply online (https://z.umn.edu/stateambieapp) by April 15 at 11:59 p.m.
- Refer to the frequently asked questions (https://z.umn.edu/stateambie-faqs) for more information.
- Questions about the application or application process? Send you questions to mn4h-stateambieadvisors@umn.edu.
During their one-year term, state ambassadors facilitate and take part in activities to promote, represent, plan and implement high-quality programming for Minnesota youth. They gather in-person four times a year to do personal leadership development activities and to work as a team to create opportunities for middle and high school youth. At the BLU and YELLO conferences, the state ambassadors teach and facilitate learning sessions for youth participants. The state ambassadors also host Ambassadors Connecting with Ambassadors, the podcast Cloverchat and a statewide service project.
Project area ambassadors
Agriculture ambassadors
From plants to livestock, this dedicated team of youth serve as positive representatives for agriculture and the Minnesota 4-H program. Agriculture ambassadors work as a team to promote agriculture and 4-H in a positive way.
Applications are open from Aug. 1-31. Terms can be one or two years. Youth must be in grades 10-13, a 4-H member and willing to spread the word of 4-H and agriculture. Applicants will be selected and notified in September. The term of a 4-H Agriculture Ambassador runs from Oct. 1 - Sept. 30.
Contact
Brian McNeill, mcnei006@umn.edu, 320-589-1711, extension 2131
Pollinator habitat ambassadors
Pollinator habitat ambassadors will have the opportunity to learn about pollinators and pollinator habitats, identify and explore a pollinator interest focus area, and put knowledge into practice.
Find more information about pollinator habitat ambassadors.
Contact
Patrick Jirik, pjirik@umn.edu, 507-258-8780
Shooting Sports & Wildlife (SS&W) ambassadors
Ambassadors promote and enhance the 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Project, strive to build confidence and promote new experiences.
Find more information about SS&W leadership opportunities.
Contact
Nicole Pokorney, pokorney@umn.edu, 507-259-4648
Reviewed in 2020