Imagine representing an entire statewide organization and working with thousands of people from every part of Minnesota…as a teenager. This year, Faribault County's Martha P. has had exactly that once in a lifetime opportunity. Martha is one of 29 outstanding youth who were selected to serve as a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador, an over 50-year tradition of Minnesota 4-H! To be selected as a State Ambassador, she submitted a written application, participated in an interview and gave a presentation.
State Ambassadors are the youth leaders and spokespeople for Minnesota 4-H. Being selected as a State Ambassador is one of the highest honors that a 4-H member can achieve. Martha just completed the 11th grade and is continuing her high school education this fall. She also was selected to serve on the State Ambassador Leadership Team (SALT), alongside 4 other youth and the adult advisors.
“I am very honored to be a State Ambassador and especially grateful to be starting my second year,” Martha said. “Throughout my experience, I have met so many amazing youth across the state. Being an ambassador has given me the confidence to lead and connections for my future. It’s a role I couldn’t recommend enough for MN 4-H’ers!”
Throughout this year, the 4-H State Ambassador team will dedicate many hours to organizing, planning and facilitating 4-H activities and events throughout the state, impacting thousands of other youth involved in Minnesota 4-H’s programs. This includes supporting Minnesota 4-H at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair, coordinating and facilitating statewide leadership events and sharing their 4-H story with the general public at businesses, industry associations, schools and community groups.
The State Ambassador program is one of several 4-H leadership and civic engagement experiences available to Minnesota youth. To learn more about the 4-H State Ambassadors, visit https://extension.umn.edu/youth-leadership-4-h/4-h-ambassadors-0.