Hello!
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador
My name is John, and I am a first-year Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador from Wright County. This past February had many great 4-H events, and we are so excited for what the coming of spring will bring.
Leadership and service at BLU and TEEL
The state ambassadors had so much fun hosting the Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) and Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership (TEEL) workshops for youth across the state. 4-H'ers learned leadership skills, met new youth from their regions, participated in service, and, most importantly, had tons of fun!
This year’s theme was “Seasons of Growth,” taking youth through the four stages of leadership using their own personal experiences with hands-on activities. The participating youth also helped complete a service project.
Our ambassadors on the service team organized a crayon drive to donate crayons to The Crayon Initiative. 4-H'ers were challenged to collect crayons in their communities to bring to BLU and TEEL, where we discussed The Crayon Initiative's mission and service.
This non-profit has a mission to provide joy to children in hospitals by providing them with a fresh box of reconstructed crayons. The Crayon Initiative wants to keep harmful crayons out of landfills while creating a better world for those who are ill.
We would like to thank the youth, volunteers and staff who made BLU and TEEL possible, and we hope to see you all again next year.
Celebrate nature with photography
The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors have been challenging youth across the state to complete a monthly service project. With a theme of “Go Green with 4-H,” we are encouraging youth to examine how they can help their community’s environment.
In March, we will be hosting a photo contest to celebrate nature and inspire photographers across the state. We look forward to sharing your unique images. The images should show an environment in its natural state.
Complete this form to submit your photos or to tell us about a service project.
Women's History Month
March is Women’s History Month. We’d like to encourage everyone to learn more about the history of women locally and across the world.
The first woman to graduate from the University of Minnesota was Helen Mar Ely in 1875. Two years later, the University of Minnesota hired its first woman professor, Maria Sanford. The University of Minnesota continues to offer equal services all across its system.
As a part of the University of Minnesota Extension program, 4-H is included in its goals. There are many great women leaders to look to in 4-H currently, specifically Jennifer Skuza. She is an Associate Dean of Extension and the State 4-H Director. Her leadership has been essential in guiding 4-H through the pandemic and providing us with quality programs.
There are countless other influential women and movements all over the globe. Research those in your community, or take some time to learn about those from Minnesota.
Spring is coming
Like everyone else, we’re so excited about what 4-H will bring this spring and summer. As the temperatures get warmer, get out and participate in service; thank your leaders and look forward to more 4-H. Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) is coming faster than you think.
John O., Wright County
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador