Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador
Hello!
My name is Evelyn, and I am a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador from Wright County. This past month was filled with 4-H events, and we can not wait to share with you what comes next as we move into summer.
Representing at the Women's Agriculture Leadership Conference
The Women's Agriculture Leadership program focuses on bringing women in agriculture together to share ideas and build connections. The 2023 conference was held at the Minnesota Arboretum on April 12.
Minnesota 4-H was lucky enough to send one state agriculture ambassador and one state ambassador to the conference. While there, they were able to share their knowledge and understanding of what agriculture means to 4-H, as well as present a mini-session on upcoming 4-H events.
Service learning through Minnesota 4-H
The Minnesota State 4-H Ambassadors put together a series of monthly service challenges for 4-H youth across the state. Each challenge encourages youth to help their local communities and "Go Green With 4-H."
Our upcoming service challenge for the month of May is to plant wildflowers. Wildflower plants are special in that they do not need support from humans at all. They also provide oxygen and pollen and are a food source for local wildlife. As we head into spring, we ask youth to take the opportunity to brighten up the natural environment by planting these colorful flowers.
Apply to become a state ambassador
State ambassador applications are open! Being a state ambassador has been the most memorable experience; I have met many awesome people who have become like a family to me. I have gained confidence and public speaking and networking skills. I also learned so much about 4-H and the world.
As a state ambassador, you will plan and facilitate the Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) workshops and YELLO, help out at events, have the opportunity to attend national events and represent Minnesota 4-H at a state level.
The application is open to youth in grades 10-12 and is due April 17.
Register for Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities
Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) is a 4-H leadership conference for youth in grades 7 and up. The theme for this year's YELLO is "Branch Out With Minnesota 4-H," which will be held June 13-16 at Bemidji State University.
The Minnesota State 4-H Ambassadors have put together a fun-filled couple of days where 4-H youth will participate in workshops, deep dives, field trips and service learning projects. This year's workshops will highlight topics on agriculture, STEM, the arts, photography and so much more. YELLO will also feature a social night with games, activities and a 4-H dance.
Registration for YELLO is currently open in 4-H Online and closes on May 12.
4-H's impact on my college and career choice
4-H has been and will continue to be a large part of my life. Growing up in 4-H has taught me many things and has given me many opportunities to find what I am truly passionate about. My peers and mentors always pushed me to work harder and try new things; because of that, I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined. 4-H has given me a chance to explore my options and find what I am not only good at but what I enjoy doing.
For me, that is spreading my knowledge on the lamb and wool industry and focusing on how I can help agriculture programs across the country. 4-H has given me the opportunity to show, style and demonstrate my knowledge of the lamb and wool industry; and the confidence to branch out on my own.
I plan to attend Iowa State University for agriculture business. Then, using my strengths in the sheep industry, I hope to help producers across the country and make a difference in the agriculture community.
Evelyn O., Wright County
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador