Hi!
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador
I’m Sydney O., a second-year Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador from Anoka County.
Spring is in full swing, bringing exciting opportunities across Minnesota 4-H.
Come build leadership skills at YELLO
One of my favorite experiences in 4-H is our statewide leadership conference, Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO).
YELLO takes place June 9-12 at the University of Minnesota. Designed for youth, by youth, it brings together young leaders in grades 7 and up from across Minnesota.
At YELLO, you can meet other youth members, build leadership skills and take part in hands-on sessions planned by other young leaders.
Last year, youth from over 50 counties attended YELLO, and this year we’re hoping to see representation from every county across the state.
Come and plant your seeds of leadership with us this June!
Staying connected to 4-H while in college
This year, I’ve had the opportunity to experience 4-H through a different lens as I begin college at Bemidji State University and start to wind down my 14 years in the program. I find myself thinking about the lessons I’ve learned, the people I’ve met and the communities I’ve helped create along the way.
One of the most meaningful parts of this transition has been helping restart the Beltrami County Ambassador Program, where I serve as a co-youth advisor. This role has allowed me to stay connected to 4-H while in college and support others as they find their place in the program.
I’m excited to help guide this group and see the impact they will have on their community. More than anything, this experience has reminded me how much 4-H has shaped who I am — and how important it is to give back and create those same opportunities for others.
Apply to be a 4-H State Ambassador
If you are even slightly considering applying to be a 4-H State Ambassador, take this as your sign to go for it!
This program has given me the chance to find my voice, advocate for others and be part of something bigger than myself.
I’m incredibly proud of our team this year and the impact we’ve been able to make together, and I’m excited to see what next year’s team will accomplish.
All you need to apply is a willingness to try, grow and be open to new experiences.
Find more information about the 4-H State Ambassador application process.
Service spotlight: response readiness
Be sure to check out the newest article, Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors equip youth to be ready to respond, about this year’s statewide service theme: Disaster Relief and Emergency Response. For the spring season we will focus on response readiness — learning how to recognize emergencies and take action when it matters most.
You can get involved by
- Leading your own service project connected to disaster relief and response
- Participating in the Response Ready Poster Challenge
- Practicing real-life response skills
If you’ve already been involved in service this year, be sure to submit your projects by April 30 so we can celebrate your impact.
Take a chance on yourself in 4-H
As my time in 4‑H winds down, I keep thinking back to one moment that changed everything — auditioning for State Arts-In.
I was terrified to sing in front of anyone, and I almost backed out. But I stepped onto that stage anyway. A few months later, I was performing for hundreds of people every day at the Minnesota State Fair.
That experience taught me something bigger than performing: growth happens when you take a chance on yourself, even when you don’t feel ready. Many of my favorite 4‑H memories started with something that pushed me outside my comfort zone.
My challenge to you this spring is to take a chance on something you’re unsure about — some of the best parts of 4-H come from the moments you almost didn’t say yes to, but did anyway.
Happy spring!
Sydney O., Anoka County
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador leadership team