Happy November, Minnesota 4-H!
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador
My name is Ashlyn, and I am proud to represent Olmsted County as a 2026-27 Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador.
There are many exciting 4-H opportunities throughout the month of November, as well as much to reflect on and be thankful for.
Celebrating National 4-H Week
National 4-H Week, Oct. 4-10, provided an impactful experience for 4-H youth across the nation, uniting 6 million youth, 3,500 Extension educators, 500,000 volunteers and 35 million alumni in celebration of 4-H and the Beyond Ready initiative.
Minnesota 4-H provided a theme each day for youth and volunteers across the state to engage with. The week was a major success in highlighting the 4-H program as a whole, the 4-H Building renovation at the Minnesota State Fair and individual 4-H youth and volunteers.
Exciting new opportunities for youth: National 4-H Conference 2027
As we enter the 4-H year, there are several exciting national events for 4-H youth to learn valuable skills, engage in leadership opportunities and make an impact on their communities, country and world.
One of these opportunities is National 4-H Conference, which has applications opening soon for youth in Minnesota 4-H. Keep an eye out for the official announcement on the National 4-H Conference page.
This conference is a great outlet for youth looking for networking and civic engagement opportunities, preparing them for future careers and providing connections that will last a lifetime.
In 2026, I represented Minnesota 4-H by attending National 4-H Conference as a youth delegate.
At the conference, I was a member of roundtable #15, and I presented to the U.S. Department of Energy alongside other 4‑H youth delegates from across the country. In my presentation, I shared my own insight about the workforce in the nuclear and bioenergy sectors and provided recommendations on how to sustain these energy sources long term.
This week-long experience was by far the most profound in shaping my leadership journey; in fact, attending National 4-H Conference 2026 inspired me to become a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador.
Time to be thankful
As we enter the holiday season, there is much to be thankful for. As a part of 4-H, members support their community through service, education and civic engagement. It is important to remind ourselves of not only our deeds that help others, but also those who have supported us and continue to support 4-H families, clubs, communities, our country and the world.
As I reflect on the month of October, I am particularly thankful for my youth leader advisor within my club, who has mentored me throughout my 4-H journey, and continues to support and encourage me as I navigate my career.
Have a wonderful November, 4-H families!
Ashlyn R., Olmsted County
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador