4-H civic engagement and leadership

From learning a pledge to basic practices of parliamentary procedure practices youth begin to practice citizenship and leadership, even from the Cloverbud (K-2) level.

Club officer positions

4-H clubs elect members to officer positions and to lead committees. These leadership roles give 4-H'ers responsibility and accountability. Through training and practice, 4-H'ers learn how to plan and run a business meeting, facilitate group dynamics and the basics of Robert’s Rules of Order.

Community pride

Practice giving back to your community in a 4-H Community Pride project. Working together, club members and adult leaders identify and plan a project to benefit the community.

County officer positions

Youth in the county 4-H program can be elected to a county-wide officer position. These positions are elected to a 4-H Council or 4-H Federation that governs clubs in the county. There are also committee membership opportunities on the county level. Involvement in county-wide leadership roles build on the skills that you learn in clubs.

Day camp counselors/adventure volunteer/project day

Youth can lead at day camps, adventures or project days during the year.  They use their skills in group dynamics and presenting topics to campers.

County ambassador programs

Youth can develop leadership competencies by becoming County Ambassador. Meeting monthly, youth become leaders as they work with peers and adult advisors. Youth in these programs build their skills with organizations, respect and leadership.

4-H Council and 4-H Federation meetings

These are county-wide meetings that all members are should attend. From making motions to becoming a member of a county committee, you can grow your skills in organizations, communication and respect.

To see leadership events near you, visit your local 4-H website.

4-H camp counselors

Camp counselor training is designed to provide the skills and knowledge to be an effective camp counselor and leadership team member. Training topics include: role of camp counselor, theme and program development, recreation leadership, group facilitation, conflict resolution, outdoor environment and nature programming, and much more.

Regional youth leadership training

4-H'ers can build their leadership skills at regional leadership trainings. Learn about your leadership style, communication, respect and various club leadership to help at the local club and county level.

BLU - Building Leadership and Understanding

Building Leadership and Understanding is an exciting and fun leadership adventure for youth in grades 6-9. At BLU, youth from across Minnesota meet once a year to learn and practice valuable leadership skills to use in your community and throughout your life.

TEEL - Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership

Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership is a workshop for youth in grades 10+ that builds on the leadership skills older youth have developed at BLU and through their lived experience both within and outside of 4-H. 

4-H State Ambassadors

The Minnesota State 4-H Ambassadors lead and serve all Minnesota 4-H youth. They act as spokespeople for 4-H youth development programs, teach, plan leadership conferences and work for 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair. They fulfill county requests for leadership trainings, award ceremonies, retreats, and promote 4-H to outside organizations. They give lots of time and energy to spreading the word about 4-H and its positive impact on youth.

YELLO! Conference

Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Out Loud! is an annual statewide, four-day leadership conference with group discussions, workshops, service opportunities, challenging speakers and hands-on activities designed for youth.

National 4-H Conference

The National 4-H Conference is a working conference in which youth and adults, at the invitation of the Secretary of Agriculture, assist in the development of recommendations to help guide 4-H Youth Development Programs nationally and in their communities

Citizenship Washington Focus

CWF is a citizen and leadership event for high school youth from across the United States. Youth learn about government, the legislative process, meet with elected officials and visit many national monuments and historical sites in Washington D.C