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Iowa 4-H Youth Council Begins New Term
Iowa Ag Connection - 07/22/2016

Forty-two Iowa youth are beginning their new terms as State 4-H Council members. They were inducted during the closing ceremonies of the 2016 Iowa 4-H Youth Conference on June 30.

These young leaders will serve as ambassadors for the 4-H Youth Development program throughout the state and in their local counties, said Brenda Allen, 4-H youth program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

To be considered for the State 4-H Council, each 4-H'er submitted an application and participated in intensive interviews. Youth then were selected based on their leadership and communication skills, as well as their potential to contribute to the large group.

"The members gain leadership and communication skills, both through training opportunities as well as through their responsibilities as committee chairs and representatives of the council at county and statewide events," said Allen.

One of the biggest responsibilities of the council is to organize and implement the annual Iowa 4-H Youth Conference. Council members also volunteer at the Iowa State Fair and other statewide 4-H events and visit counties to share information with youth regarding opportunities that go beyond county lines. Another responsibility is to coordinate, promote and oversee the 4-H'ers for 4-H fundraising campaign.

"The State 4-H Council strengthens the 4-H Youth Development program because they are able to connect and share with their peers some of the exciting programs, experiences and information relevant to today's teens," Allen said. "They also provide feedback to the state 4-H office so we get a real perspective from current 4-H'ers when implementing programming and making plans for the future."

Council members attend multiple retreats throughout the year that focus on developing leadership, citizenship and communication and personal life skills, while also providing opportunities to work as a team and to make friends.

"I loved being a part of the State Council because it was like a second family," said Macy Evans of Union County. "We each had the same opportunity to discover things about ourselves."

"I enjoyed being a part of State Council because I feel as if I have a second family," said Megan Nemec of Johnson County. "I chose to join because I wanted to help our state's 4-H program improve, as well as make a difference in the counties around me."

"4-H empowers one to reach your full potential," said Jessica Bigelow of Polk County. "Coming back for my second term as a State Council member, I have grown to realize how many life skills I have gained, from leadership to communication and citizenship."

The State 4-H Council members represent all parts of Iowa. They work to give back to their communities and help 4-H Youth Development best serve the youth of Iowa.


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