You are here.
Pennsylvania County 4-H Ambassador Program
4-H has often been referred to as the "best kept secret in town". Getting the word out that 4-H is not only thriving, but making a positive impact on kids is news that should be shared in every county. Kids are having fun, making friends, working with great adult volunteers and learning skills that will have an impact for the rest of their lives. The PA 4-H County Ambassador program is one way to turn the secret into public knowledge.
The role of ambassador is very important and one to be taken very seriously. Ambassadors will be called on to serve as primary spokespersons for the 4-H program at the county level. That role may include giving a speech to civic groups, handing out programs at an event, speaking on radio/video or hosting a group or activity. Young people, ages 13 and over, interested in becoming an ambassador should be well groomed, able to adjust to new experiences without too much anxiety, feel passionately about 4-H, and be willing to accept a high level of responsibility. The Ambassador term is one year. Previous ambassadors may reapply to serve additional terms.
Each ambassador participates in specialized training sessions that review the skills needed to be a successful ambassador. This training will take place during the State 4-H Leadership Conference held in February. These sessions engage youth in identifying their strengths and working on areas of challenge.
Objectives of the County Ambassador
• Help older youth develop leadership and communication skills
• Increase visibility of the 4-H program in the public eye
• Demonstrate, through the use of dynamic young people, the full scope of 4-H programs
• Through promotion, assist in increasing enrollment in the 4-H program.
Functions of the County Ambassador
• Promotion of the 4-H program by selling an event or program
• Reporting the success of our programs by telling the 4-H story
• Selling the 4-H program by raising money, promoting an event, or recruiting new members and volunteers
• Assisting educators and volunteers by helping with activities where needed
• Recruiting for the 4-H program by finding and “selling” potential members, leaders and donors for 4-H
• Service for the 4-H program through helping others in worthwhile causes.
Expectations of Ambassadors
• Ambassador responsibilities will be an important part of your 4-H program during your one year term.
• Commit the time necessary to attend meetings, reach planned objectives, and to thoroughly prepare and participate in required activities/events.
• Be willing to accept challenge with enthusiasm, perform to a degree higher than is expected of you, and put your responsibilities into action without being told.
• Keep a positive attitude in all that you do.
• Be informed. Read and respond to e-mail, newsletters, correspondence, phone calls, etc. in a timely manner, including the required reporting.
• Check the Pennsylvania 4-H and Ambassador Web pages regularly.
• Be responsible by being on time, keeping track of your own schedule, taking the initiative on projects, and following through with the things you say you will do.
• Willingly accept all of the honors, responsibilities and duties which result from being selected to serve.
• Represent the 4-H program at designated county events.
• Serve as a positive role model and mentor for younger members at all times.
• Remain enrolled and active at the county level. You are first and foremost a 4-H member.
• Know your facts about 4-H and Pennsylvania Cooperative Extension.
• Act and dress with pride.
• Wear your nametag and follow appropriate dress code when required.
• Work with and support the State Council in the Statewide Service project.
• Set a goal to obtain first or second level promotions based on the required activities.
• Personal travel will be necessary to speak, educate and/or provide support to the 4-H program.
• Assume financial responsibility for the purchase of uniform(s) and travel.
• Attend State Leadership Conference to receive necessary training.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a Pennsylvania County 4-H Ambassador, download the Ambassador Brochure and Handbook!
If you have any questions, contact members of the Pennsylvania County 4-H Ambassador Advisory Committee, or Dr. Jackie Bruce, 814-863-1789 or jab743@psu.edu or your local County Extension Office.