The North Carolina 4-H Ambassador Program Prepared by Tovi Lynn Martin, Extension 4-H Assistant

A Brief History Began in 1988: State Ambassadors 1989: Trainer Ambassadors added 1992: Three Ambassador levels established County (ages 14-17) State (16-19) Trainer (selected State Ambassadors) 1997: Combined county & state into one single Ambassador program

Challenges Statewide consistency in implementing & documenting Ambassador requirements Communications gaps between teens & adults, county & state levels Opportunities for Ambassadors to fulfill roles & responsibilities Encouraging constant learning & growth

State Ambassador Task Force Youth and 4-H Professionals for all 7 Extension districts Redesign during 2004 Debuted new program in February 2005

Guiding Premises Encourage personal development & service to NC 4-H Based upon individual’s performance towards standards Self-based & self-paced Accomplishments documented through a Personal Leadership Portfolio

New Vision Our vision is that every North Carolina teen 4-H member will have the personal initiative, program resources, and leadership opportunities to be a positive role model and a vocal advocate for the 4-H program in our state.

New Structure Bronze: 5 required curricula & 15 elective hours Silver: Bronze plus 5 required curricula & 25 additional elective hours Gold: Silver plus 4 required curricula & 35 additional elective hours Emerald: Gold plus 4 required curricula & 45 additional elective hours

4-H Ambassador Basics Minimum 13 years of age 2 years 4-H experience Must enter program via Retreat or Intro session Retreat registration requires county signature Recommended that each level takes no more than 2 years to complete Member must complete prior level before moving to next level

Bronze Level Required Curricula Introduction to the 4-H Ambassador Program Fundamentals of 4-H Youth Development Public Speaking Basics Parliamentary Procedure Personal & Flag Etiquette 15 hours of elective activities Must include at least 2 different activities Recognition: Name tag & certificate

Silver Level Required Curricula Introduction to Life Skills Teaching & Learning I: Experiential Learning Advanced Public Speaking Leadership I: What is a Leader? Marketing I: Media Relations 25 hours of elective activities Must include at least 2 different activities Recognition: Portfolio & certificate

Gold Level Required Curricula Youth/Adult Partnerships I: Tic-Tac-TOE Teaching & Learning II: Learning Styles Leadership II: T.E.A.M. Marketing II: Donors & Elected Officials Diversity & Inclusion 35 hours of elective activities Must include at least 2 different activities Recognition: Business cards & certificate

Emerald Level Required Curricula Youth/Adult Partnerships II Teaching & Learning III Leadership III: The Role of Ethics Marketing Practicum 45 hours Must include at least 2 different activities Recognition: Polo shirt & certificate

The Ambassador Portfolio “Authentic assessment” Members are responsible for documenting their own achievements & accomplishments Encourages life skills development Nurtures creativity through record keeping (Hopefully) will translate into other NC 4-H initiatives (project books, cumulative records, ARI, etc.) A portfolio is NOT a scrapbook Member should be selective & include best work/examples Focus is on quality rather than quantity

Assessing the Portfolio Assessment by Ambassador Leadership Team DRAFT assessment form Basic info 10 items based upon Ambassador mission & goals Objective 10 pt. scale for each item Need minimum of 70% to successfully complete each Ambassador level Neatness DOES Count!

Timeline 2005 Retreats: February, November 21 Youth Earned Bronze by June 2005 Additional Silver Courses offered at Congress, State Council Conference 2006 Dates Portfolio submissions: April 17; October 15 Silver Courses available online, at state/district events New Candidates Retreat: August 18-19, 2006

Opportunities for Volunteers Volunteer Rep on Leadership Team Attend Retreat & Help Teach Help Ambassador Program in Your District Mentor an Ambassador Candidate Serve as Coach Help identify opportunities for youth Encourage Youth to Enroll!

Who to Contact Tovi Lynn Martin Extension 4-H Assistant, Teen Programs Department of 4-H Youth Development NC State University Campus Box 7606 Raleigh, NC Phone: Fax: AIM: Tovi70