“Seizing Leadership Opportunities for Your Youth” Kelli Lehman Extension Program Specialist - 4-H and Youth Development

What is Leadership? Are you born with leadership skills? Can leadership be taught? Act of leadership – leading others Process of leadership – growing as a person through leadership progression

Texas 4-H Leadership Conference Texas 4-H Leadership Conference is the recognition event for senior 4-H members who have been recognized with a first place state winning record book. This five day trip to the nations capital is a educational filled event including a day on Capitol Hill, a night of culture in the arts districts, and a salute to our soldiers through a wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery. Leadership Conference participants receive more information after the state recordbook judging competition each August. Dates The Texas 4-H Leadership Conference starts on Thanksgiving day and ends the following Tuesday. Costs The cost will be included in the delegate registration packet that is mailed after State 4- H Recordbook results are made available. The price range is between $ to $ depending on airline prices, etc.

National 4-H Conference The National 4‐H Conference is the Secretary of Agriculture’s premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4‐H Youth Development Program. 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. This event brings together youth, volunteer leaders, and state and county Extension staff members from across the United States, the U.S. Territories, and the Canadian Provinces. COST: The delegate’s share of registration, lodging, airfare, meals, and transportation costs is approximately $ This registration Fee will be due in January. Dates Apply in November. Delegation announced in early December. Conference held in late March.

National 4-H Congress National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the 4-H program. Youth from the United States and its territories have participated in this youth leadership development conference. The Congress provides youth, ages 14-19, a quality, educational, and cross- cultural experience that exceeds what any state independently provides. It is designed to address the needs and issues of youth while helping to develop capable, competent, and caring citizens. Dates Apply February - April. Delegation announced in June during Roundup. Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia starting on Thanksgiving day and ending the following Tuesday. Cost The delegate’s share of registration, adult chaperone registration, lodging, airfare, meals, and transportation costs is approximately $

Texas 4-H Congress Texas 4-H Congress is the premiere citizenship and leadership experience for Texas 4-H members between the ages of 15 and 18. Held on the even numbers years in the Texas State Capitol, Texas 4-H Congress allows 4-H members to experience the law making process first hand by writing, submitting, and then serving as a member of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Press, or as a Lobbyist. From these roles, the 4-H members determine the fate of each bill submitted over the four day event. Dates Application process February - May. Delegation announced in May. Texas 4-H Congress is held in Austin, Texas on even years in July. Cost The delegate’s share of registration, adult chaperone registration, lodging, meals, and transportation costs is up to the District.

How do you get one of these? Earn it! Hard work, planning and goal setting!

Texas 4-H Council The Texas 4-H Council is the state leadership team that is elected through a election process at the district level. Each of these 4-H members represents the state 4-H program throughout the year at many different events such as livestock shows, banquets, Texas 4-H Roundup, and Texas 4-H Congress. To become a delegate to Texas 4-H Council, a member must have been elected either President, 1st Vice-President or Delegate at Large of the District Council. Dates Apply and run for District Office. State Council workshop held in July. Cost The delegate’s share of registration, lodging, meals, jacket, ring (optional) and transportation costs is approximately $1,600.

Before you can get to the state and national opportunities, know that there are a lot of opportunities on the state, district, county, local and club levels.

Project related Technology Team Shooting Sports Ambassador Clothing Advisory Board Livestock Ambassador Mission Possible Mentor Many more

Officer roles County Officer District Officer Voting Delegate Club Officer Play Leader (Flag and Pledges at Club Meeting)

Project Leader Teach Sessions Lead Activities Lead Community Service – one day Think about the Y, P, M in the record book. That is where you can see who is leading what. Progression can happen on any level.

These opportunities don’t just happen You have to – 1 st – know about them – 2 nd – decide what opportunities you want to seize – 3 rd – develop a leadership plan – 4 th – know you want more than subject matter out of the experiences. It is our job as volunteers, agents, specialists to help youth progress through this chart from the inward (learning stage) to the outward (giving back stage).

Reflection Do youth in our program get to the outward stage? What does 4-H do to prepare youth to lead? What can we improve on?