The State 4-H Ambassador Program strives to develop the minds of young people by increasing and promoting leadership activities through 4-H. Through participation in the State 4-H Ambassador Program, teens will function as a positive role model for youth in South Dakota, while serving to support the 4-H program through public relations. State 4-H Ambassadors will strive for continued improvement of the 4-H program by serving as an agent of change. State 4-H Ambassadors must be a registered 4-H member, age 14-18, in good standing. Individuals selected to be on the team, will have endless opportunities to grow and expand their leadership, life, social and workforce skills.
Being a State 4-H Ambassador is a challenging and rewarding role with the South Dakota 4-H Youth Development Program. Young people selected to serve as a State 4-H Ambassador can expect the following:
Objectives
- Prepare individuals for roles as leaders, mentors and problem solvers
- Enhance skills in communication, public speaking and critical thinking
- Focus on foundational life skills
- Develop skills to prepare them for future career opportunities
Roles
- Serve to support the 4-H program through public relations
- Function as a positive role model for youth in South Dakota
- Continually strive for improvement by serving as an agent of change
- Promote the benefits of 4-H to ALL youth across South Dakota
- Utilize skills and knowledge gained through 4-H to engage youth in educational activities
- Pro-actively engage in youth-adult partnerships
Applicant Requirements
- Must be a registered 4-H member in good standing
- 4-H age 14-18 based off of the 4-H year
- Must submit all application material and information requested
- Participate in interview to be held at the State Fair (in-person or virtually)
- State 4-H Ambassador applicants must apply each year
Program Requirements
- Abide by South Dakota 4-H Code of Conduct both during and outside of 4-H events.
- Be prompt in communication with program staff.
- Individuals agree to assume financial responsibilities associated with planning meetings. Fundraising resources will be provided in order to help members offset the cost incurred.
- Be responsible for providing or arranging personal transportation to all activities and events unless otherwise indicated by State 4-H Ambassador program staff.
- State 4-H Ambassador and a parent/guardian must attend an orientation meeting to be held via an online platform.
- State 4-H Ambassadors will adhere to the official dress code.
- Create a State 4-H Ambassador Action Plan and work to accomplish goals identified in plan.
- Attend one leadership development retreat (multiple sessions offered).
- Attend a State 4-H Event as an engaged State 4-H Ambassador.
- Must facilitate one educational opportunity for youth.
- Must attend the end of the year summer camping retreat.
- Participate in quarterly update meetings with a State 4-H Ambassador mentor.
- Discuss 4-H impact with one (local or state) elected official throughout term.
- Complete impact reports for required components of term.
- Complete at least one of the supplemental opportunities listed below.
Once appointed, failure to uphold these expectations may jeopardize an individual's opportunity to complete the State 4-H Ambassador term.
Supplemental Opportunities
- Serve on a State 4-H Ambassador committee
- Shadow a State Legislature
- Represent the 4-H program at a community and/or industry event (non 4-H related)
- Interview with a news outlet (print, radio, etc.) discussing the impact of 4-H
- Write a letter to the editor promoting 4-H
- Create a 4-H promotional video
- Shadow an industry professional
- Serve on a State 4-H committee (i.e. Horticulture, Special Foods, Beef, etc.)
- Individual ideas welcomed upon approval from primary State 4-H Ambassador mentor
Application Process
Apply to be a South Dakota State 4-H Ambassador today by completing the application form below. Applications must include the following:
- Application (found below)
- Personal Narrative (details in the application)
- 2 letters of recommendation (requirements in the application)
Applications must be submitted by August 1.
