Ambassador Program
MSU EXTENSION
4-H AMBASSADORS PROGRAM
A 4-H Ambassador is an authorized representative of the MSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. A 4-H Ambassador is a self-motivated, enthusiastic leader who promotes 4-H using the skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities acquired in 4-H with fellow members, area residents, community leaders, elected officials, and other young people. A 4-H Ambassador serves to strengthen the 4-H program through public relations.
4-H Ambassadors are youth representatives for the state 4-H Youth Development Program. Outstanding young people with proven excellence in 4-H achievement and citizenship have the opportunity to become State 4-H Ambassadors.
Being selected as a 4-H Ambassador is an honor that carries great responsibility. Ambassadors serve as emcees, program facilitators, and members of county and state council committees. 4-H Ambassadors are role models who uphold high standards in making the best better in their clubs, communities, country, and world.
PURPOSE
The 4-H Ambassadors Program enhances leadership, citizenship, and communication skills in teen leaders. 4-H Ambassadors assist with programs in the state, serve as role models, and conduct training to strengthen life skills and promote individual growth.
OBJECTIVES
- Make 4-H more visible in the county and across the state of Mississippi.
- Maintain and build relationships with 4-H alumni and supporters.
- Increase membership in the statewide 4-H program.
- Promote individual growth within members.
STATE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
- Must be 15 years old and a senior-level registered 4-H’er.
- Must have a genuine commitment to 4-H.
- Must be willing to put a high priority on the responsibilities of serving as a State 4-H Ambassador.
- Must have a genuine enthusiasm for 4-H.
- Must be a team player at all times.
- Must be able to meet people easily.
- Must have academic performance that will permit being absent from school without seriously jeopardizing grades.
- Must participate in three State 4-H Ambassador training programs.
- Must be well groomed and willing to wear the official Ambassador attire.
- Must exhibit leadership skills and be in good standing with the local county 4-H program.
- Must be an active participant in 4-H.
- Must maintain a positive behavior.
- Must have excellent communication skills, including both planned and extemporaneous.
- Must have parents who are committed to 4-H and are willing to support their teen in carrying out their responsibilities.
- Must participate in three State 4-H Ambassador planned events.
HOW TO APPLY
- Submit a cover letter, 4-H vita, and two letters of support to the local county Extension office.
- Your local county Extension agent will submit a confidential letter of recommendation.
- Your local county Extension agent will submit all documents to the state 4-H office.
SELECTION PROCESS
- A committee will judge the cover letters and vitae with judging rubrics.
- Applicants will be notified if they have been selected for an interview.
- The selected individuals will give a 7-minute presentation on a topic identified by the state 4-H office. Judges will ask questions about the presentation.
- A panel will use the State 4-H Ambassador Judging Rubric to judge the applicants.
- Interviews and results will be announced during 4-H Congress.
- The judges’ decisions are final.
Publications
Success Stories
As Mississippi 4-H prepares to launch its HomeGrown Scholarship campaign to generate endowed scholarships for 4-H’ers from every county in the state, 33 4-H’ers on the Mississippi 4-H Leadership Team, representing 19 counties, visited the Capitol in Jackson for 4-H Legislative Day 2022.
Mississippi 4-H Introduces New Youth Leadership Positions
Administrators with the Mississippi State University Extension Center for 4-H Youth Development recently announced two new offices for 4-H’ers: president-elect and past president. These new positions will allow the 4-H’ers more training and opportunities, state leaders agree.
Nerves jangling, Jaylin Smith of Greenwood stepped to the podium to address legislators and guests gathered in the Mississippi Senate chamber in February 2019. Her audience seemed preoccupied, checking their cell phones. By the time she finished her speech, they were on their feet, applauding.
Legislative Day is a favorite among 4-H’ers. Each year, Mississippi 4-H Council officers and ambassadors spend a day visiting their legislative leaders at the Mississippi State Capitol. Not only is the visit an interesting experience for 4-H’ers learning about how state government works, but it’s also a way to thank legislators for their support of 4-H and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, which oversees 4-H statewide.
Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H’ers met with elected officials during their trip to the Mississippi State Capitol for Legislative Day 2018.
