4-H Teen Leaders Take Citizenship and Involvement to New Heights
Decision-Making and Advocacy Highlight National 4-H Conference
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Enjoying the Clover Cruise with the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge in the background (Left to right) |
They voice their opinions, take charge and genuinely care about the welfare of others. Washington State 4-H high school students Nick Gylling and Jodi Ubachs joined over two hundred teens at the National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C. immersing themselves in six days of leadership targeted specifically at civic engagement.
“The most rewarding component for me was working with sixteen youth to write a presentation to share with the White House Department of Science and Technology,” said 16-year old Jodi Ubachs from Clarkston. “Our goal was to create a solution where 4-H can help women and under-represented minorities involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). I now have a greater appreciation for the way that youth can come together from all over the nation to achieve a common goal.”
Teens were given briefings in areas including alcohol and drug use prevention; science and technology; youth suicide prevention and integration of veterans and military family members into the local community. Small groups had nine hours to strategize, research, prepare solutions and then share ideas with key decision makers.
“The roundtable discussion on how technology can benefit my community was incredibly interesting,” said Nick Gylling. “The trip to the United States Department of Agriculture to present our ideas was rewarding because we were able to talk with people who can make a difference,” added the high school junior from Ellensburg.
Nick and Jodi, both 4-H State Ambassadors, are also on the Washington State core leadership team for the national Engaging Youth Serving Communities grant which centers on developing leadership and life skills in partnership with adults to improve local communities.
In Washington D.C. workshops included decision making, issue planning, advocacy, facilitating and marketing. Meeting their congressional representatives, a White House tour, and trips to museums and memorials provided additional perspective during the March 24 – 29 event.
Longtime educator and 4-H chaperone Jon Gabelein sees the impact the conference has on youth activists. “Teens return home realizing even greater achievements can be found by continuing to challenge themselves to step up and become stronger, positive leaders within their communities,” said Gabelein.
National 4-H Conference is administered by 4-H National Headquarters of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is open to youth ages 15 - 19 who are actively participating in 4-H programs across the U.S. and its territories and is held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
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