Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador Applications

2013-14 Minnesota State Ambassadors

2013-14 Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors

Ambassador programs

Ambassador programs exist throughout Minnesota to engage select 4-H youth in leadership and citizenship activities, and positive promotion of Minnesota 4-H.

 

County Ambassadors

The majority of Minnesota counties have a 4-H County Ambassador program. Please contact your local 4-H program for information about opportunities in your area.

State Ambassadors

The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador program provides intentional opportunities for youth to represent 4-H through leadership and citizenship that contributes meaningfully to their communities. State Ambassadors are a select team of Minnesota 4-H youth that have demonstrated leadership in their local 4-H programs, and who are interested in developing and refining skills to teach other 4-H youth about leadership and citizenship topics.

Eligibility

Applications open in April for State Ambassadors to serve throughout the following academic year. Applicants must be currently involved in Minnesota 4-H and its programs at the time of application, and must have completed at least the tenth grade as of July 1, 2014, and have at least one year of 4-H eligibility remaining in the 2014-15 academic year.

Expectations and responsibilities

The State Ambassador program is a time-intensive program and requires full participation in all required event activities in order to adequately prepare for their role. Key expectations include:

  • To uphold and abide by the Minnesota 4-H Code of Conduct throughout the duration of their appointment as a State Ambassador, beginning on the first day of Orientation on July 27, 2014, and concluding on the final day of 4-H YELLO! on June 14, 2015;
  • To participate in 100% of all required State Ambassador events (see schedule in the application packet below);
  • To be a positive role model to and representative of all youth involved in Minnesota 4-H;
  • To actively promote inclusion and respect for diversity within 4-H programs;
  • To be responsible for providing or arranging transportation to all activities/events;
  • To be prompt in response to emails and/or phone calls from advisors
  • To be willing to engage in a youth-adult partnership model of leadership

Ideal skills of applicants

The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador program is a youth development program that strives to exemplify the ultimate in youth citizenship & leadership in Minnesota. Those interested in applying should:

  • Be interested in developing and/or enhancing skills related to leadership, such as conflict resolution, facilitation, teamwork, decision-making, respect, and communication;
  • Be able to accept and incorporate constructive criticism to enhance skills;
  • Be willing to explore and apply diverse concepts of citizenship; and
  • Have basic skills in teaching others, facilitating discussions, and public speaking

2014-15 State Ambassador application process

Youth interested in applying to the 2014-15 State Ambassador program should complete the following steps:

  1. Review all responsibilities, expectations, and dates in the Applicant Information Packet.
  2. Complete the online 4-H State Ambassador program application no later than June 12, 2014, at 11:59 p.m. (CDT).
  3. Ask a local 4-H staff person, preferably your Program Coordinator/Director unless special circumstances exist (ex: staff person is a family member, position is currently vacant, etc) to complete an online recommendation form on your behalf no later than June 18, 2014.

Semi-finalists will be contacted by a member of the selection committee to set up an in-person interview in their region. All interviews will be held June 24 & 25* in a location to be determined, but likely at the 4-H Regional Center central to all applicants in that region. Semi-finalists will be expected to:

  1. Participate in a 15-20 minute interview with members of the selection committee
  2. Prepare ahead of time, and deliver a 5-7 minute presentation, choosing one of three topics provided.

*If you are unable to participate in an interview during these dates due to other commitments, please explain your situation in the application. The selection team will attempt to make accommodations when possible.

Criteria for selection

The Extension Center for Youth Development is committed to ensuring that the Ambassador Program is representative of the diversity of Minnesota, is represented by youth who are exceptional in their leadership/service to their communities, and can professionally represent the entire Minnesota 4-H Youth Development Program. Additionally, applicants will be scored on the following: application and written questions, interview, prepared presentation, recommendation from 4-H staff.

 

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