FAQ Sheet
What age do I have to be to be a NH 4-H Ambassador?
You can apply to be a NH 4-H Ambassador at age 14.
What is the difference between being on the Youth Leadership Team in my county and NH 4-H Ambassadors?
- Youth Leadership Team members have been approved by their county 4-H Program Manager and work at the county level with their teen advisor on creating an inclusive environment, facilitating group norms and discussions, planning events or outings that are interesting to them and their peers, navigating conflict management, developing compassion and understanding of others, and designing their take on the service-learning project statewide challenge. The county teen leadership program strives to understand each participant and invite them to challenge themselves through taking on leadership roles and mentor roles as they are presented.
- NH 4-H Ambassadors have shared their interest with the state 4-H Teen Leadership Field Specialist and commit to working in youth-adult partnership with teens from all over the state. They participate in trainings and workshops where they learn skills that will help them uphold the program’s pillars of career and academic development, leadership development and creating a teach back or give back capstone project. They will also gain skills related to promoting 4-H throughout the state. Ambassadors will meet as a NH 4-H Ambassador program as well as have youth-mentor guided opportunities that are specific to career, academic, leadership, and community action. These specific opportunities will be open to all Ambassadors. Individual goal-oriented mentorship is encouraged in the areas of Community Engagement, STEM, Agriscience and Shooting Sports.
Do I have to become a NH 4-H Ambassador in order to apply for national trips?
Not necessarily, but it is expected that trip recipients will become Ambassadors the following year if they are not already.
If I am selected as a NH 4-H Ambassador, how long do I serve in that role?
One year. You must re-apply through the Interest Form annually.
What are the costs associated with being a NH 4-H Ambassador?
We try very hard to keep the costs low. You will receive NH 4-H Ambassador apparel at no cost. The annual October Teen Leadership Retreat holds a cost, which can be offset by county scholarship funds. There is a family contribution of $300 per participant for national trips, though the group can fundraise together or individually to help offset that cost. You will be responsible for your own travel costs to and from events/meetings.
I haven’t been in 4-H my whole life, should I even apply?
If you have had an experience in 4-H that has positively impacted your life and you meet the minimum criteria below, then YES!
- Must be between the ages of 14-18 years old
- Must have participated as a county Youth Leadership Team member and/or another leadership role in your community or 4-H club for at least (1) year
- Be available for in-person and virtual meetings, willing to facilitate virtual meetings, and have a desire to collaborate and learn from others
I am involved in a lot of 4-H clubs and school activities, should I still apply?
That depends on you! How you prioritize your time is a decision for you to make, but you should consider how involved you can be and if you can make the commitment. Between in-person and virtual meetings you may also be asked to help at a teen event or share your experiences with a group of 4-Hers or plan a sledding outing to boost winter blues. If you believe you can prioritize being a NH 4-H Ambassador along with your other responsibilities (school/friends/family/ sports/theater/etc.) then YES!
What will I gain if I become a NH 4-H Ambassador?
What you get will be directly driven by what you give in this program. For starters you will gain new friends, supportive adults, exposure to professional skills, leadership development, and community service hours. Your resume will be boosted by soft skills like problem solving abilities, teamwork, motivation and communication.
Why now?
If you have been honing your communication and teamwork skills at the local level for a few years and are ready to put yourself “out there” to create a larger space for growth, then now is the time to think about statewide leadership. If you find yourself drawn to more local level impact, then taking on a stronger leadership role within your county Youth Leadership Team may be where you want to continue to grow. Both are terrific opportunities!
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