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Johnson County

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Johnson County
11811 S. Sunset Drive
Suite 1500
Olathe, KS 66061

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday,
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(913) 715-7000
(913) 715-7005 fax
jo@listserv.ksu.edu

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

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Johnson County, KS 4-H Ambassadors

by Jessica Lawrenz | 4-H Youth Development Agent

 

The 4-H Ambassadors program is geared toward 4-H teens, ages 14-18. Ambassadors create public awareness of the Johnson County 4-H Youth Development Program. They are the “outreach crew” that spreads the word in the community about 4-H, with a goal to excite and gain interest in other youth to join 4-H. Audiences can include other 4-H’ers, school groups, civic organizations, government officials, senior citizens, and businesses.

The program has proven to be a very practical and effective way of reaching the public through 4-H’s best salespersons; 4-H members themselves! The Ambassador program provides each county/district with the opportunity to develop a small-scale public information program through its own members.

Ambassadors is considered an elite group. They are selected after a rigorous process which includes an application and essay, two interviews, and a short presentation. As a new Ambassador, they must attend a required weekend state training program. All 4-H Ambassador programs require a sincere desire to promote 4-H, willingness to interact with the public, interest in improving communication skills, willingness to speak in front of groups, and a commitment of time and energy. Each Ambassador signs a “letter of commitment” stating they will dedicate the time and intent it takes to support the program.

Ambassadors meet one a month to discuss and plan upcoming events, county activities and fundraisers. Although the Ambassadors are held accountable for most of their own program, they are guided by an adult Advisor that mentors, directs, and oversees them through the planning and implementation process of their programs and outreaches into the community.

Through this experience, 4-H Ambassadors will have opportunities to learn, practice and improve communication, take part in community service, gain leadership and citizenship skills, develop marketing skills, prepare for employability and develops job skills.

The Ambassador program in Johnson County is a January-December term and the application process begins in late fall with interviews in November. For more information please visit the JoCo website: 4-H Ambassadors | Events and Programs | 4-H | Johnson County (k-state.edu) or the Kansas 4-H website: Ambassadors | Teen Leadership Opportunities | 4-H Programs | Kansas 4-H Youth Development.