4-H Teen Leadership

Special Emphasis Leadership Programs

Special emphasis programs are a series of experiential learning activities that are delivered in a group settings, not tied to any school curriculum, and focus on a topic of particular need, issue or interest. A variety of special emphasis leadership programs are offered in many counties throughout the state each year. Such special emphasis programs can be an important means by which 4-H can reach and involve teens (many of whose schedules do not permit them to be involved in other programs which require a longer commitment) in significant leadership development programs which meet their real needs and interests.

For example, leadership institutes have been designed and conducted in cooperation with a variety of other agencies for teens in many counties. The programs usually include a series of workshops and seminars related to leadership development topics, along with a follow up experience.

Several counties have also become involved in the family and community leadership teen programs. In these activities, small groups of teenagers are trained to in turn do leadership training in high schools and community groups.

Other counties have developed "power weekends" and "teen board conferences" which involve newly elected teen officers of school groups, church groups, community organizations, 4-H, and other youth programs in a series of experiences to help them be as effective and successful as possible in their new roles.

A variety of other special emphasis leadership programs may be planned and offered throughout the year. The guidelines for planning and conducting such programs are the same as for any 4-H special emphasis programs. Consult the policies and guidelines provided in the 4-H Agent's Program Handbook for current information.

District, State, National, and International 4-H Youth Leadership Programs

A variety of "high powered" leadership development programs and opportunities are offered on the district, state, national, and international levels. The specific program opportunities vary from year to year. Consult the State 4-H Opportunities and Events Handbook and the Buckeye Cover Graham state 4-H newsletter for the most current information. A few of the major statewide opportunities which are offered on an annual basis are listed below:

a) One of the best state opportunities offered annually is the State 4-H Leadership Camp which involves 176 youth age 14 and older, 20 college age counselors, and 4 faculty. Leadership Camp is the epitome of a successful "learn by doing" approach to leadership development. The only things that are planned before camp begins are the meals, the daily two-hour leadership workshops, and the camp objectives and theme. When campers arrive at camp they divide into various committees and groups to plan, conduct, and evaluate all of the other programs that happen at camp. Each year's camp is very different but the program is always a success which receives extraordinarily high evaluations from participants and sponsors, as well as significant achievement of program objectives.

b) A strong leadership dimension is also incorporated into the Ohio 4-H Congress program. A variety of leadership development workshops along with top-notch speakers and hands-on experiences are provided for approximately 500 14 to 18 year olds who participate annually. A special feature of the Congress program is the mock legislative session that is conducted by participants at the Ohio House of Representatives each year. Participants write, lobby, debate, and vote on an actual bill currently being considered by the Ohio House of Representatives.

c) The Buckeye 4-H Ambassadors are a select group of 4-H teens who serve as 4-H spokespersons throughout the year. A Buckeye 4-H Ambassadors training conference is held early in the spring, with periodic follow up training provided on the local level. Each Ambassador is expected to give major presentations about the 4-H program.

d) The State 4-H Fashion Board is a group of 4-H clothing members selected to represent each of Ohio's Extension districts in strengthening the 4-H clothing program each year. Participants receive training, and conduct a variety of 4-H clothing programs.

e) Two outstanding 4-H teenagers are selected from each district to represent the 4-H members through the State 4-H Advisory Committee each year. Teens participate in the National 4-H Program Development Conference, and are involved in collecting, synthesizing, and representing reviews of young people in their district in advising 4-H program direction across the state.