Have you ever wondered how people become good leaders?

Through my life experiences, I have come to realize that youth actively involved in 4-H acquire life skills at a young age. It is when youth are presented with opportunities to be leaders that they develop these skills.

How do they get started in leadership?

Opportunities in leadership can come in many forms.  Our Clover Buds can lead the pledges, pass out papers, and even explain to their peers how they do their favorite activity.  Older youth can mentor less experienced youth in various project areas, including fitting their animal for a show, programming a robot, or learning how to write a speech. We even have a youth who went to the National Ignite Conference and created a project called the Ripple Effect to impact water quality around Florida.

By participating in 4-H educational programs and serving as leaders, youth members build valuable citizenship and leadership skills.  This is evident when they conduct meetings at the club level and beyond. This youth team has decided to focus on making others feel welcome, presenting age-appropriate life skills, and encouraging others to get involved. The skills these young leaders have gained in 4-H are preparing them to be Beyond Ready for their next chapter.

Personal stories from a few of our County Executive Officers.

Our president, Nich, began his journey in 4-H doing a poultry project with his older brother. He shared that he is proud of the youth he has impacted during his time in 4-H.  Nich has been an active member participating in various species shows throughout the state. Public speaking comes natural to Nich which has contributed to his accomplishment at county, district and state public speaking events. He as attended Ignite at Washington D.C. where he was on a team that was recognized for their Ripple Effect water conservation project. When asked about what being an executive board officer means to him, he said having the opportunity “to be in a position to serve to the 4-H youth. It’s an opportunity to grow in 4-H and build lasting friendships and impacts.”

VP

Our Vice President, Didi, joined 4-H during her freshman year of high school, almost three years ago now. Her sister was the one who introduced her to the program. Didi shared, “As an agricultural education intern under the advisory of Mrs. Hamilton, she took me to the State Fair to show me what a day in her life looked like. It was during this day that I first learned about 4-H and, not too long after, joined! Throughout my 4-H journey, I have experienced many highs and lows, but through it all, I would say I’m most proud of my progression. When I first joined 4-H, I thought it was going to be a temporary thing, but as I kept advancing in my competitions and club meetings, I discovered my spark and continued to hone in on it, which has resulted in national competitions, state events, and above everything else, new friends.” She added, “I have been an officer for the past year and since then have acclimated to multiple experiences (such as attending Second Executive Board), assumed greater responsibilities, and have become a role model for fellow 4-Hers. Without this position, I would have been blind to all the wonderful events and people 4-H has to offer. I have discovered my true potential and am now only working to create a welcoming and engaging environment to share the same magic 4-H has given me.”

Treasurer

Our Treasurer, Gideon, is a third-generation 4-Her, which is why he started.

He is proud of his 4-H club because of their many accomplishments. Gideon shared, “To me, being an officer is a responsibility for which I have to work at; however, it is also a privilege that I get to enjoy.”

Historian

Our Historian, Reagan, has been in 4-H since she was 5. She shows dairy heifers, dairy goats, and chickens. She also participates in various projects, including livestock, embroidery, agricultural mechanics, and photography. She shared, “One real important part of 4-H I am involved in is the Dairy Chain. I received my heifer (Dolly) in the 4-H dairy chain. I enjoy telling others all about it”. This is Reagan’s first year as an Executive Board Officer and is looking forward to working with everyone in the county, and I cannot wait to see what is in store!

I am so proud of this team!  I look forward to seeing all the fantastic things they do this year! You can join them on November 15 from 9-4:30.  If you are interested, email amber.norris@ufl.edu.

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