About the Author

Megna Nayar is a 4-H Alumna and former State Ambassador from Santa Clara County. She started in 4-H when she was in the 7th grade. Her first project was the Computer Science Pathway team, and she also started a baking club. Megna became a Santa Clara County Ambassador and was a State Ambassador in 2021-22. Megna is now majoring in Economics at UC Santa Barbara.

Megna at the 2024 State Leadership Conference

It feels like the State Leadership Conference (SLC) just happened, but we're already starting to plan for next year! Applications are open now until October 30, 2024 for the 2025 State Leadership Conference.

About the SLC Planning Team

Being a SLC Planning Team member is a rewarding, but challenging role. There is a large time commitment with being on the Planning Team, but the skills and lessons you learn from this experience make it very valuable. I was able to learn more about the logistics of putting together such an expansive conference, and had more input into how SLC was organized. This was incredibly helpful for growing my project management, organization, and collaboration skills, which has been a huge asset in my college and professional career so far.

I gained insight into the importance of delegation in large projects such as the State Leadership Conference.

The Planning Team has various teams within it, such as Education (Make it Meaningful), Logistics (Make it Happen), and Recreation (Make it Fun). I saw first-hand how integral this was for a successful conference.

Planning Team members waiting for conference registration to begin.

My experience

My time on the Planning Team was during 2021, when SLC was still virtual. This was a very different experience than what it is today, but even virtually I gained so much.

I was on the Education Committee, which includes selecting educational workshops, the keynote speaker, and incorporating the State Ambassador platform. Going through the numerous workshop proposals and making decisions on which would ultimately be presented was a hard task, but it was very rewarding to be able to see these workshops in action during the conference. I was able to speak with participants afterwards, and hearing everything they took away from the workshops made me feel as though I had helped make an impact on their SLC experience.

Why you should join the Planning Team

Being on the Planning Team gave me the chance to make lasting connections with the youth and adults involved in SLC. Through them, I was able to learn about other amazing opportunities.

If you are a youth interested in taking on larger leadership roles within California 4-H, such as being a State Ambassador, joining the Planning Team is a great first step.

Planning Team members and State Ambassadors getting excited for conference!

Planning Team applications are open until October 30, 2024.

To be on the SLC Planning Team, you must:

1. Be currently enrolled as a 4-H Youth Senior member or 4-H Adult Volunteer
2. Have attended SLC at least once
3. Have experience working in a youth-adult partnership on a committee

Please be aware of the time commitment required to be a part of this dynamic team!

1. Required meetings: 4-6 virtual meetings, plus sub-committee meetings, with 1-2 in-person*
2. Attend SLC 2025*: Arrive 1 day early and 1 day after it ends. The tentative dates will be July 23-28, 2025 at UC Davis campus.

*Travel for meetings will be reimbursable per UC policy. Room and Board at SLC is included for planning team members

APPLY TODAY

Gain valuable experience and create lasting memories for yourself and SLC participants!

Application due October 30, 2024.

The first planning meeting is Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 6:30 pm.

SLC Planning Team members work hard but still have fun!