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University of California 4-H Youth Development Program

Leadership

You have many opportunities to develop and improve your leadership skills in 4-H. Even Primary Members have opportunities to learn and practice leadership skills in public speaking, project management, communication, team building, organization and negotiation.

You can volunteer for leadership roles at the club, county, state and national levels. You can practice leadership skills in both individual and group projects.  

4-H has helped me be more confident. -D'Amoray, Sacramento County

 

4-H Leadership projects give you a safe space to focus on developing skills to:

  • Identify problems.
  • Develop action plans.
  • Work as a team member and team lead.
  • Assume responsibility.
  • Follow through on goals.
  • Improve written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Practice self-reflection.

 

Leadership Roles

 

Club Officer

Junior & Teen Leaders

Teens as Teachers

Every year, the 4-H club chooses its club officers following the rules in the club's constitution and bylaws. The 4-H club leader or an officer advisor acts as a guide, counselor, and coach. The 4-H club officers work as a team to organize and run meetings and activities for the club. Each officer has a specific job in the club. Common officer positions are president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and sergeant at arms.Healthy Living officer and Civic Engagement officer are two new roles.
Practice leadership skills by assisting with projects or with club/county-organized 4-H activities and events. Junior leaders are intermediate members: you must be at least 11 and no more than 13 years old by December 31st of the program year. Teen leaders are senior members: you must be at least 14 and no more than 19 years old by December 31st of the program year. You can be a junior or teen leader for one or more projects in a year.
You can become a teen teacher in 4-H, helping younger kids learn cooking, science, or mindfulness in hands-on lessons. You will get specialized training to participate in Teens as Teachers programs such as YES (Youth Experiences in Science), Cooking Academy and Mindful Me. Program availability varies by county. If you're interested, contact your county's 4-H office to find out more.

County 4-H Ambassadors

State 4-H Ambassadors

Tuolumne 4-H County Ambassadors
Tuolumne 4-H County Ambassadors
2024-25 State Ambassadors
2024-25 State Ambassadors

4-H County Ambassadors are the champions of the 4-H program in their county. As a County Ambassador you are a role model for your fellow 4-H members and represent 4-H in your county and community.

County Ambassadors develop an annual Plan of Action. The team chooses and develops 3 of the 6 Leadership Competencies and completes one service-learning project.

The 4-H State Ambassador position is one of the highest service opportunities and recognition attainable in the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. It is a working honor that provides expanded opportunities to serve and promote the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program.

The State Ambassadors develop an annual Plan of Action. The team develops a plan for all six Leadership Competencies. Learn more about State Ambassadors.

 

4-H Leadership Events

California 4-H State Leadership Conference

National 4-H Conference

2 youth in front and one in background posting for camera

 

Resources on 4-H Leadership

 

4-H Members and Volunteers: Go to the CA 4-H Resource Center for resources and curriculum to support Leadership projects.