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May 6, 2008
2008 National 4-H Conference - Week in Review
National 4-H Conference allows the best and the brightest of 4-H to come together and leave their mark on the 4-H system. The major goal of Conference is to offer participants a meaningful personal and professional development experience. For 78 years, it has done just that, as it has called upon its delegates, on behalf of the government itself, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), to generate recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program, take charge of their world, and make a difference.
This year's Conference theme, Green AID: Acquire, Inform, Deliver, reflected the question, "As society becomes more environmentally conscious, how can the 4-H Youth Development Program aid in enhancing socially significant and relevant programming to increase the environmental awareness of our clubs, our communities, our country, and our world?"
Check out the highlights of this action packed, six-day learning experience, below.
March 29, 2008: Day One- Arrival/Meet & Greet
Approximately 350 delegates arrived at the National 4-H Conference Center and participated in team building and ice-breaker activities.
March 30, 2008: Day Two - Train
Attendees took part in a GREEN AID 5k Fun Run/Walk. After, they were given opportunities, through focus groups, to contribute their valuable expertise on Conference's initiative, as well as the 4-H system at large.
March 31, 2008: Day Three- Acquire
A day of excursions around the nation's Capitol gave youth valuable insight.
April 1, 2008: Day Four- Inform
Actor and activist, Ed Begley, Jr., the Conference keynote speaker, talked about ways to make saving the environment your own personal responsibility. He also discussed the tools and practices that can be used to accomplish this goal. His address ended with a question and answer forum. Later, delegates took part in workshops that broadened their horizons and encouraged innovation.
April 2, 2008: Day Five- Deliver
"Capitol Hill Day." Delegates spent the morning at USDA, for the closing assembly, and then spent the day visiting their elected representatives in Congress, to inform them about the 4-H program in their state.
April 3, 2008: Day Six - Conclusion/Departure
This was definitely another successful conference. As a result, youth were left with the desire and knowledge to make positive and lasting change in their environment. Congratulations to the entire team and good luck on your future endeavors!
Posted in category Leadership at 4:02 PM