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| Teen Leadership
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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.
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