4-H Ambassador Program
4-H Ambassador Applications are due October 1, 2026 to Nickie Harding at nharding@ksu.edu or can be dropped off at the Douglas County Extension Office.
Dear 4-H Member,
We believe in the many ways 4-H helps young people grow, develop skills, build relationships, discover their strengths, and prepare for their futures. The 4-H Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for older 4-H members to use their experiences and their voice to give back to the program and help others discover what 4-H has to offer.
Please read the enclosed materials carefully to learn more about the expectations of a 4-H Ambassador. Ambassadors work as a team, support one another, represent Douglas County 4-H, and help share the 4-H experience with others.
If you enjoy working with others, are interested in public speaking and presenting to groups, want to use your strengths and talents to make a difference, and are willing to make a commitment to the Ambassador team, we encourage you to apply.
As an Ambassador, you will have opportunities to develop communication and leadership skills, build confidence, connect with others, and share how 4-H has influenced your life. You will also have opportunities to help introduce other young people and families to the opportunities available through 4-H.
The application process includes an interview and a short speech. The speech topic will be either “What 4-H Has Meant to Me” or “The Person Who Has Influenced My Life for the Better.”
Please ask an authorized adult to complete the enclosed recommendation form and make them aware of the application deadline. They may submit the recommendation form directly to the Extension Office. You should submit your completed application to the Extension Office by the deadline listed on the application form. We will contact you with information about your interview.
Thank you for your interest in serving as a Douglas County 4-H Ambassador and for helping make the best better!
Sincerely,
Sue Ashcraft, Robyn Kelso, and Matthew Kelso
4-H Ambassador Advisors
Nickie Harding
4-H & Youth Development Agent
K-State Extension Douglas County
4-H Ambassadors are youth leaders who use their voices, experiences, and skills to help others learn about and connect with 4-H. Ambassadors may share the 4-H story with 4-H members and families, schools, community organizations, businesses, civic groups, government officials, and other audiences.
The Ambassador experience provides opportunities for youth to:
- Develop confidence and communication skills.
- Strengthen leadership and teamwork skills.
- Practice public speaking and presenting to groups.
- Build relationships with people in their community.
- Share their personal 4-H experiences and perspectives.
- Use their strengths and talents to contribute to 4-H.
- Encourage others to explore opportunities available through 4-H.
- Develop skills that can be used in school, careers, and everyday life.
- Reflect on their growth and identify skills they want to continue developing.
- Contribute to the success and visibility of the Douglas County 4-H Program.
What Ambassadors Share About 4-H
Ambassadors should be prepared to share authentic stories and experiences about how 4-H has impacted their lives. Topics may include:
- How 4-H helps young people discover their interests and strengths.
- How 4-H provides opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills.
- How 4-H helps young people build confidence and a sense of belonging.
- How 4-H encourages youth to serve and contribute to their communities.
- How 4-H provides opportunities to learn by doing.
- How 4-H helps youth set goals, take responsibility, and follow through.
- How 4-H gives young people opportunities to work with others and build relationships.
- How 4-H helps youth develop skills they can use in school, careers, and their communities.
- How 4-H provides opportunities for every young person to learn, lead, and contribute.
- What 4-H has meant to the Ambassador personally.
The most effective Ambassadors share their own 4-H stories and experiences. You do not have to be an expert in every area of 4-H. You need to understand the opportunities available through the program and be able to communicate why those experiences have been meaningful to you.
Communication & Presentation Skills
Ambassadors should be interested in public speaking and presenting to groups. Throughout the Ambassador experience, youth will have opportunities to practice and strengthen skills in:
- Public speaking and presentations
- Communication with youth and adults
- Storytelling and sharing personal experiences
- Professional interactions
- Written communication
- Media and promotional activities
- Working as part of a team
Training and support will be provided to help Ambassadors build these skills and feel confident representing Douglas County 4-H.
Ambassador Program Description
Purpose
The purpose of the Douglas County 4-H Ambassador Program is to provide youth with opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills while using their voices and experiences to strengthen and share the 4-H program in our community.
Ambassadors work together as a team with adult advisors to identify opportunities to connect with others, share the 4-H story, and contribute to the Douglas County 4-H Program.
Responsibilities
Ambassadors are expected to:
- Represent Douglas County 4-H in a positive and professional manner.
- Share their personal 4-H experiences with others.
- Give presentations and speak to groups about 4-H.
- Attend and participate in designated 4-H events and activities.
- Work cooperatively as a member of the Ambassador team.
- Support and promote Douglas County 4-H events and opportunities.
- Build positive relationships with youth, families, volunteers, and community members.
- Participate in Ambassador training and meetings.
- Follow through on responsibilities and commitments.
- Use their individual strengths and talents to contribute to the Ambassador team.
- Look for opportunities to help others connect with 4-H.
Qualifications
To qualify as a Douglas County 4-H Ambassador, applicants must:
- Be in ninth grade or above.
- Have completed two or more years of 4-H.
- Be interested in public speaking and presenting to groups.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for 4-H and a willingness to share their 4-H experiences.
- Be willing to give presentations about 4-H each year.
- Be able to communicate effectively with youth and adults.
- Be willing and able to work as part of a team.
- Be willing to make the time commitment required of an Ambassador.
- Have the support and written recommendation of an authorized adult.
Time Commitment
Ambassadors are expected to make a meaningful time commitment to the program. This includes attending Ambassador meetings and training, participating in designated 4-H events and activities, and giving presentations throughout the year.
The Ambassador term is two years.
Specific time commitments may vary based on the Ambassador team's activities and opportunities.
Resources and Training Available
Ambassadors will receive support and training to help them be successful in their roles. Resources may include:
- Local Ambassador training and orientation
- 4-H Ambassador resources and materials
- Communication and presentation training
- Support from Ambassador advisors and Extension professionals
- Opportunities to learn from community and communication professionals
Benefits of Serving as a 4-H Ambassador
Serving as a 4-H Ambassador provides youth with meaningful opportunities to:
- Strengthen communication and public speaking skills.
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills.
- Build confidence and self-awareness.
- Develop relationships with people in their community.
- Practice professional communication and presentation skills.
- Discover and use their individual strengths and talents.
- Develop skills that can be applied to future education and career opportunities.
- Reflect on their 4-H experiences and personal growth.
- Make a meaningful contribution to the Douglas County 4-H Program.
Through the Ambassador experience, youth are encouraged to learn, lead, connect, and contribute while developing the skills and confidence needed to be ready for their futures.