National 4-H Youth Directions Council

“Ensuring an equal voice for youth within 4-H and other organizations affecting youth on the international, national,

regional, state, and local levels.”

State 4-H Program Leaders Presentation

What is the National 4-H Youth Directions

Council?N4-HYDC is the paramount youth leadership body for the 4-H Youth

Development Program.

We are a youth-led, youth-driven group dedicated to giving young people a greater voice in decision-making,

program implementation, and governance at all levels of the 4-H

system.

Who Are We?

Forty-eight connected, proven youth leaders who represent forty-two states, the territory of Puerto Rico, two Canadian Provinces, and the Army Teen

Panel

Growing Partnerships Supported and advised by Dr. Cathann

Kress from National 4-H Headquarters at USDA/CSREES

Housed by National 4-H Council and advised by Don Floyd, President/CEO National 4-H Council

Financially and programmatically supported by the National 4-H Leadership Trust

Financially and programmatically supported by State 4-H Program Leaders

2003-2004 At A Glance 37 young people represented 36 states on

N4-HYDC

14 members served on the N4-HYDC Leadership Team

97% submitted State Action Plans

64% regularly submitted reports highlighting their work

59% participated in the regional and national conference calls

2004-2005 A Great Start 48 young people represent 42 states, the

territory of Puerto Rico, Canada and the Army Teen Panel

18 members serve on the N4-HYDC Leadership Team

63% of our members so far, have submitted Personal Plans of Action

20 of our members to date, have submitted their 1st Bi-Monthly Report

A Changing Organization

A Changing Organization• We have listen to concerns and shared

ideas and expectations • We have identified specific areas of

focus • We are acting to further youth

empowerment and to make a difference in today’s world.

Priority # 1 – Identifying Exceptional Youth

Priority # 2 – Leaders in Youth in Governance

Priority # 3 – Furthering National Opportunities

Priority # 1: Identifying Exceptional

Youth• Objective To be viewed as the paramount youth

leadership opportunity within 4-H by recognizing motivated and enthusiastic 4-H’ers who have demonstrated a dedication to youth involvement, and share with them skills to further develop their leadership potential.

• Implementation Identify highly motivated young people Connect representatives with state leadership Foster the identity of N4-HYDC as national 4-

H youth body

Identifying Exceptional Youth

• Impact Organizational strength through

member commitment

Visibility to young 4-H’ers as national incentive

Less disconnect between state and national leadership opportunities

Priority # 2Leaders in Youth In

Governance• Objective

Provide support and leadership to 4-H’s Youth-in-Governance Initiative, a broad plan that envisions young people across the system prepared to be engaged in decision-making.

• Implementation More clarity to N4-HYDC Conference Leaders and model lab for YIG movement Wider skill bank for members

Leaders in Youth In Governance

• ImpactMore comprehensive skills to teach to

other youth

N4-HYDC will lead the systemic change of the Youth-in-Governance Initiative.

The identity of N4-HYDC will be sharpened as “certifying” group for proven leaders

Priority # 3Furthering National

Opportunities• Objective

To identify and promote meaningful national leadership opportunities for young people in the 4-H system.

• Implementation Partner with national and state bodies to

ascertain where young people can be incorporated further

Encourage members to partner with state staff to identify qualified people to fill roles

Charge members with promoting opportunities

Furthering National Opportunities

• Impact Youth engagement in every element of

program – “walking the talk”

All young leaders have the opportunity to excel and gain experiences at the national level.

4-H youth will be aware of the variety of experiences and avenues of learning available.

Questions and

Concerns