Iowa 4-H delegates return from national conference
By Bonnie Dalager
Iowa State 4-H Youth Program Specialist
Six 4-H youth recently returned from Washington, D.C., where they represented Iowa at the National 4-H Conference April 7 to 12.
Paul Olson, Joice; Karrigan Mentzer, Lehigh; Sara DeBerg, Burlington; Morgan Fritz, Lake Mills; Nalleli Nava Tellez, Marshalltown; and Julia Tubbs, Des Moines; were selected by a panel of volunteers through an extensive application and interview process as a part of State 4-H Recognition Day in spring 2017. The National 4-H Conference is a working conference and is a prestigious opportunity for 4-H’ers around the nation, said Bonnie Dalager, a program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development.
“The National 4-H Conference is an educational opportunity for Iowa 4-H’ers. Delegates are selected based on their experience and skills in leadership, citizenship and communication,” Dalager said.
“Youth delegates engage in supporting and advocating for the 4-H Youth Development program in their communities and while on the trip with representatives and senators on Capitol Hill. At this national event, they work with teams of youth from around the country to identify and share solutions to current issues affecting young people today,” Dalager said. “Their solutions are presented to groups of government officials, members of national associations and with stakeholders. The long-term goal is that these young people will continue to share the knowledge and skills they’ve gained with their peers and with leaders in their own communities when they return home.”
Karrigan Mentzer felt National Conference was a valuable event. “I would recommend it to all 4-H’ers. I was able to meet so many amazing people and I feel like we were truly able to make an impact.”
Funding for the National 4-H Conference was provided by the Iowa 4-H Foundation. For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, contact your local county ISU Extension and Outreach office or visit the Iowa 4-H website at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h.
