Alabama 4-H'ers Attend National 4-H Conference

Alabama delegates included Freda Kelley from Coffee County, Virginia Ruth Garrett from Shelby County, Sabrina Balch from Lawrence County and Holly Widick from Morgan County.

More than 330 delegates from across the country spent six days attending a wide variety of youth- and adult-led professional development workshops in which facilitators shared demonstrated, proven steps that youth and adult partners can take toward becoming more active citizens in their home communities and states.

Delegates also took part in round table discussions about how the 4-H youth development program can best meet the needs of today’s youth at the local, county, region, state, national and international levels. Their recommendations were reported to Ann Veneman, secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture. Delegates also talked with their state senators and legislators about youth issues.

During the conference, Operation Military Kids, a program that makes 4-H educational programs available to military youth, was unveiled to the delegates through a youth conducted workshop.

In addition to the workshop, delegates took part in a national service project making hero packs. Hero packs are back packs filled with a variety of useful items including but not limited to writing paper, pens, day timer, a camera, magnet frames, and several 4-H gifts. Later this month each Alabama delegate will present a hero pack to a deserving child of a deployed National Guard or Army Reserve parent as a thank you for the sacrifices they have made.

“Attending National 4-H Conference was a great experience for me,” Balch said.. “It allowed me to interact and work with amazing people from across America, to expand my knowledge about 4-H and youth development and to have the confidence to return to Alabama ready to make a positive impact. “

Balch was selected to serve on the National 4-H Youth Directions Council, a council formed to ensure an equal voice for youth in 4-H and other organizations on the local, state, regional, national and international levels. She will serve an 18-month term – 12 months as a representative and six in an advisory role to the next state representative.

“During my term as an N4-HYDC member, I will be working to inform others about 4-H, youth in governance and the importance of youth and adult partnerships. The N4-HYDC plays a large part in the furtherance of youth development by giving dedicated 4-H’ers the resources and encouragement they need to make positive changes in their communities, states, regions and nation. “

Holly Widick said her experience at National 4-H Conference was both fun and educational.

“The REAL (Responsibility, Enthusiasm, Attitude, Leadership) workshop was my favorite. It motivated teenagers to work toward attaining their goals and becoming effective leaders not only in 4-H but in their schools and communities.”

Freda Kelley also enjoyed her trip to National Conference.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to represent Alabama at the National level. It was amazing to see so many people pull together to support one cause -- the betterment of 4-H. It was exciting to learn how other states’ 4-H clubs operate. I hope by learning from other states, such as Texas, I can help further the Alabama program. “

Ruth Garrett said she was impressed by all the other 4-H’ers. “I had a great time representing Alabama and experiencing 4-H on the national level. The 4-H’ers were not only from the United States but from Canada and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam. Seeing and hearing how other 4-H’ers are changing their communities through 4-H motivated me to become more involved at home.”

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