1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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 1 st Bi-Monthly Report

7. A Changing Organization

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Priority # 2 Leaders 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

12. Leaders in Youth In Governance Impact  More 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

13. Priority # 3 Furthering 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

14. 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.

15. Questions and Concerns