Waller County 4-H

Ambassador Handbook

  • Purpose
  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Obligations
  • Expectations
  • Uniforms


Introduction

For a very long time 4-H professionals have recognized that capable, older 4-H members are the program’s best spokespersons. Nothing sells the 4-H program better than 4-H members doing excellent 4-H work where the public and key people can see, hear and examine what 4-H’ers are doing.

The 4-H Ambassador Program formalizes this process. It helps 4-H’ers improve their ability to tell the 4-H story and it helps bring 4-H members and key audiences together.

The 4-H Ambassador Program is emphasizing, interpreting or telling the real 4-H story because:

Families want to know if 4-H really can help their children.

Key leaders & elected officials want to see positive youth development taking place.

Public funds are limited – 4-H must show it is effective in youth development.

And, because 4-H is effective, we do have a youth development story to tell.

And, 4-H Ambassadors can tell it best.

Purpose of the Ambassador Program

The Texas 4-H Ambassador Program was started to project a clear and accurate image of the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program. More specifically, the purpose of a 4-H Ambassador program is to:

_Tell and show key audiences what the 4-H Youth Development Program is and who it impacts. Then these audiences will understand the impact 4-H is having in the lives of young people and how the 4-H Program is addressing key youth issues in the community and state.

Secondary purposes of the program are to:

Develop leadership and communication skills among 4-H’ers selected to be Ambassadors. It also emphasizes the importance of good character.

Families and youth become more aware of 4-H and the benefits it offers.

Elected officials become informed about and involved in the 4-H program.

Current and potential donors become informed about 4-H and have the opportunity to support program efforts of interest to them.

The 4-H Ambassador team improves their presentation and public relations skills.

The 4-H image among selected audiences is changed or improved through program efforts such as community service and increased exposure in mass media.

New 4-H members and families understand the 4-H program, become aware of 4-H opportunities and develop personal 4-H goals.

Eligibility Requirements

The role of a Waller County 4-H Ambassador is quite demanding and requires older 4-H boys and girls who are dedicated, mature, dependable, and very interested in the purposes of the Ambassador Program. The number of 4-H’ers selected each year to serve as an Ambassador is determined by the County Extension Agent who supervises the Ambassador Program. The number is based upon need, program demands, yearly goals for the Ambassadors, and the number of eligible applicants.

The following eligibility requirements must be met by applicants:

  1. Must have completed a minimum of three 4-H projects, including appropriate records submitted(i.e project forms).
  2. Must have participated at the county and/or district level in a minimum of two activities covering three different types of events. These events are: Educational presentations/4-H presentation, 4-H contest, 4-H project exhibit or workshop, 4-H camp, exhibiting at county fair, 4-H Leadership lab (junior or senior), citizenship, public relations (speech, poster display, radio, newspaper article).
  3. Must have participated in One Day 4-H and at least one community service activity as an individual, as a group member, or in a club type project
  4. Must be at least 14 years of ageand no older than 18 years of age by the due date of the application
  5. Must be an active and in good standing as a 4-H member in your club(s) (preferably having participated in 50% or more of the meetings).
  6. Must submit a completed Ambassador application, two recommendations (recommendations are not to be given by family members) and go through an individual interview with a panel of selected judges.
  7. Must agree to the “Obligations and Expected Involvement & Activities and Uniform” .
  8. Must apply each year to become a Waller County 4-H Ambassador.
  9. Must have submitted a current record book

Obligations and Expected Involvement & Activities

OBLIGATIONS

Every Waller County 4-H Ambassador has the following obligations and must agree to fulfill the obligations to their best ability. These obligations are:

to work with the 4-H Ambassador Extension advisor, parent leaders and other 4-H Ambassadors as a team member

to contact (electronically preferred) the assigned Ambassador Extension advisor and at least once a month to keep them advised of activities and progress

to attend scheduled Ambassador’s Meetings and presentation practices

to maintain a positive attitude and represent the Waller County 4-H Program throughout the year as requested by the County Extension Agent Advisor

to never use alcohol, drugs or tobacco products during the year as a Waller County 4-H Ambassador

to meet all commitments for which the Ambassador volunteers and to complete those commitments with excellence.

EXPECTED INVOLVEMENT & ACTIVITIES

All 4-H Ambassadors are required to participate in and to complete certain activities and to be involved in a wide variety of programs, training, civic group events, 4-H promotional activities, and community service and citizenship opportunities. Ambassadors are expected to agree to fulfill these commitments. The expected involvement and activities are:

contact 2 different 4-H clubs with emphasis on new clubs (not the Ambassadors’ primary club’s) and attend one of their 4-H club functions (meeting, banquet, etc.) and speak to them regarding the Waller County 4-H Program by May 1, 2018

submit a complete, current 4-H record book by due date

Must participate in Big Time in D9 with a leadership project (Educational Presentations, Public Speaking, etc) during year of service

complete at least 2 different 4-H projects by May 1, 2018; 1 of these projects must be a citizenship/leadership project

complete 2 special programs with other 4-H Ambassadors in a leadership role (ex: hosting a county youth leadership program or training)

participate in all of the required activities and training sessions which may include any of:

6 - 10 MonthsAmbassador Meetings All Ambassadors

SeptemberCommissioner’s Court Presentation All Ambassadors

Sept. or Oct. Ag Awareness Day All Ambassadors

Sept. or Oct. Waller County Fair All Ambassadors

Aug. or Sept.Waller County 4-H Awards Program All Ambassadors

OctoberNational 4-H Week All Ambassadors

OctoberTexas One Day 4-H Activity All Ambassadors

JanuaryState Teen Retreat, 1stor 2ndweekend All Ambassadors

at Texas 4-H Center or D9 Leadership Lab

SpringWaller Co. Safety Day All Ambassadors

May-August4-H New Member Recruitment Activity All Ambassadors

VariousCommunity Service Project All Ambassadors

* Note: Months listed above are approximate and may change as planning is completed.

AMBASSADOR’S UNIFORM

All 4-H Ambassadors are required to wear the approved Ambassador’s Uniform. The reason being that our Ambassadors represent the best of 4-H to a wide variety of people and to important stakeholders, elected officials and decision-makers in Waller County. Often they are requested to present speeches to groups in other counties. Our Ambassadors are often in the “public eye” giving presentations to civic and business groups where appearance is important.

The green blazer must be special ordered through our office. The 4-H Council/ALPA funds will purchase the jacket and accessories (tie, name badge and polo shirt). The jacket and tie is property of the Waller County 4-H Council/Ambassadors and will be returned dry cleaned.

Formal Uniform:

MaleFemales

Ambassador blazerAmbassador blazer

white dress shirtwhite dressy shirt/blouse

Khakidress pantsKhakidress pants or slacks

tie (issued)scarf (optional)

dress shoes or bootsdress shoes (no open toe shoes)

NOTE – This formal uniform will always be worn when appearing before elected officials, 4-H Gold Star Awards banquet or other key people or when making important presentations to other influential audiences.“Less Formal” attire may be worn at 4-H BBQ Auction with prior approval from Agent or supervising volunteer.

Less Formal:

monogrammed official shirt monogrammed official shirt

dress khakis, light tandress khakis, light tan

(no shorts. Khaki capris are allowed)

nice shoes or bootsnice shoes or boots (closed toe & heel. No tennis shoes)

Informal:

monogrammed official shirt monogrammed official shirt

blue jeans (clean, not torn)blue jeans (clean, not torn)

blue jean or khaki shorts blue jean or khaki shorts (school approved length)

Tennis shoes Tennis shoes or sandals

*Shoes as appropriate for safety and appropriate length of shorts as a representative of 4-H in Waller County.*

NOTE – This less formal and informal uniform is never worn when appearing before elected officials or other key people. It can be worn when doing 4-H club programs or at events that require climbing. Selection of the shirt and pants to wear will be done during the Ambassador Meeting prior to an event or activity.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides equal opportunities in its programs and employment to all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating. Individuals with disabilities who require auxiliary aide service or accommodation in order to participate in the event are encouraged to contact our office within 5 working days prior to the program.