Arkansas 4-H goes to Washington

By Emily Thompson
U of A System Division of Agriculture
April 7, 2017

Fast Facts

Five Arkansas 4-H members that have demonstrated leadership at the county and state level attended the National 4-H Conference.
4-H’ers briefed state officials on social problems and the importance of 4-H.

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LITTLE ROCK— Five 4-H’ers packed their bags and headed to the National 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this week to share ideas and form recommendations in guiding future national 4-H youth development programs nationally and in their communities.

Jasmine B. of Hot Springs County; Kennedy B. Howard County; Alison C. of Benton County; Sara G. of Washington County and Sara T. of Prairie County, attended the annual National 4-H Conference. Along with the 4-H members were county agents Addie Wilson, Ouachita County, and Robin Bridges, Union County.

Attendees were chosen based on an application process that factors in the member’s demonstration of leadership at the county and state levels.

While at the conference, the 4-H members split up into roundtable groups to create a briefing on a social issue that was important to them. Some of the topics Arkansas 4-H members worked on included substance abuse, social equity and healthy relationships.

They then presented their work to federal officials from organizations like the National Institute for Drug Awareness, the Federal Bureau of Investigations Office of Public Affairs and the Office of Adolescent Health.

“They're actually taking their leadership skills and implementing them in Washington on a topic they’re passionate about,” said Priscella Thomas-Scott, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture 4-H Events Coordinator.

The 4-Her’s also got the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill and meet with their state legislators to talk about the important impact 4-H has on communities and the state, as well as how they are working to meet social needs.

“They get to talk to our representatives in Washington about 4-H and why it’s important,” Thomas-Scott said.

It wasn’t all work during the six-day conference. The 4-H’ers toured Washington monuments and watched the Coyaba Dance Theater perform, a contemporary West African dance company.

The conference was held March 25 - 30 and attendees stayed at the National 4-H Center.

4-H is a youth development organization that helps members learn by doing. 4-H’ers learn about leadership, self-esteem and college readiness. The program is conducted by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

To learn more about 4-H in your area contact your local county extension agent or visit, https://www.uaex.uada.edu/4h-youth/.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu

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