AMES, Iowa – Four selected Iowa youth and one adult soon will make their way to the National 4-H Conference, “Pathway to Progress.” Set for March 28 to April 2 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md., the conference will focus on environmental issues and how 4-H can help increase awareness and action.

“In addition to addressing environmental issues, this conference brings top 4-H’ers from across the country to share ideas to strengthen the 4-H program at the state level and nationally,” said Brenda Allen, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension 4-H youth specialist. 

The youth delegates from Iowa are Megan Logan, 18, Sioux City; Hannah Elliott, 18, Anamosa; Clara Bergan, 18, Decorah; and Kelsie Cass, 18, Fontanelle.  ISU Extension sends only four per year; youth must apply and be selected to attend.

“It’s a competitive application process and we truly feel like we send only the cream of the crop from our state,” said Allen. All four have been involved at the state level in 4-H and cite their 4-H experiences as instrumental in developing their citizenship and leadership skills.

The adult delegate is Dori Goble of Burlington, a youth field specialist for Des Moines County.  She will be sponsored by Grinnell Reinsurance Mutual Foundation, while the youth delegates will be sponsored by the Des Moines Register and Monsanto. 

During the conference, delegates will participate in workshops led by fellow 4-H youth and adults, meet with their legislators and inform them about what is happening in the 4-H organization around the country. They also will have the chance to learn of other states’ 4-H successes and are asked to share these ideas with state staff upon return, feedback that usually is very positive.

“In the past we have found that Iowa is ahead of the game compared with other states,” said Allen. “For instance, the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference is one of the biggest in the country and has been largely successful because it is youth led. Other states are asking for our help and advice.”

More information about this year’s conference can be found at http://4hconf.4-h.org/.

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Bergan Is Delegate to National 4-H Conference

Cass Is Delegate to National 4-H Conference

Elliott Is Delegate to National 4-H Conference

Logan Is Delegate to National 4-H Conference