Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
3/19/03
Contacts:
Brenda Allen, 4-H Youth Development, (515) 294-1567, bsallen@iastate.edu
Carol Ouverson, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)
294-9640, couverso@iastate.edu
Tracy S. Petersen, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)
294-9915
Adair County 4-H Member to attend National Conference
AMES, Iowa -- Michael Cooley, Orient, has been named a delegate to the 2003 National 4-H Conference, March 30 through April 5, at the National 4-H Council in Chevy Chase, Md. Cooley, 17, is the son of Mile and Dawn Cooley.
Joining Cooley will be Emily Stephens of Clarinda, Aaron Armbrecht of Rockwell City, and Thomas Foell of Schaller. Kurt Roberts of Ames and Jennifer Vincent of Council Bluffs are attending the conference as adult delegates.
This year's conference theme is Leading the Way: The Next Century of 4-H.
"Delegates at National 4-H Conference shape the direction of the 4-H program in their discussion groups," Brenda Allen, Iowa State University Extension 4-H specialist, said. "Involvement in state 4-H activities, communication and leadership skills allow them to share input from their counties."
At the 73rd annual conference, delegates will discuss involvement of diverse groups in 4-H. The youth will recommend how the national 4-H program can incorporate technology and new ways to meet the changing needs of youth and adults in the 4-H program.
The delegates also will spend a day on Capitol Hill, meeting with members of the U.S. Congress about topics relating to National 4-H Conference and issues in their counties.
Cooley, a seven-year 4-H member, has completed several major projects including welding and extemporaneous speaking. He has served on the county, area and state 4-H councils and has attended the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.
"4-H has improved my self-confidence. I am not afraid to introduce myself to anybody," Cooley said. " 4-H has taught me how to take responsibility for the commitments I make."
Cooley's trip is sponsored by The Des Moines Register. For more information about 4-H contact your local Iowa State University Extension county office.
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