Our Crowdfunding Groups
Leadership programs such as the State 4-H Cabinet are important experiences in creating 4-Hers who will continue beyond their youth as active, civically engaged, leaders in their community. 4-H is proven to increase youth engagement and representation because of programs like these. 4-Hers are nearly 4x more likely to contribute to their communities, and 2x more likely to be civically active.
Virginia 4-H teens have the opportunity to take their leadership to the next level by applying to serve on the State 4-H Cabinet. Each year 20 teens from across Virginia are elected by their peers to represent the youth voice in Virginia 4-H. The State 4-H Cabinet is a youth/adult partnership in which youth and adults work together to promote and carry-out specific programmatic functions of the Virginia 4-H program. Serving as a State 4-H Cabinet member is designed to be a competitive and engaging leadership development experience within the Virginia 4-H program. The youth members of the Cabinet (Officers, Ambassadors, Mentors, Liaisons and the Past-President), serve as the ‘voice’ for 4-H youth across the Commonwealth. The adult members of the Cabinet provide additional Extension experience, help the youth members to see the larger context of Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia 4-H program, and help the youth members to be successful.
Support a quarterly cabinet meeting! Cabinet members meet a minimum of four times a year over a weekend to plan and prepare for statewide leadership events. Meetings are generally held at 4-H Centers, but sometimes hotels are the only options. Your support helps a cabinet member attend one of these meetings.
Cabinet members are vital in connecting with our legislative branch by planning the 4-H Day at the Capitol Event in Richmond. Cabinet members plan activities and meet with important people in our government to share the 4-H program and help ensure our programs can continue. Your support helps cover this expense!
Each year, Virginia plans and implements the Virginia 4-H State Congress in conjunction with the Virginia 4-H Office and Extension Agents and Staff across the state. This event is the premier leadership opportunity for teens across the state and is held at Virginia Tech. Participants live on campus and experience what a university can offer. Your support covers the cost of one cabinet member.