Ambassadors

We are excited to announce that the Ambassador Banquet will be held on Sunday, October 5th. This event will be a celebration of the hard work and dedication of our current Ambassadors and a time to honor their contributions.

During the banquet, we will also be announcing an exciting new chapter for our youth leadership programming. After thoughtful consideration, we will be dissolving the current Ambassador program and launching a new initiative called the Iowa County Junior Leaders.

This new program will be open to all 7th–12th grade 4-H youth and is designed to be more youth-led and self-directed. Members will have the opportunity to elect their own officers and will work together to determine the activities and events they’d like to support and participate in throughout the year.

In addition, two Junior Leaders will be selected to serve on the Iowa County Leaders Council, providing a meaningful leadership opportunity and youth voice in shaping the direction of our countywide program.

We believe this change will empower more youth, foster stronger leadership skills, and create a dynamic and inclusive space for teens to grow and thrive.

More details about the banquet and how to get involved with Junior Leaders will be shared soon. In the meantime, please save the date for Sunday, October 5th, and join us as we celebrate the past and look forward to an exciting future!

The process of becoming an Iowa County 4-H Ambassador starts with a simple application and interview. Ambassador interviews are held in July in conjunction with the 4-H Ambassador Banquet.

NEW FOR 2025!

Iowa County 4-H Junior Leaders Association Program

To apply to be a 2026 Iowa County Junior Leader click on the following link to fill out the application: https://forms.gle/LmYB1VbjxQfQcp1UA

Overview

The Iowa County 4-H Junior Leaders Association (JLA) is a leadership program designed for older 4-H members in 7^th-12^th grades. This program is designed for youth who are eager to take on responsibilities within the county’s 4-H program. The JLA will serve as a platform for youth to develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while actively contributing to 4-H events, mentoring younger members, and engaging in community service. Additionally, two selected JLA members will serve on the 4-H Adult Leaders Executive Board, ensuring youth perspectives are incorporated into county-wide decision-making.

Purpose & Goals

The Iowa County 4-H Junior Leaders Association aims to:

Cultivate leadership skills through real-world experiences in planning and executing events.
Foster civic engagement by organizing service projects that benefit the local community.
Encourage teamwork and collaboration among older 4-H members from various clubs.
Serve as mentors and role models for younger 4-H members, fostering peer learning and support.
Support 4-H program growth by assisting in recruitment, marketing, and outreach initiatives.
Enhance youth representation by integrating JLA leadership into county-wide planning through the 4-H Adult Leaders Executive Board.

Membership

Open to active 4-H members in 7^th-12^th grades, who demonstrate responsibility, leadership interest, and commitment to the 4-H mission.
Membership is open to all 4-H members in good standing and willingness to participate actively in JLA activities.
Commitment to attending meetings, leading projects, and serving in leadership roles is required.

Structure & Roles

The JLA will have a leadership team that includes both elected and appointed positions to ensure smooth operation. Two representatives from the JLA will also hold seats on the 4-H Adult Leaders Executive Board.

Junior Leaders Association Officers:

President – Leads meetings, sets goals, delegates tasks, and ensures the successful execution of projects.
7-9^th Vice President – Assists the president, oversees committees.
10-12^th Vice President – Assists the president, oversees committees, and steps in when the president is unavailable.
Secretary – Maintains meeting minutes, tracks member participation, and handles official communication.
Treasurer – Manages any funds allocated to the JLA, including fundraising revenue and budgeting for events.
Committee Chairs – Lead specific project areas such as event planning, community service, or mentorship programs.

Youth Representatives on the 4-H Adult Leaders Executive Board:

4-H Adult Leaders Representatives – These two individuals will serve as a voting member of the 4-H Adult Leaders Executive Board, providing updates on JLA activities and ensuring youth representation in county-wide decision-making.

Responsibilities & Activities

The JLA will take an active role in leading and supporting various 4-H initiatives, including:

County-wide 4-H event support – Assisting with planning and execution of fairs, camps, workshops, and enrollment nights.
Youth-led workshops – Organizing and leading skill-building workshops for younger 4-H members in STEM, arts, leadership, and life skills.
Mentorship programs – Pairing experienced JLA members with younger 4-H participants to provide guidance and support.
Community service projects – Leading service initiatives such as food drives, environmental cleanups, or volunteer efforts at local charities.
Marketing & recruitment – Promoting 4-H through social media, school visits, and local events to increase enrollment and awareness.

Meetings & Commitment

The JLA will meet 4-5 times a year, depending on program needs and seasonal activities.
The mandatory start of the year meeting will be held in October, to reflect the new 4-H year.
Members are expected to participate in at least one event or service project per quarter.
JLA officers will meet separately as needed to coordinate initiatives.
The Youth Representatives on the 4-H Adult Leaders Executive Board: will attend 4-H Adult Leaders Executive Board meetings to provide youth input and collaborate on county-wide 4-H efforts.

Support & Oversight

The JLA will work closely with UW-Extension 4-H staff, adult 4-H leaders, and the 4-H Adult Leaders Executive Board to ensure alignment with county and state 4-H goals. Adult advisors will provide mentorship, guidance, and logistical support to help JLA members succeed in their roles.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Iowa County 4-H Junior Leaders Association will empower youth to take an active role in leadership, foster stronger connections within the 4-H community, and ensure that the voices of young people are heard at the county level. By integrating youth representatives into the 4-H Adult Leaders Executive Board, Iowa County 4-H will create a more dynamic, youth-driven program that prepares young leaders for future success in their communities and beyond.

Contact the UW-Extension 4-H Office in Dodgeville at (608) 930-9850 for more information on the 4-H Iowa County Junior Leaders Program.