Hello!
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador
My name is Evadne, and I am a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador. It's my first year on the team, and I am proud to be a part of it.
With the weather we've had this winter, it's hard to tell what kind of month this March will be. Thanks, unpredictable Minnesota weather.
One thing's for certain: The state ambassadors are already looking forward to this summer.
Let's look into some of the past and upcoming events.
Hard work paid off at BLU and TEEL
In February, the state ambassadors and youth leaders hosted two regional leadership workshops: Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) for grades 6–9 and Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership (TEEL) for grades 10 and up.
BLU and TEEL were hosted at Camp Omega in Waterville and Camp Friendship in Annandale on consecutive weekends. Participants learned about effective communication and service, made new connections and had fun. We had over 150 youth participants join us, as well as numerous staff members and chaperones who made these events possible.
The state ambassadors spent the past three months planning and promoting these events — coming up with lesson plans, skits, and supplies, reaching out to local programs, and sharing the news on social media. Then, at the events, we served as the hosts and leaders.
As one of the ambassadors who attended both weekends, I can say that our hard work definitely paid off. Now, we will use our experiences from these events to plan for Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO), our statewide leadership workshop in June.
Become a state ambassador
Does planning regional and statewide workshops sound like fun? Interested in pursuing further leadership development for yourself and others? Become a state ambassador!
State ambassadors are role models and leaders from across the state with a wide range of strengths and experiences. We plan, promote and implement activities, like BLU and so much more, to provide high-quality programming to Minnesota 4-H youth.
I decided to apply to be a state ambassador last year for many reasons, but mainly because several people in my life encouraged me to do it. They saw this opportunity and pushed me to apply, knowing it would interest me. Thanks to them, I am where I am now.
If you or someone you know might be interested in becoming a state ambassador, applications will be accepted from March 1 to April 15. Applications are open to any leader entering grades 11–13 in the 2024–2025 year who is passionate about expanding their own skills and helping others.
For more information, you can visit the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors page.
March is Women's History Month
Since 1995, March has been nationally recognized as Women's History Month to celebrate women's contributions to our history in the United States.
From suffragists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony to astronaut Mae Jemison, thousands of women innovators, activists and leaders are recognized to show the deep connection women's work has always had to our history, even though it can go unnoticed.
The National Women's History Alliance has chosen this year's theme to be "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion." It promotes those working towards a future without bias and discrimination and encourages everyone to advocate for equity in their own communities.
I will honor this Women's History Month by researching and highlighting a diverse group of justice-oriented women through posters in my school's hallways. By spotlighting women who have fought for better lives for themselves and others, I hope they will inspire others in the way they've inspired me.
This March, I encourage you to learn about the amazing women fighting for equity, diversity and inclusion in your community, country and world. Let them inspire you to make your own contributions, whether that be by bringing a presentation to your club or hosting a service project in your community.
Most of all, think about how you can honor the women in your lives who inspire you every day.
Evadne P., Ramsey County
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador