WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three regional 4-Hers represented Nebraska at the 2023 National 4-H Conference held April 14 through 19 at the nation’s capital.
Two Dawson County 4-Hers, Lexi Johnson of Gothenburg and Sarah Treffer of Cozad, as well as Butler County 4-Her Autumn Lindsley of Brainard, were the three 4-Hers who represented the state at the 90th annual conference. To represent the state at the national level is one of the highest honors for a 4-Her, not to mention how valuable the experience itself can be.
The National 4-H Conference is the premier civic engagement opportunity for 4-H members between the ages of 15 and 19 who are actively engaged in 4-H programs across the United States and its territories.
The conference is administered by the 4-H National Headquarters of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Held annually, the conference served to develop the next generation of leaders. Delegates attended training workshops, participated in roundtable discussions, presented to federal partner agencies, and engaged with their U.S. Senators and Representatives. The Nebraska 4-H Foundation and the Dawson County 4-H Foundation were the trip’s sponsors.
The conference provided an opportunity to engage in personal development experiences that increased their knowledge, resources, and skills while discussing topics affecting youth and 4-H programming nationwide.
Delegates not only learned at the conference: they are empowered to create positive social change in their communities and have the opportunity to practice and apply their skills in a real-world setting. The National 4-H Conference is the pinnacle experience in 4-H Civic Engagement, providing the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead, and impact their communities, nation, and world.
The three return to their home state energized and committed to implementing some of the ideas discussed at the conference and to work with other youth, adults, and county Extension staff to develop a plan of action that works best for their communities, turning ideas into action and enthusiasm that can spread to other youth and adults in their immediate and statewide communities.
