By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
It looks like 2015 is shaping up to be a big year for 4-H Ontario, with the centennial year of the provincial organization and the 10th anniversary of the Ambassador program. The application process is now open for the next cohort of 4-H Ontario Ambassadors.
Given that it is a milestone year, there will be additional events and opportunities throughout the province for the 4-H Ambassador team. The purpose of the program is to provide senior members between the ages of 17-21 with the opportunity to cultivate important abilities, including leadership, communications and public relations skills.
The provincial title will have elements of both provincial and regional involvement. The one-year term, concludes in February, but in some cases Ambassadors may serve up to two years.
For those interested, there is a rigorous application process. An application form must be completed and submitted, including a resume, cover letter and two typed reference letters. A committee will pick the top applicants - who will then move on to the next phase of the process. Successful applicants will be interviewed by a panel of three judges and prepare a 3-5 minute presentation on topics provided.
The top six members will then undergo a training and orientation weekend which will focus on several areas, including communications, public relations and workshop facilitation. Other training opportunities will be made available throughout the year.
Winners are also expected to meet certain requirements including keeping a journal and scrapbook that will be used for promotion activities, attend a minimum of four provincial events, participate in the 4-H ambassador blog on a regular basis, and work closely with 4-H Ontario staff to plan for programs and events.
For more information about the Ambassador application requirements please visit www.4-hontario.ca.