By: Paige Hart
Over 1,000 4-H members from across the nation gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta over Thanksgiving weekend for the 93rd annual National 4-H Congress. Kentucky 4-H members had the trip of a lifetime as they met other 4-H members from across the nation and territories. They not only gained an appreciation for 4-H in different states, but also for Kentucky 4-H. They had hands on community service opportunities, along with some fun at the Atlanta Aquarium.
This was the sixteenth year for Atlanta to host this flagship 4-H event. It was first hosted in Chicago where it was held for over half a century then it was moved to Memphis for two years before finally reaching Atlanta. The groundwork was set as an annual educational tour held in the Union Stock Yards during the International Livestock Exposition. In 1922, the first official National 4-H Congress was held where youth from across the nation could exchange ideas and receive recognition for individual accomplishments and community service.
A cornerstone for 4-H, National 4-H Congress was originally designed to recognize state and national winners. As the 4-H program has developed over time, so has National 4-H Congress. While recognizing excellence, it also provides outstanding educational opportunities for youth. Since the 4-H program differs from state to state, a key component is learning how 4-H is conducted in different states. Youth are empowered to reach their full potential and become active and engaged members of society. Since the beginning, Kentucky has had a prominent delegation at this premiere leadership conference. This year was no exception with 22 of our finest 4-H’ers in attendance.
I, myself, obtained the honor to be a National 4-H Congress delegate in 2011. I can still remember the excitement of attending and making an impact nationally. The theme for that year was to “Become a Catalyst for Change.” I recall the entire conference like it was yesterday: the gala, workshops, international events, pin exchange, community service, inspiring speakers, tours around the city, but most of all the amazing connections I made. I met so many 4-H’ers that shared an unparalleled passion for the same organization; they too lived by the idea of trying to make the best better. My love for 4-H was fueled while attending this conference and was a driving factor in my decision to run for State 4-H Office.
While many past 4-H’ers earned this prestigious trip through winning at the state level with their project book or going through an interview process, now this trip is gained through participation in the Achievement Program. Formerly know as the Honors Program, the new Achievement Program was introduced in 2012. The 4-H Foundation committed $80,000 annually to provide awards and scholarships for Teen Conference, National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference as part of the Achievement Program. The top 30 4-H’ers that receive the Gold Award become National 4-H Congress delegates.
Today, the 4-H Foundation covers 80% of the trip, thanks to the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund Endowment and other sponsors. Sponsors are still needed to continue to give youth the trip of a lifetime to National 4-H Congress. Sponsoring one of the 30 delegates takes an annual contribution of $500.
Thank you to all of our current donors, in particular the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association, who helped Kentucky be a prominent delegation at one of our cornerstone conferences. Whether you are “Becoming a Catalyst for Change” or obtaining your “Passport to Excellent”, we would love hear your stories and how your congress experience was life-change. To gain more information about how to donate, please contact Keith Rogers, Executive Director, at 270-735-6130 or keithl.rogers@uky.edu.
