National 4-H Youth Directions
Council
“Ensuring an equal voice for youth within 4-H and
other organizations affecting youth on the
international, national, regional, state, and local
levels.”
State 4-H Program Leaders Presentation
What is the National 4-H Youth
Directions Council?
N4-HYDC is the paramount youth leadership
body for the 4-H Youth Development Program.
We are a youth-led, youth-driven group
dedicated to giving young people a greater voice
in decision-making, program implementation,
and governance at all levels of the 4-H system.
Who Are We?
Forty-eight connected, proven youth leaders who
represent forty-two states, the territory of Puerto Rico,
two Canadian Provinces, and the Army Teen Panel
Growing Partnerships

Supported and advised by Dr. Cathann Kress from
National 4-H Headquarters at USDA/CSREES

Housed by National 4-H Council and advised by
Don Floyd, President/CEO National 4-H Council

Financially and programmatically supported by the
National 4-H Leadership Trust

Financially and programmatically supported by
State 4-H Program Leaders
2003-2004 At A Glance

37 young people represented 36 states on N4-HYDC

14 members served on the N4-HYDC
Leadership Team

97% submitted State Action Plans

64% regularly submitted reports highlighting their
work

59% participated in the regional and national
conference calls
2004-2005 A Great Start

48 young people represent 42 states, the territory of
Puerto Rico, Canada and the Army Teen Panel

18 members serve on the N4-HYDC
Leadership Team

63% of our members so far, have submitted Personal
Plans of Action

20 of our members to date, have submitted their 1st
Bi-Monthly Report
A Changing
Organization
A Changing Organization
•
•
•
We have listen to concerns and shared ideas
and expectations
We have identified specific areas of focus
We are acting to further youth empowerment
and to make a difference in today’s world.
 Priority
# 1 – Identifying Exceptional Youth
 Priority
# 2 – Leaders in Youth in Governance
 Priority
# 3 – Furthering National Opportunities
Priority # 1:
Identifying Exceptional Youth
• Objective
To be viewed as the paramount youth leadership
opportunity within 4-H by recognizing motivated and
enthusiastic 4-H’ers who have demonstrated a
dedication to youth involvement, and share with them
skills to further develop their leadership potential.
• Implementation
Identify highly motivated young people
Connect representatives with state leadership
Foster the identity of N4-HYDC as national 4-H youth
body
Identifying Exceptional Youth
• Impact
 Organizational strength through member
commitment
 Visibility to young 4-H’ers as national
incentive
 Less disconnect between state and national
leadership opportunities
Priority # 2
Leaders in Youth In Governance
• Objective
Provide support and leadership to 4-H’s Youth-inGovernance Initiative, a broad plan that envisions young
people across the system prepared to be engaged in
decision-making.
• Implementation
More clarity to N4-HYDC Conference
Leaders and model lab for YIG movement
Wider skill bank for members
Leaders in Youth In Governance
• Impact
More comprehensive skills to teach to other
youth
N4-HYDC will lead the systemic change of
the Youth-in-Governance Initiative.
The identity of N4-HYDC will be sharpened
as “certifying” group for proven leaders
Priority # 3
Furthering National Opportunities
• Objective
To identify and promote meaningful national leadership
opportunities for young people in the 4-H system.
• Implementation
Partner with national and state bodies to ascertain where
young people can be incorporated further
Encourage members to partner with state staff to
identify qualified people to fill roles
Charge members with promoting opportunities
Furthering National Opportunities
• Impact
Youth engagement in every element of program –
“walking the talk”
All young leaders have the opportunity to excel and
gain experiences at the national level.
4-H youth will be aware of the variety of experiences
and avenues of learning available.
Questions and
Concerns