Jonathan Durbin was easy to recognize at the Harrison County Fairgrounds. It was clear he was on a special mission to represent Indiana 4-H. Durbin has served as a 2022-23 Indiana 4-H Ambassador. Wearing a green jacket, green for 4-H, on a warm day indicated he was serious about his role.

“We try to make sure other people know what 4-H is about and encourage youth to participate,” Durbin said. “As a group, we represent Indiana 4-H at important events all year.”

Durbin was one of a small group of 4-H members representing Indiana 4-H statewide who made up the Indiana 4-H Ambassadors team for 2022-23. Many counties have used outstanding members as county 4-H ambassadors to spread the word about 4-H for a long time. Statewide, the program was implemented in 2021.

Employing statewide youth ambassadors to spread the message about Indiana 4-H was an idea Casey Mull brought with him from Georgia. He worked with Georgia 4-H before becoming state program leader for 4-H in Indiana.

“We participated in the Indiana State Fair and represented Indiana 4-H there,” Durbin recalled. “We also visited the Indiana General Assembly as a group and met with several leaders. We’ve met with Indiana’s senators and with Gov. [Eric] Holcomb. That is an experience I will remember.”

4-H ambassador program’s purpose

Other Indiana 4-H Ambassadors on the 2022-23 team include Colleen Donaldson, Lake County; Branson Jordan, Adams County; Reagan Koester, Posey County; Shelby Lang, Posey County; Roman Peterson, Fayette County; Phoebe Ranger, Hendricks County; and McKinley Underhill, Hamilton County.

Members must be in grades 9 through 11 when they apply for the program. Durbin explained that he submitted a short questionnaire and a video proposal. Successful applicants are interviewed by a state committee. To apply, a member must have completed at least two years of 4-H.

Durbin said duties include promoting 4-H with potential members, parents and the general public; helping conduct 4-H events; organizing 4-H promotional activities; and representing 4-H in a public relations role. At the same time, the program helps the ambassadors develop personal leadership skills and self-confidence; enhances skills such as conflict resolution, facilitation, teamwork, decision-making, respect and communication; and teaches how to accept and incorporate constructive criticism. They also gain knowledge about applying diverse concepts of civic engagement and teaching others, facilitating discussions, and speaking in public. 

“We’ve been fortunate to have two young people from Harrison County serve as Indiana 4-H Ambassadors during the first two years of the program,” notes Rebecca Wilkins, Extension youth educator in Harrison County. “It’s a great program, and it’s neat to see some of our kids get that opportunity.”

To learn more about the application process or to request an ambassador for an event, contact your local Extension office or go online to extension.purdue.edu.