Four North Dakota 4-H’ers have been selected to attend the National 4-H Conference in Chevy Chase, Md., on March 24-29.

They are Alex Askerooth of Cayuga, Rebecca Martin of Emerado, Mallory Nygard of Williston and Jenna Peterson of Cavalier.

The conference will provide them with opportunities to engage in personal development experiences that increase their knowledge, resources and skills. They’ll also be able to provide a voice on issues affecting youth and communities nationwide.

During roundtable discussions, conference delegates will explore issues affecting youth and the role 4-H can play in addressing those issues. The 4-H’ers also will be able to tell federal decision makers whether their current efforts are effective.

Each roundtable will focus on a specific issue. The delegates will develop a presentation on their findings and discussions to be shared with key decision and policymakers. The roundtables give youth delegates an opportunity to think critically about current issues and a voice in how 4-H members across the country can engage to effect change and make a difference in those issues.

In addition, the conference will empower and mobilize 4-H youth to create positive social change in their communities in a meaningful and genuine way.

North Dakota’s conference delegates also will meet with the state’s congressional delegation and do some sightseeing.

“I’m hoping I’ll learn more about our government and its ties to 4-H while at the conference,” Nygard says.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - March 12, 2012