County Ambassador Program

What is a Contra Costa County 4-H Ambassador?

Sponsored by the Contra Costa County 4-H Council, Contra Costa County 4-H Ambassadors serve as liaisons between the county 4-H office, 4-H members, 4-H volunteers, and the public. Contra Costa County 4-H Ambassadors visit 4-H clubs in their county; network with other organizations within the community; and represent their county at the annual 4-H State Leadership Conference. Participation in other 4-H county, regional, and statewide meetings and activities may vary. Contra Costa County 4-H Ambassadors act as visible role models for their fellow 4-H members, their county, their community, and state.

Why does 4-H have County Ambassadors, & where do they fit with the rest of 4-H?

The Contra Costa County 4-H Ambassadors rank not only recognizes a member's leadership abilities, but it is also a working honor that provides 4-H members the opportunity to serve the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. The Contra Costa County 4-H Ambassador position is one of the highest youth service-learning opportunities and recognitions attainable in the Contra Costa County 4-H Youth Development Program. Contra Costa County 4-H Ambassadors are youth who have excelled in the areas of leadership and service learning; and have been selected to serve the 4-H Youth Development Program in roles that promote leadership through education and service.

For more information: County Ambassador Handbook

Term:

• Contra Costa County 4-H Ambassadors are expected to make a 13-month commitment to the program beginning June 1, 2024 (or installation date) & ending June 30, 2025.
• Contra Costa County 4-H Ambassadors are required to commit significant time to the work of being a County 4-H Ambassador. In general, 4-H County Ambassadors spend 10-40 hours per month, not including travel time, participating in workshops, outreach and completing the tasks of their role.  4-H County Ambassadors are expected to make this an important priority for the length of their term. They are expected to have timely response of email or text communication with their County Ambassador team and the 4-H office. It is critical that candidates reflect on their schedules and existing commitments before applying and accepting the position of County 4-H Ambassador.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must have completed one year as a California 4-H member. Must be at least 15 years old by December 31, 2024 and no older than 18 years old as of December 31, 2024.
• Applicants must have participated and had leadership roles in a variety of youth development activities, including but not limited to those of the Contra Costa 4-H Youth Development Program.

Due Dates

2024-2025 County Ambassador Applicants

Due no later than 11:59 PM on May 31, 2024

1. Online instructions

2. Online application

   • Be prepared to submit:

     • Essay responses to questions in the application
     • Upload resume
     • Upload written evidence of leadership experience and skills
     • Upload signed County Ambassador Agreement

3.  Online submission of three (3) letters of recommendation: 

   • One (1) letter from a 4-H youth member
   • Two (2) letters from adults who have knowledge of your leadership experience, skills and character. At least one of the letters must be from a 4-H adult who has knowledge of your skills and character demonstrated in the 4-H Youth Development Program. 
   • Please provide your references that you’ve chosen with this survey link to submit their recommendations: 
   https://ucanr.edu/ccccar2024

Recommendations may not be from a parent/guardian, sibling or other family member related to the applicant.

Selection Criteria: Evaluation Rubric

1. Application: Plan, essays, resume, leadership experience/skills and references
2. Interview*
3. Presentation on county ambassador plan*

* Interview/presentation will be held, June 8, 2024 at UCCE Contra Costa 4-H Office (2380 Bisso Lane, Concord) from 9AM-4PM. Specific interview time will be set after applications close.  SAVE THE DATE!

Additional Information

County Ambassadors from the State 4-H Website.

Contact the County Ambassador Team at countyambassadors@contracosta4h.org

2024-2025 County Ambassador Team:

Arthia K.M. and Elliot S. - County Ambassadors

Elisa Dowd and Susan Austin - Ambassador Coaches