The Louisiana 4-H program is committed to developing leadership skills in both youth. One of the methods in which leadership skills are developed and enhanced is through the State 4-H Leadership Board experience. More than 80 youth serve on one of four statewide youth leadership teams including the Executive Committee, Fashion Board, Food and Fitness Board, and the SET Board. These Leadership Boards give youth the opportunity to work together on a common focus while developing leadership for statewide programs. The youth serving on these boards provide valuable leadership and guidance to the positive direction of the 4-H program.
For the past two years, Board Members have evaluated their State Leadership Board experience through an online survey. Youth who have served on the board has indicated the following:
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100% increased their knowledge of 4-H opportunities.
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100% mastered skills related to the Board they served on.
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100% were able to think independently.
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100% have a positive feeling about their future.
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97% increased their subject matter knowledge related to the Board they served on.
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97% mastered leadership skills.
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97% improved their ability to communicate with others.
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91% felt their state board experience was excellent.
Youth had the following to say about their Leadership Board Experience:
“I met so many new people and I felt that my voice and ideas were really heard. It was the greatest leadership experience yet.”
“The lessons I learned have helped me to lead my club in a positive direction.”
“I had the opportunity to help out my parish’s 4-H program from my knowledge gained from the board. This includes using my leadership skills, teaching younger students about my experiences on the board, and using my public speaking skills that I attained from the board by serving as a junior leader at parish events.”