National 4-H Congress

National 4-H Congress is held each Thanksgiving weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. Over 1,300 4-H members from all 50 states and Puerto Rico attend Congress. Watch a video from 2008 National 4-H Congress here.  At Congress, delegates hear inspirational speakers, participate in cultural workshops, a large-scale community service project, and other fun activities.  Oregon Congress trip winners typically demonstrate a considerable breadth and depth of 4-H experience.

2008 Delegation to National 4-H Congress, Atlanta, GA. 

Front row (L to R):  Lisa Wade, Wheeler Co.; Audrey Marconi, Clackamas Co.; Ariana Snow, Union Co.; Ilaena Mellentine, Josephine Co.; Hannah Filicky, Washington Co.; Shelby Stepper, Lane Co.; Emilie Boatner, Marion Co. Middle row (L to R): Amanda Smith, Lane Co.; Cody Smith, Deschutes Co.; Kelby McClelland, Union Co.; David Baglien, Benton Co.; Nathan McCarty, Clackamas Co., Rob Livesay, Benton Co., Back row (L to R):  Carolyn Ashton, chaperone, Elissa Wells, chaperone; Jonathon Brink-Roby, Benton Co.; Annie Kersting, Clackamas Co., Michelle Janik, Clackamas Co., Thomas Kyle-Milward, Columbia Co.; Eileen and Norbert Hartmann, chaperones  

The Oregon 4-H program views National 4-H Congress as an important opportunity for 4-H members, and is committed to providing this experience to as many 4-H members who can benefit from it as possible. Because the trips to Congress are dependent on donations, a selection process is held each year. The State 4-H Recognition Committee selects Congress delegates based on the member's overall achievement in 4-H projects, leadership, communication, citizenship, community service and readiness to benefit from Congress.

National 4-H Congress Eligibility Requirements

• Members must have at least three years of 4-H participation, including the current year.
• The 4-H member must be an active 4-H participant during the current 4-H year. 
•  Members must be in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grades at the time of application.
• Selection is based on the member's record to February 1 of the current year.

 National 4-H Congress Application Procedures

• Applicants complete and submit their State 4-H Resume to their county Extension office by the due date established by the county.
• The determination of which members are invited to submit a an application to National 4-H Congress rests with the individual county Extension 4-H Youth Development faculty member. Counties are encouraged to have a well-defined selection process that matches the goals of the State 4-H Program for selection of National 4-H Congress applicants.
• Counties submit the 4-H Resumes to the State 4-H Office along with the County Nominations for National 4-H Congress form by March 1.  Member’s main project areas and contact information must be listed on this form.  Each county may nominate as many individuals as they feel are qualified.

National 4-H Congress Selection Procedure

The State 4-H Recognition Committee meets in March to select the finalists for trips to National 4-H Congress. Formal interviews of these finalists occur in June at 4-H Summer Conference at Oregon State University.  Congress finalists are required to register for 4-H Summer Conference, participate in the Congress track all day Friday, and stay for the announcement of the delegation at the awards banquet on Saturday morning.

National 4-H Congress Selection Criteria

The goal in selecting delegates for National 4-H Congress is to select members who demonstrate considerable growth and accomplishment in 4-H participation in each of the following areas: