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National 4-H Congress
Having fun at National Congress
2008 Oregon Delegation to National 4-H Congress tours the Georgia Aquarium
Front Row, L to R: Tillie Brotherton, Jackson Co.; Jessica Black, Clackamas Co; Pam Lundeberg, Benton Co.; Kelsey Walker and Jana Soli, Clackamas Co.; Cassy Sturgill, Lane Co.; Katie Tipton, Polk Co.; Carolyn Ashton, Lane Co.
Back Row, L to R: Mary Arnold, State office; John Baglien, Benton Co.; Brett Deedon, Lane co.; John Gladman, Jackson Co.; Robert Hoadley, Union Co.; Morgan Von Poppenheim, Columbia Co.; Ken Patterson, Union Co
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. Going to Congress is often the highlight of a 4-H member's career. While at Congress delegates hear inspirational speakers, participate in cultural workshops, take part in a large-scale community service project, visit the historical sites of Atlanta, dance, eat, and meet new friends.
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 the experience as possible. Because the
trips to Congress are dependent on funding, 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.
All 4-H youth in the 10th, 11th or 12th grade (at the time
of application) that meet the National 4-H Congress eligibility requirements
are invited to apply. Applications are made through the State
4-H Resume. In addition to the State
4-H Resume, a required personal interview of final Congress candidates
is held on Friday of the State 4-H Summer Conference at OSU in June.
A fundraising letter is sent out each winter to solicit financial support
for National 4-H Congress. Every dollar contributed to the National 4-H
Congress Fund translates into a. life-changing experience for a 4-H member.
If you are interested in supporting National 4-H Congress, please contact
Dr. Mary Arnold, National 4-H Congress Coordinator at (541) 737-1315.
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. This selection is based on the 4-H member's overall achievements in 4-H projects, leadership, communication, citizenship, and community service as presented in the member's State 4-H Resume. Congress trip winners typically demonstrate a considerable breadth and depth of 4-H experience.
Formal interviews of finalists for National 4-H Congress take place in June at the State 4-H Summer Conference at Oregon State University. In order to be eligible for Congress selection, finalists are required to attend the whole day of interviewing and stay for the announcement of the delegation, which is done at the awards banquet on Saturday morning. Interview candidates for National 4-H Congress are encouraged to participate in the whole conference.
National 4-H Congress Eligibility Requirements
All 4-H participants who meet the following criteria may submit their State 4-H Resume, including those in project or community clubs, school enrichment programs, camp counselor training programs, or other special programs.
- Members must have a minimum of 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 currently 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.
Resume Submission Procedures:
- Applicants must submit their State 4-H Resume to their county office by the due date established by the county. Please click on the link to the State 4-H Resume for complete instructions on resume preparation
- Counties submit the 4-H Resumes to the state office using the form entitled: County Nominations for National 4-H Congress by March 1 of each year.
- 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.
- Each county may submit as many nominees as they feel are qualified.
National 4-H Congress Selection Criteria
The selection of nominees for National 4-H Congress is based on information provided by the member in the State 4-H Resume. The goal in selecting delegates for National 4-H Congress is to select those members who demonstrate considerable growth and accomplishment in each of the following areas:
| 4-H Participation (100 Points) | |
| Leadership | 25 Points |
| Citizenship and Community Service | 25 Points |
| 4 H Projects and Activities | 25 Points |
| Communication | 15 Points |
| Goals, Growth and Contribution | 10 Points |
| Personal Interview (50 Points) |
