Teen Citizenship / Leadership

Leadership: An Essential Skill

Leadership is the ability to motivate, inspire, and create an environment where individuals actively engage in family, community, and civic affairs for the betterment of those around them. A strong leader understands various leadership styles, skills, and qualities and knows how to adapt them to meet the challenges at hand. Leadership is characterized by trustworthiness, hard work, understanding, respect, and the confidence to face new challenges.

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What is a 4-H Teen Leader?

A 4-H teen leader is a member who:

• Is between the ages of 13 and 19
• Is interested in learning and developing leadership skills
• Uses their knowledge, skills, and abilities to help others achieve their goals (e.g., through community service projects)

When asked what they wish to develop, many teens respond with "leadership skills." St. Lawrence County 4-H offers teens a variety of opportunities to do just that!

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Local Leadership Opportunities

Locally, teens can develop leadership skills by:

• Serving as a teen leader within their own club or during county-wide activities
• Teaching younger 4-H members the skills they’ve learned in the program
• Participating as a Teen Leader at the St. Lawrence County Fair
• Engaging in other community-driven initiatives

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State and National Leadership Opportunities

Teens can also participate in state-wide events, such as:

• STARR (State Teen Action Representative Retreat) – Held in April
• Cornell Career Explorations
• Capital Days
• NYS Youth Ag Leadership Conference
• Leadership opportunities at the NYS Fair

Interested teens may even have the chance to serve on planning committees for these state-wide events. Additionally, teens can participate in national activities like the National 4-H Ignite summit, which will take place in Washington, D.C., from March 12-16, 2025.

Ignite by 4-H is a four-day interactive summit that helps teens discover their passions through inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, off-site experiences, career exploration, and networking with peers. It is a pivotal step in their journey to becoming confident and capable individuals, ready to face the future with resilience and excitement. At Ignite, teens collaborate, create, and cultivate a passion for expanding their minds and their world—unlocking limitless possibilities for growth.

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Getting Involved

If you're interested in these opportunities, please reach out to your county 4-H educator to inquire about county-level funding options and to register for events.

Last updated January 8, 2025