Active 4-H members and adult volunteers provide that 'personal touch' needed to excite others about the opportunities available through the 4-H program.

The Teen Ambassador Program provides 4-H teens throughout NYS with opportunities to

• Become active partners in marketing and promotion of their organization.
• Represent the 'voice' of 4-H. 
• Share their 4-H experiences.
• Provide visiblity as to the value of the 4-H youth development program.
• Be a role model for 4-H
• Recruit other youth and adults to join 4-H as members or leaders.

TA's are trained at the county level, and are provided additional knowledge and skill buildng opportunities at STARR (State Teen Action Reps Retreat) held annually in the April at the NYS Fairgrounds.

TA's and their Advisors have the flexibility to tailor the look of their TA program to meet the needs of their particular county.

Ambassador Advisor - County Level - acts as a guide providing opportunities for teens to expand their knowledge and skills; works in partnership with teens as they organize, explore possibilities and set goals for the local program.

County 4-H Staff - County Staff role varies depending on the county and its program.  Basically he/she is the local support person for the program; assists with selection of teen ambassadors and advisors; relays information and opportunities to teens and Advisors; serves as the formal link with the State 4-H Office; and in some cases may be asked by Teen Ambassadors and their Advisors to help the group work through the planning process to successfully accomplish goals.  In some counties 4-H Staff serve as the Ambassador Advisor, so this person may play dual roles.

State Program Specialist for Teen Program - maintains State 4-H Teen Ambassador Web page providing current information as to educational opportunities, events and activities.

The Teen Ambassador notebook is available as a pdf document. Note that the pdf document is intended to be printed on 11 x 17 paper - please adjust print preferences for 8.5 x 11.

Legislative Teen Ambassador Notebook- contact NYS 4-H Office.

4-H Teen Ambassador Polo Shirts can be purchased through Adminders.com

History: The 4-H Teen Ambassador Program began in 1974 as part of a public information program organized by the New York State 4-H Agents Association. 4-H Agents felt that 4-H needed to enhance its public image. The 4-H Story needed to be told! Who better to tell the story than

4-H'ers themselves?  Over time, the program has expanded and evolved from essentially a public speaking program to a multimedia communications project.