National and International 4-H Opportunities

CITIZENSHIP WASHINGTON FOCUS

·        PROGRAM DESCRIPTION- Citizenship Washington Focus is an opportunity for youth to travel to Washington D.C. and learn about citizenship and politics while at the same time interacting with youth from across the country.  Delegates will attend sessions designed to teach them the value of being a proactive citizen in a democracy today.  They will also spend a day on Capitol Hill talking with their congressional representatives and touring the buildings on the mall.  Citizenship Washington Focus runs all summer long and is an excellent way for youth to begin learning about their government.

·        For information, contact your local county extension agent or the California Statewide 4-H Office.

NATIONAL 4-H CONFERENCE

• PROGRAM DESCRIPTION- The National 4-H Conference is an annual event that provides an opportunity for 4-Hers from across the United States to exchange program ideas and contribute to National 4-H program development. A maximum of eight youth and two adults are selected to represent California each year during the week-long conference in Chevy Chase, Maryland at the National 4-H Center.  Delegates are expected to excel in the areas of interpersonal communication, public speaking, and knowledge of 4-H.  Team members should be well acquainted with the entire California 4-H program and  be prepared to represent and speak effectively for the University of California Cooperative Extension’s

      4-H Youth Development Program at local, regional, state, and national levels.

·        For more information, contact the State 4-H Office or check the California 4-H Website.

INTERNATIONAL 4-H YOUTH EXCHANGE (IFYE)

• IFYE REPRESENTATIVE-             During their three or six month stay, representatives live and work with several host families for three to six weeks at a time.  Representatives have the opportunity and are expected to participate in day to day family life.  In addition, representatives interact with the host organizations, which are often times similar to 4-H.  Representatives may pursue special interests through self-study, and many arrange for academic credit through their university. 
• WHO: 19-30 years old 4-H alumni and others interested in living and working with host families in other countries.
• WHEN: Representatives to most countries leave in late June and return in September or mid-December.
• WHERE: Countries in all areas of the world: Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Australia, Asia, and Africa
• WHY: International 4-H Youth Exchange Programs enhance the 4-H program through international, cross-cultural experiences that enable young people to improve their leadership and communication skills, while increasing their international awareness and understanding.
• APPLICATIONS: Applications and additional information are available through your county extension office or from the international program coordinator in your state 4-H office. 

LABO 4-H/JAPANESE EXCHANGE

• PROGRAM DESCRIPTION- The 4-H Japanese Exchange Program is a youth program that operates throughout the United States to give 4-H members the opportunity to either travel to Japan or host a Japanese youth in their homes.  The program provides young people and families with the opportunity to establish close relationships through people-to-people encounters in host homestay experiences.  Through this program, young people are able to learn, appreciate, and understand their own culture as well as the Japanese culture.
• For more information, contact Pat English in the Statewide 4-H Office at

(530) 754-8520 or pnenglish@ucdavis.edu