Fillmore County 4-H News

Get Help From or Meet with Alex

If Alex is needed or wanted at any events or meetings, or if you would like his assistance with anything, feel free to use this scheduler to request time on his calendar. He loves talking to everyone and wants to be available for everyone's needs.

New 4-H Year began on October 1st. Remember to re-enroll.

When re-enrolling, please enter the youth's email, if they have one, (preferably not a school email) as the member email so they also receive the information we send out.

October Ambassador Meeting will be on October 11th at 6pm, in room 108 of the Extension office.
October Federation Meeting will be on October 11th at 7pm, in room 108 of the Extension office.
Club Charters are Due back to the Extension office by October 31st.
November Ambassador Meeting will be on November 8h at 6pm, in room 108 of the Extension office.
November Federation Meeting will be on November 8th at 7pm, in room 108 of the Extension office.
Annual Volunteer Training Watch Party on November 10th at 6:30pm, in Room 108 of the Extension Office.
Fall Livestock PDC Meeting will be on November 12th at 7pm, in room 108 of the Extension office.
Fillmore County Officer Training will be on November 22nd at 7pm, in room 108 of the Extension office.
The Extension Office will be closed on November 27th & 28th for Thanksgiving.

Federation Officer and Adult Executives opportunity.

Youth, if you want to be a Federation Officer, please attend the October 11th Meeting. If you are unable to participate in the meeting, please let Alex know, and we will get you on the slate. If you have any questions about being an officer, you can just contact Alex or look at this Federation Officer Role Description. Federation Officers are a one year term, except Treasurer, and are perfect for improving your leadership at the county level.

Adult advisors to the Executive Committee will also be elected. If you are unable to participate in the meeting, please let Alex know, and we will get you on the slate. If you have any questions about being on the Executive Committee, you can contact Alex or look at this Executive Committee Role Description. This position is a 3 year term and is a great way to volunteer and help out in the county.

Fillmore County will be hosting our own Annual volunteer training (AVT) at the Extension Office on November 10th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. There will be some food and refreshments available as well. We ask at least one or two representatives from each club or project attend AVT on behalf of their club or project.

If you plan to attend the In person AVT on November 10th please register using this Google form so Alex knows how many to expect.

Some AVT resources are also available to volunteers on the 4-H Volunteer Resource Center.

2024 High School Graduates!

The time has come that you are Officially graduating out of Fillmore County 4-H. We would like to highlight you on the County Facebook page and show our appreciation for your years in our Program as you graduate out of 4-H this year! Please use the link below to fill out the Graduation form.

Fill out the Grad form here

In Minnesota 4-H, a PDC stands for Project Development Committee. These are youth–adult partnership groups that provide leadership for specific 4-H project areas (like horse, shooting sports, dog, dairy, robotics, etc.).

Here’s what a PDC does:

Main Roles of a PDC

Guide Project Learning
- Help plan project learning opportunities such as workshops, clinics, shows, or skill-building events.
- Make sure youth have chances to explore and grow in their chosen project area.
Support Events & Fairs
- Assist with planning and running project-specific parts of the county fair or other showcases.
- Ensure project rules and safety standards (like for shooting sports or horse) are followed.
Build Leadership
- Encourage youth to take leadership roles in planning and teaching.
- Work alongside adult volunteers to model youth–adult partnerships.
Promote the Project Area
- Spread awareness of the project and encourage new members to get involved.
- Organize service-learning or community outreach connected to the project.
Ensure Safety and Education
- Especially in animal and shooting projects, PDCs help make sure training, certification, and safety protocols are in place.

Who’s Involved?

Youth Members (usually teens with experience in the project).
Adult Volunteers (project leaders, parents, or community experts).
Extension staff often provide guidance but let the PDC lead the project area.

Sign up to be on a PDC here!

In Minnesota 4-H, being an Ambassador is a youth leadership role. Ambassadors serve as the "face" of 4-H in their counties, regions, and sometimes statewide. The exact duties can vary a little depending on whether you’re a County Ambassador, Regional Ambassador, or State Ambassador, but here’s an overview of what they typically do:

General Role of a 4-H Ambassador

Promote 4-H
- Speak at schools, community events, and 4-H gatherings to share opportunities in 4-H.
- Serve as a positive role model for other youth.
Lead and Mentor
- Help younger members feel welcome and included at events, fairs, and club meetings.
- Encourage youth to try new projects and stay involved.
Plan and Support Events
- Assist with county fairs, new member orientations, day camps, workshops, and recognition events.
- Plan leadership workshops, service-learning projects, or fun events for members.
Community Service
- Organize or participate in service projects that benefit their community.
Leadership Development
- Gain skills in public speaking, teamwork, planning, and decision-making.
- Often attend retreats, leadership conferences, and ambassador trainings.

Levels of Ambassadors

County Ambassadors – Focus on promoting and supporting 4-H at the county level (like helping at your county fair or hosting new-member events).
Regional Ambassadors – Work across multiple counties, usually leading larger workshops or regional events.
State Ambassadors – Represent Minnesota 4-H statewide, plan state events, and attend national 4-H events as youth representatives.

Become an Ambassador

Come learn more about being an officer for your club or the county, its quick and simple! All who are serving in an officer role for their club is encouraged to attend. Those who are interested in officer roles in the future can also attend to learn more about being an officer and being in a leadership role. Officer roles are an excellent way to gain confidence in public speaking and become a better leader.

This training will be on November 22nd from 7pm at the Extension office in Preston, Room 108.

Food and drinks will be provided. No cost to attend.

Attend Officer Training

Annual volunteer training (AVT)

Annual volunteer training (AVT) is held in the fall for current and prospective volunteers and youth leaders. Training and promotional materials are produced by the annual volunteer training work team, which is composed of volunteer systems personnel and local Extension educators.

AVT is offered online via a statewide webinar. County or tribal programs may choose to promote the statewide webinar or to deliver AVT in person locally. We ask at least one or two representatives from each club or project attend AVT on behalf of their club or project.

Some AVT resources are also available to volunteers on the 4-H Volunteer Resource Center.