Leadership | University of California 4-H Youth Development Program

You have many opportunities to develop and improve your leadership skills in 4-H. All projects integrate leadership skills such as public speaking, project management, communication, team building, organization and negotiation.

You can volunteer for leadership roles at the club, county, state and national levels. In 4-H clubs, officer positions are all held by 4-H'ers just like you!

4-H gives you a safe space to focus on developing skills to:

Identify problems.
Develop action plans.
Work as a team member and team lead.
Assume responsibility.
Follow through on goals.
Improve written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Practice self-reflection.

Leadership Roles

Club Officer

Junior & Teen Leaders

Teens as Teachers

Every year, the 4-H club chooses its club officers following the rules in the club's constitution and bylaws. The 4-H club leader or an officer advisor acts as a guide, counselor, and coach. The 4-H club officers work as a team to organize and run meetings and activities for the club. Each officer has a specific job in the club. Common officer positions are president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and sergeant at arms.Healthy Living officer and Civic Engagement officer are two new roles.

Practice leadership skills by assisting with projects or with club/county-organized 4-H activities and events. Junior leaders are intermediate members: you must be at least 11 and no more than 13 years old by December 31st of the program year. Teen leaders are senior members: you must be at least 14 and no more than 19 years old by December 31st of the program year. You can be a junior or teen leader for one or more projects in a year.

You can become a teen teacher in 4-H, helping younger kids learn cooking, science, or mindfulness in hands-on lessons. You will get specialized training to participate in Teens as Teachers programs such as YES (Youth Experiences in Science), Cooking Academy and Mindful Me. Program availability varies by county. If you're interested, contact your county's 4-H office to find out more.

County 4-H Ambassadors

State 4-H Ambassadors

4-H County Ambassadors are the champions of the 4-H program in their county. As a County Ambassador you are a role model for your fellow 4-H members and represent 4-H in your county and community.

County Ambassadors develop an annual Plan of Action. The team chooses and develops 3 of the 6 Leadership Competencies and completes one service-learning project.

The 4-H State Ambassador position is one of the highest service opportunities and recognition attainable in the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. It is a working honor that provides expanded opportunities to serve and promote the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program.

The State Ambassadors develop an annual Plan of Action. The team develops a plan for all six Leadership Competencies. Learn more about the State Ambassadors on our Resource Center.

4-H Leadership Events

In addition to building leadership into all of our activities, California 4-H offers state and national event opportunities for you to connect with other young leaders throughout California and even nationally! Many counties also host a leadership conference locally to support young leaders to improve skills their leadership skills and build their confidence.

Teen Leader Essential Webinar Series: Setting Up for Success - This webinar series is hosted by the California State Ambassadors. Once a month, join their interactive webinar to learn their tips for building your leadership skills. See the full list of workshops being offered in 2026-27.

California 4-H State Leadership Conference - This annual conference is a highlight for many intermediate and senior 4-H'ers! The State Leadership Conference is planned and run by 4-H members, volunteers and young alumni. Members, volunteers and alumni all experience having fun, making friends and learning new things to energize them for the new 4-H year!

National 4-H Conference - California 4-H sends delegates to the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. every year. Delegates from U.S. states and territories gather in round tables to address issues and present the youth voice to federal agencies and legislative committees.

Resources on 4-H Leadership

4-H Members and Volunteers: Go to the CA 4-H Resource Center for resources and curriculum to support Leadership projects.