Last year I was a Program Assistant (PA) at the California 4-H State Leadership Conference (SLC) for the first time. Although this was my fifth SLC, it’s the first time I attended as an alumni. I have participated in SLC as a participant, Planning Team member, and as a State Ambassador. Each of those experiences was very different and helped me grow in its own way. Because I understood how it felt to be a first-time participant and the role that Program Assistants play in creating a positive SLC experience, I chose to come back as a PA. I wanted to ensure youth have a good time, reunite with 4-H friends and participate in the many SLC activities.
Why be a PA?
Serving as a PA is one of many opportunities to come back to 4-H as an alumni. Signing up as an adult for the first time was a big step for me, and made me realize how far I have come within 4-H. After I graduated, I had somewhat felt that my 4-H journey was over, but going through the adult volunteer process solidified that that is not true. For me, the reason I returned to 4-H as an adult was to be a PA. I feel that it is a unique mentorship role; I could build connections with the youth in my PA group as well as other young alumni. Our group of eleven PAs and two PA advisors had a great time engaging with participants and getting to know each other. We participated in the conference tours, sat in on workshops and assemblies, and had fun at the dance, pool party, and other recreation activities!
As a young alumni, I want to ensure that youth starting their leadership journey in 4-H are aware of all of the amazing opportunities available and how beneficial they are for their personal and professional development. I had many conversations with youth hoping for similar experiences to mine. It was very rewarding to help them the way PAs and other alumni had helped me when I was starting out in 4-H. While I spent a lot of time building my leadership skills in 4-H throughout middle and high school, being a PA allowed me to continue expanding on these skills and gain a different perspective through mentorship and creating an impact.
Sign up for SLC 2025!
We are still accepting applications for the Program Assistant and Facilitator positions. Please see the 2025 California 4-H State Leadership Conference event site for more information and to apply.