CENTER– San Luis Valley 4-H member Kristine Hoffner, 18, of Center was selected to represent Colorado 4-H as a delegate at the National 4-H Conference. The event will be held April 6-11 in Washington, D.C. This conference is the premier national 4-H leadership event, and delegates are selected by a highly competitive application and interview process.
“I was so excited to be selected to attend national conference,” said Hoffner, Saguache County 4-H member and State 4-H president. “This event is an opportunity to have real discussions about things going on in today’s society and share our opinions with government. I think it’s really cool that we’ll have the chance to share our voices on issues that really matter to us.”
At the conference delegates participate in in-depth round table discussions on important societal topics that impact youth. Subjects this year include mental health, school safety, next generation agriculture, opioids, entrepreneurship, bullying, and healthy relationships. Attendees will prepare briefings on their topics, then present them to officials from various government agencies.
In addition to the round table discussions and briefings, attendees will also have an opportunity to tour monuments, visit museums, and meet legislators on Capitol Hill. Hoffner will be part of a four-member delegation attending the event from Colorado.
“Colorado 4-H is excited for these delegates to represent us at National 4-H Conference,” said Trent Hollister, State 4-H Specialist with Colorado State University Extension. “These members will strengthen their life skills and gain experience working directly with government agencies.  It is an honor to have these young leaders speak on behalf of all Colorado 4-H members on such important national topics.”
4-H is the largest youth development organization in the country. National 4-H Conference has been occurring in some form since 1927. It is the premier civic engagement event that 4-H offers. The conference provides the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead and impact their communities, their nation and their world.
“I’m so grateful that 4-H has provided me so many opportunities, like this one, to learn and grow as a leader,” said Hoffner. “I am really looking forward to this experience and excited to see what I can bring back to the Valley.”
For more information about San Luis Valley 4-H, visit http://sanluisvalley.colostate.edu or call 719-852-7381. 4-H is a cooperative effort between Colorado State University Extension, the US Department of Agriculture, and Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache counties. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.