A Note From Jennifer L. Sirangelo, President and CEO, National 4-H Council:
National 4-H Council is selling the National 4-H Conference Center to continue our mission: expand opportunity for all of America’s youth through increased investment and participation in 4-H positive youth development programs. I want to thank two former National 4-H Council Trustees who joined me to share their perspectives: Dr. Ed Jones, Virginia Cooperative Extension and Justin Cross, National 4-H Council Young Alumni Advisory Committee Member.
Our decision is COVID-driven. The pandemic has forced us to evaluate the National 4-H Conference Center’s economic viability and its future ability to meet Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program’s needs. This change will enable National 4-H Council to continue as a strong partner to USDA and Cooperative Extension and fulfill our unique role of convening the 4-H system, telling the 4-H story, and building public-private partnerships.
National 4-H Council will continue to be located in the Washington, D.C. metro area. We look forward to continuing to elevate youth voices through national 4-H events, including our management of the signature national civic engagement training program, Citizenship Washington Focus. National 4-H events hosted by National 4-H Council will be held virtually in 2021. Plans are in place for 2022 events to be in-person in Washington, D.C.
We are incredibly proud of our rich 60-year history at the National 4-H Conference Center. We have had a positive impact on the thousands of youth groups and organizations we have hosted. Millions of 4-H young people, professionals, and volunteers worldwide have been inspired through 4-H gatherings that shared knowledge, built relationships, and created wonderful memories.
We invite you to visit 4-H.org/Center to learn more, submit questions and stay updated. Please feel free to forward this email and share this information with your staff. National 4-H Council will also share the announcement and link to the website in tomorrow’s News and Notes newsletter for 4-H professionals.
Although our home is changing, National 4-H Council remains committed to expanding opportunities for all of America’s youth to thrive.