“What’s your why?” This question was asked by Jason Wetzler, keynote speaker for the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum. This statement is different for everyone. Some people want to lead, others want to give back and some want to reach a larger audience. Midway District 4-Hers are often seen helping others with a community service project and utilizing leadership skills.

The same question was asked when Kierra Eck and Hailey Gier sought election for Kansas 4-H Youth Council and National Conference Delegates while attending the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum.

Kansas Youth Leadership Forum is a 4-H event for youth 14-18 years old. It was held Nov. 18-19 at Rock Springs Ranch (near Junction City). Before attending Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, Eck and Gier applied to be a Kansas 4-H Youth Council Representative and National Conference Delegates. This process included completing an application and asking for a letter of reference.

Once accepted, they were asked to do a Zoom interview. They were then asked to give a 3-minute speech in front of the northwest region of the state at Kansas Youth Leadership Forum. While at the forum, those northwest region members then voted for candidates to represent them for their region and at the national conference. Each region has three youth that are Kansas 4-H Youth Council representatives and five other members will be national conference delegates for two years.

Karrie Van Winkle is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Midway Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Karrie at karrievan@ksu.edu or call Midway Extension District — Russell Office at (785) 483-3157.