Virginia 4-H members highlight community changemakers at National 4-H Conference
National 4-H Conference is the flagship civic engagement opportunity of the 4-H program, hosted by USDA. Often known as the Secretary's Conference, it was originally founded 99 years ago as the National 4-H Camp. The conference provides the opportunity for youth to develop leadership skills by working on real-world issues provided by federal agencies and then formally presenting proposed solutions to those agencies.
Virginia 4-H selects representatives from the State 4-H Cabinet and Teen Leadership Councils to represent the program at this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Sophia Robinson, a Tazewell County 4-H'er and Southwest District Ambassador for Virginia 4-H State Cabinet describes her experience at 2026 National 4-H Conference.
"Attending the National 4-H Conference was an unforgettable experience. I loved meeting people from across the country and participating in Roundtable #10 with the United States Department of Agriculture on “Cultivating Rural America’s Future,” where I was proud to represent my state after two of our solutions were considered for adoption.
Outside of the roundtable, I also went on a nighttime monument tour in Washington, D.C., did line dancing, participated in an escape room, and met congressmen, all of which made the experience even more memorable.
I learned a lot about how federal agencies like the United States Department of Agriculture work directly with youth input to shape solutions for rural communities. I also gained a better understanding of how many different factors go into supporting rural development, like education, infrastructure, and access to resources. Beyond that, I learned how important it is to confidently share ideas and collaborate with people from very different backgrounds to create real change.
Attending National 4-H Conference had a big impact on me. It made me even more interested in rural development and how organizations like the United States Department of Agriculture help support communities like mine. It also pushed me to feel more confident sharing my ideas and speaking up in group settings, especially after seeing that our solutions were seriously considered.
I made friends from all over the country, which helped me see different perspectives and realize how many shared challenges students face. Overall, it motivated me to stay involved in leadership opportunities and look for ways I can continue making a difference in my own community."
Leah Johnson, a Roanoke County 4-H’er, describes her experience at the 2026 National 4-H Conference.
"At National 4-H Conference, I collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution to recognize and celebrate local changemakers making an impact in their communities.
Working alongside other delegates, I researched community leaders, analyzed their contributions, and helped create a presentation that highlighted their initiatives and the positive change they’ve driven. This experience strengthened my public speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills while showing me the importance of uplifting grassroots efforts that often go unnoticed. It also reinforced my passion for community advocacy and using storytelling to inspire others to create change.
I learned how powerful local leadership can be. Before attending National 4-H Conference, I associated major change with large organizations or national movements, but working with the Smithsonian Institution showed me how much impact individual community members can have through small, intentional actions.
This experience had a lasting impact on me because it pushed me outside of my comfort zone and connected me with people from across the country. I made meaningful friendships with delegates from across the United States and its territories, which gave me new perspectives on different cultures, communities, and challenges people face. Hearing their stories and collaborating on projects showed me how diverse experiences can still be united by a shared passion for service and leadership."