For 16 years, the 4-H Ontario Ambassador Program has provided 4-H members between the ages of 18-21 years of age, with the opportunity to expand their leadership, public relations and communication skills while promoting the role 4-H plays in the community. It was recently announced by 4-H Ontario that Dougie Robinson from the Stormont 4-H Association will join Marissa Lester from the Lambton 4-H Association and Caitlyn Kolb of the Peel 4-H Association, as members of the 2021 4-H Ontario ambassador team with a one-year appointment to the team.
Dougie, his younger brother Bobby and parents Jill and Doug live near Finch, Ontario on their family farm, Payneside Farms Inc. When asked, Robinson who has been actively involved in the Stormont County 4-H organization for nine years, explained he became involved “because both [his] parents are 4-H alumni” and he wished to experience the opportunities and fun that 4-H had offered to them.
Over the years, Robinson has completed numerous projects, mentioning he has attended the National Members Forum in Calgary Alberta, the Provincial Leadership Camp and was a member of the Stormont County Go for the Gold team, which won the provincial championship in 2020. He also won the 2019 Bertram and Hazel Stewart 4-H Dairy Youth Bursary and award.
When asked what his role will be as a 4-H Ontario Ambassador, Robinson explained he will be able to “educate and promote” the organization providing information on “the benefits of the 4-H Ontario program. He plans to use leadership and problem-solving skills when working with the other ambassadors to ensure the success of the team and the organization. One of his goals will be to have more opportunities for “virtual communication between our members and the ambassadors.”
When asked about the benefits of participating in 4-H to young people, Robinson explained how the opportunities for skill development and experiences offered by the program “are endless.” He mentioned how the “friendship and contact you will make will be for a lifetime” and how 4-H “offers something for each and every individual” before mentioning how “You just need to find your passion and run with it.” He continued how some of the benefits of a yearly 4-H membership including joining “as many clubs as you like,” receiving monthly newsletters and “opportunities for unique programs, camps, conferences, national events, scholarships and so much more.”
Robinson is looking forward to beginning his role as a 4-H Ontario ambassador and “to begin [his] public promotion of the 4-H program and its benefits.” More information on 4-H in Ontario can be found on their website, located here.
Source: Eastern Ontario Agri News