New Jersey 4‑H members in grades 9–11 who are members in good standing are invited to participate in a multi-level leadership program called the NJ 4‑H Leadership for Life Program.
Adapted from Ireland's youth development program Foróige, the Leadership for Life Program is based on theories and principles of youth work, leadership development, and leadership styles.
Offered in three sequential modules, this program is aimed at equipping young people to explore their vision and passion and to develop such key skills as: planning, decision making, critical thinking, goal setting, and problem solving.
Each module consists of 7 hours of educational workshops with topics serving as a bridge from one level to the next. Modules 1, 2, and 3 will be offered in the 2023–2024 4‑H year, and the opportunity to apply for the Advanced Module will be available in Dec. 2024 for the 2025 conference.
Members must complete Modules 1 and 2 before they are eligible to complete Module 3. The Advanced Module is held during a 9-day travel experience to the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference at the University of Ireland in Maynooth, Ireland.
Overview of the NJ Leadership for Life Program Curriculum
Each module addresses various aspects of leadership and personal development.
Module 1 enables participants to explore what leadership is and the type of leaders they would like to be. The module focuses on core leadership skills such as communication, problem solving, self-awareness, values and action planning.
Module 2 enables participants to work with others to achieve a leadership goal. The module focuses on how leadership can have a positive impact on society by tackling both local and global issues. Module 2 also focuses on research skills, conflict resolution, critical thinking and exploring leadership styles.
Module 3 (LEADing Through Service) enables participants to put into practice their learning from previous modules by actively engaging in a community action project of their choice, keeping a learning journal of their experiences, and presenting a portfolio upon completion. 4‑H members completing Module 3 will plan and conduct a service project upon independently. It is required that Module 3 is completed prior to attending the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference for the Advanced Leadership Module.
The Advanced Module is offered at the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference in Ireland. This module enables participants to explore vision and strategies for overcoming challenges, ethics and values in relation to leadership, and work with youth from Ireland and other countries to utilize the leadership skills they have learned in Modules 1–3 to identify social issues and propose solutions and methods for addressing them.
The Leadership for Life Program will be offered on the following dates during 2023–2024:
| Module | Dates & Time | Location | Registration Fee and Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Sat., Nov. 18, 2023 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Mercer County Extension Office 1440 Parkside Ave. Trenton, NJ |
$75 for program materials, lunch and snacks Registration due Nov. 13, 2023 Module 1 Registration Packet (341k PDF) |
| 2 |
Sat., Feb. 10, 2024 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Mercer County Extension Office 1440 Parkside Ave. Trenton, NJ |
$75 for program materials, lunch and snacks Registration due Jan. 25, 2024 Module 2 Registration Packet (338k PDF) |
| 3 |
Sat., Mar. 2, 2024 10 a.m.–3 p.m. |
Mercer County Extension Office 1440 Parkside Ave. Trenton, NJ |
$40 for program materials Registration due Feb. 23, 2024 Module 3 Registration Packet (337k PDF) |
| Advanced |
July 25–August 2, 2025 (tentative) |
University of Ireland at Maynooth, Ireland |
Applications will be accepted in Dec. 2024 |
Questions about the NJ 4‑H Leadership for Life Program can be directed to Camden County 4‑H Agent Sharon Kinsey (sbkinsey@njaes.rutgers.edu) or Warren County 4‑H Program Associate Michelle Teitsma (teitsma@njaes.rutgers.edu).