General Information
Since it’s beginning in 1948, 4-H Congress has given some 33,800 4-H’ers and volunteer leaders firsthand experience in state government. At Congress, delegates become senators or representatives and form a “junior” state Congress. They devote their time to learning about government, citizenship, leadership and their state capital.
4-H members will be senators and representatives at Congress. It is open to current 9-10th grade 4-H members that have joined 4-H Honor Club and writen the essay. Each delegate attending Tennessee 4-H Congress must have an essay prepared on the Congress theme. Delegates stay at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro, TN.
State 4-H Congress Information
Who can attend: 9th – 10th grade 4-H Honor Club members (it’s not too late to join!)
To attend State 4-H Congress you will write an essay of 500 words or less on the topic that will be announced.
If you are interested in attending State 4-H Congress please contact the Extension office for more information! Space it limited so don’t wait! Call (931) 946-2435 or stop by the office.
Congress Events
- Meeting 4-H members from across the State
- Discussion and Voting on Bills in the Senate and House Chambers
- Meeting with Van Buren Co. Legislators
- State 4-H Public Speaking Contest
- State 4-H Leadership & Citizenship Portfolio Contest
- Congress Officer Elections and Voting
- Citizenship Banquet
- Ride on the General Jackson Riverboat
- Service Project
- Dance
- And much more!
Be a Good Delegate
- Make it a point to be on time or ahead of time for each session and event.
- Be a good listener. You will hear some of your most important state officials speak. You can impress them by your attentiveness.
- Smoking and chewing gum are out of place at any 4-H event.
- Cell phones are out of place at any meal event or assembly.
- Show your appreciation by writing thank-you notes to sponsors, leaders, agents and parents.
- Share your experiences with others when you return home. Take notes and be prepared to give an interesting and worthwhile account of your Congress experience
Purpose of State 4-H Congress
- To recognize outstanding 4-H’ers and leaders from all Tennessee counties.
- To provide new opportunities for 4-H’ers and leaders to develop a better understanding of citizenship and see how it relates to daily living.
- To offer new and stimulating leadership experiences for 4-H’ers and leaders on a statewide basis.
- To provide the opportunity for 4-H’er and leaders to learn how their state government functions.
- To encourage 4-H’ers and leaders to assume and continue leadership roles in their communities.
- To provide opportunities for 4-H’ers to develop a greater appreciation of the history and heritage of Tennessee.
