4-H Health Heroes: A Healthy Living Advocates Program

ABOUT 4-H HEALTH HEROES

The Ohio 4-H Healthy Living program is spreading the word that young people can have a strong voice in advocating for healthy changes, not only individually, but also community-wide. At the 2016 National Youth Summit teens from around the state of Ohio developed action plans to make their communities healthier places. These individuals involved in the program are called 4-H Health Heroes.

4-H Health Heroes promote healthy eating, encourage people to engage in physical activities, and promote positive community change. Additionally, 4-H Health Heroes help Ohio 4-H accomplish the goals of the National 4-H Healthy Living Mission Mandate, which encourages youth and families to gain optimal physical, social, and emotional well-being.

BENEFITS OF BEING A 4-H HEALTH HERO

• Gain valuable leadership and communication skills
• Meet other 4-H youth from across Ohio who are invested in healthy living
• Leave a positive impact on your family, friends, and community
• Promote the 4th H!
• Be recognized at the 2020 Ohio 4-H Conference in March

EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS TO SERVE AS A 4-H HEALTH HERO

• Be currently enrolled in 4-H and in grades 9-12 at the beginning of the 2019-2020 academic school year.
• Be available to serve as a 4-H Health Hero from September 2019 through August 2020 (option to renew membership).
• Attend and actively participate in an all-day training session (see training date and location below).
• Participate in face-to-face (in Columbus) and virtual meetings.
• Complete teaching and/or advocacy activities promoting healthy living at the state level and/or in your community.
• Participate in state events, such as the Ohio 4-H Conference, The Ohio State Fair, HealthU, new Health Hero trainings, and/or any other events identified by Extension staff.
• Keep up-to-date on 4-H Health Hero activities by consistently checking and responding to communication from program staff in a timely manner.
• Be interested in learning about healthy eating, leading an active lifestyle, and other health-related topics.
• Be excited to teach others about nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and drug prevention.
• Be responsible and trustworthy.
• Be passionate about making a difference in your community.
• Record activities conducted as a 4-H Health Hero and report to Extension staff.
• Actively share the message of Healthy Living within your local 4-H clubs and/or school clubs.
• Model healthy eating and physical activity to family, friends, and 4-H members.

2019 TRAINING DATE

• Accepted applicants will have to complete a required training on Saturday, September 28, 2019, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center in Columbus.

Application: go.osu.edu/2019healthheroapp

IMPORTANT DATES

• September 28, 2019 – Required training for new Health Heroes at the 4-H Center in Columbus
• October 19, 2019 – face-to-face meeting at the 4-H Center
• November 16, 2019 – meeting; format TBA
• December 7, 2019 – face-to-face meeting at the 4-H Center
• January 11, 2020 – face-to-face meeting at the 4-H Center (a virtual meeting will be held in the case of inclement weather)
• February 13-16, 2020 – National Youth Summit on Healthy Living in Washington D.C (if selected to participant)
• March 14, 2020 – Ohio 4-H Conference at the Columbus Convention Center
• April 2020 – TBA
• May 2020 – TBA