What is the True Leaders in Equity Institute?

• 4-H believes in youth and adults working in partnership to leverage the unique strengths that each group brings to their communities and world. 
• The True Leaders in Equity Institute will equip teams to be change agents within the Cooperative Extension System as we seek to create more welcoming and inclusive environments, particularly for nine marginalized groups of people and four affinity groups.** This training and leadership opportunity challenges participants to work together to ideate and champion an equity-related project that will grow 4-H in their communities. 
• Sessions will enable teams to:
  • Gain a deeper understanding of key principles and concepts related to equity and inclusion; 
  • Identify a particular equity indicator and/or issue where they can "go deep" and focus on for the next year;

  • Develop their skills and competences in equity leadership and make connections to people, organizations, and tools that can be helpful to them for their projects; and

  • Create an overall framework for their project for the next year and a specific 90-day action plan to implement when they return home.

When is the Institute?

• July 7 – July 11, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda

Who can attend?

• We seek applicants who exude the following characteristics:
  • High-school aged teens
  • A desire to champion equity in your community
  • A passion for or experience creating belonging for the groups indicated below
  • Connection to Cooperative Extension System through 4-H, Well Connected Communities, SNAP-ED volunteering, National Mentoring Project volunteering or other Extension programs

As a local 4-H educator, what is my role with 4-H True Leaders in Equity Institute?

• Your support is vital. We invite you to:
  • Encourage youth to apply with other team members and with an adult partner.
  • Help connect youth with adults who are interested in equity.
  • Review the registration form with your 4-H’er(s) prior to submission to ensure all guidelines are followed.
  • Ensure youth and adults who are applying understand how, when, and where to submit reimbursement claims (if applicable), as information is provided from Council.

As an appointed extension staff person, what is my role with 4-H True Leaders in Equity Institute?

• The appointed extension professional will work as a support system to the team and act as liaison between Council and their state team.
• Help to ensure youth/adult team effort is meeting a state identified need and the youth/adult work gets anchored in the states’ system.

When will registration be available?

• Registration will open Monday, April 1, 2024 and close on Friday, May 17, 2024 at noon ET unless we sell out before then. National 4-H Council (“Council”) encourages you to register early.

What does the registration fee include?

• 4 nights room and board (double occupancy for teens, single occupancy for adult chaperones) checking in on Sunday, July 7 and checking out on Thursday, July 11.
• All meals and breaks (excluding state-organized meals and events).
• DC-area site visits and program materials

What is your refund policy?

• All refund requests must be made by providing written notice to Council by Friday, May 31, 2024 at noon ET. Your refund request must include the order number and reason for requesting a refund. If your request is received by Friday, May 31, 2024 at noon ET with the required information, you will receive a refund in full. 
• After Friday,May 31, 2024 at noon ET , Council will not refund any amounts paid by you to Council. You may have the option to transfer your registration to another attendee. Council will have the option to either accept or deny the transfer. Council will not be liable for any transfer of fees or payments from one attendee to another attendee. 

What time can I check in to the hotel? When do I need to check out by?

• Registration will be available from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on your arrival date.
• Check out at is at 12 p.m. ET.

Will accommodations be made for delegates or chaperones with food allergies, dietary restrictions or special dietary needs due to religious holidays?

• Yes. National 4-H Council team will work with the Hyatt Regency Bethesda and any other venues where food and beverage will be served as part of TLEI’s scheduled activities to ensure appropriate accommodations are made.

How are youth accommodations and roommates determined?

• Youth delegates will have the opportunity to request a specific roommate by June 14. If no roommate is listed,  the desired roommate requests to be roomed with someone else or your state has an odd number, we will work with the lead chaperone to determine a suitable roommate from another delegation. Attendees under the age of 18 will not be paired with attendees over the age of 18.
• Council is committed to providing equal opportunities for all youth and families to participate in Council programming, while also taking into account legally-protected characteristic including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran’s status, disability and physical or mental handicap. You will be able to note if an ADA-compliant room or any other accommodations are needed. 

Can adults and youth room together?

• Council’s policy prohibits adults (individuals age 18 and older) from sharing lodging rooms with youth (individuals less than 18 years old), except when the adult and youth are immediate family members) or when the youth’s parent or legal guardian approves staying with the adult. Council must be provided with a notarized letter signed by the youth’s parent or legal guardian granting permission for a designated adult to stay in the youth’s room.

Will our delegation’s hotel rooms be in close proximity?

• Council will do its best to keep your delegation’s rooms together. Please ensure all roommate requests and single room upgrades are submitted by Friday, May 17, 2024 to support Council’s efforts. 

What are the COVID protocols for TLEI?

• National 4-H Council continues to monitor and follow the latest CDC guidelines as well as any new directives or guidance from the District of Columbia. At this time, there are no proof of vaccination, testing or masking requirements in order to participate in Ignite. 
• These protocols may be updated prior to or during the event(s), based on any new directives or guidance mandated or given by federal, state and/or local government.  

Who is responsible for hotel incidental charges? Will I be required to put a credit card on file when I check in?

• You will not be required to put a credit card on file. However participants shall be responsible for any incidental hotel charges and will be billed directly from National 4-H Council if any incidental charges are incurred during your stay. These include, but are not limited to room service, smoking fees, room damage, etc.

What is Lead to Change?

• Lead to Change is our community action planning program that empowers teens to become change agents. More information will be available soon!