CNMI shining a light during 4-H National Conference

The six-person delegation that represented the CNMI and 4-H Marianas in the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. didn’t only play an integral role in the event, but also continued to shed light on the Marianas and brought a voice to local youth leaders.

4-H Marianas PRO Jedric Aniciete, vice president for Saipan Jane Mozunder, vice president for Tinian Joseph Santos Jr., president Clarize Rodriguez, and collegiate facilitator Rownel Jody Coloma shared their experiences in the conference last week at the Northern Marianas College campus in As Terlaje.

The National 4-H Conference, which took place from April 19 to 24, is the 4-H’s premiere civic engagement event, bringing together youth delegates across the U.S. and its territories to discuss issues they see and work on solutions. The also got the opportunity to present to federal partner agencies and speak to members of the U.S. Congress.

While serving on the Youth Leadership Team, they facilitated collegiate discussions, made substantive contributions to crucial roundtable discussions, and Santos even delivered the 4-H pledge in the Chamorro language during the opening ceremony.

Coloma shared that this year was special as young 4-H representatives from every U.S. territory were present for the conference.

“It was just momentous for 4-H Marianas to send youth delegates and provide perspectives unique to our region at a national level. Considering not many of these delegates have even heard of the CNMI and just being able to represent our people out there, let them know we are also part of the United States, and we can bring these unique perspectives to the table as we think of solutions to the challenges presented to us by different federal agencies.”

Mozunder shared that one of the things that stuck out to her was a discussion about the U.S. Department of Agriculture and animal service and food security.

“I think that’s such an important aspect within the Marianas to talk about food security. Folks there were really interested in gaining insight from the Marianas and I believe that they’re considering to start some projects here for food security and just a little bit of consideration is definitely heartwarming and something that we should all be looking forward to and start seeing some change.”

The five individuals agreed that one of the unforgettable moments was when a mwar gifted to one of the high officials was raised during the conference and the CNMI delegation was recognized. Even more memorable was when Santos delivered the 4-H Pledge in Chamorro.

“It was really a remarkable experience to be able to represent the CNMI as a whole and really showcase part of our culture on a national stage,” said Santos.

Rodriguez also shared, “I thought it to be really beneficial to attend this year’s conference and I’ve been in the conference for two straight years now. What really helped me was just to know that my voice matters. As someone who comes from the CNMI, majority of the people that were in the conference all come from the states, but just being there and attending the conference, it just shows that our voice from the territories matter, and whatever we say as part of the roundtable also goes as part of the solutions that go to the challenges for each department. I also think it really helps by just opening up your mind to different perspectives, because despite us coming from different backgrounds, we were able to collaborate and come up with solutions and all the knowledge comes together to make a solution for the department.”

“We’ve been really fortunate to have stellar young leaders in our midst,” said Family, Community and Youth Development Program leader Tayna Belyeu-Camacho, “They work collectively between Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. There’s a representation from all islands because what we are doing or the bigger picture of 4-H is really building and enhancing social capital. We want to make sure that our youth are able to work collectively, regardless of whether or not we are divided by water. We are One Marianas. Through that effort they are learning to connect with each other, so that one day minus today when they are in different leadership roles, they take those skills with them beyond just our shores. As they enter our workforce, they bring those skills that they don’t necessarily learn in school. They take these soft skills with them and continue to enhance the capacity of the rest of our people.”

NMC-Cooperative Research Extension and Education Services interim dean Patricia Coleman also congratulated the efforts of the CNMI delegation to the National 4-H Conference.

“Whenever I go to land-grant meetings with national leadership there’s always at least one person who comes up to me and says, ‘Patty…I just want to say that the Northern Mariana Islands, 4-H Marianas, they are doing outstanding work.’ So, I think this is a real reflection of having a youth-led organization. Another testament to that is this summer, our partners from other land-grant universities are coming here to learn how to do youth-led positive youth development, because we have such a strong youth-led program that it’s being noticed nationally as well. So great job to all of the youth leaders, and of course to Tanya and her team through the Family and Community Youth Development Program.”