Tennessee 4-H Congress is one of the state’s premier 4-H events, bringing together high school members to learn about government, citizenship, and leadership. Held at the State Capitol in Nashville, Congress gives youth the chance to step into the role of a legislator by debating bills, holding elections, and experiencing how government works firsthand. Delegates also take part in leadership workshops, recognition programs, and service activities. The purpose of 4-H Congress is to help young people better understand their responsibilities as citizens, strengthen their leadership skills, and celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding 4-H’ers across the state.
78th Annual Tennessee 4-H Congress
March 7-11, 2026
Embassy Suites Nashville SE
Murfreesboro, TN
Intrested in attending 4-H Congress
About 4-H Congress
The purpose of Tennessee 4-H Congress is to help youth grow as leaders, active citizens, and future professionals through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
- Recognize outstanding 4-H members and leaders from across Tennessee.
- Build a stronger understanding of citizenship and how government affects daily life.
- Strengthen leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
- Provide hands-on learning about how state government works.
- Inspire youth to take on and continue leadership roles in their communities.
- Encourage pride in Tennessee’s history and heritage.
- Prepare young people for future careers through teamwork, public speaking, and civic engagement.
- Each county may send two 4-H senators who are senior Level I members (grades 9–10).
- One senior Level I 4-H representative for every 1,700 members—or a major fraction—of the county’s total enrollment, plus
- One senior Level I 4-H member for every 60—or major fraction—of the county’s senior enrollment.
- Each county may also send one volunteer leader. Others who may attend include state 4-H staff, UT Extension administrative personnel, Tennessee 4-H Foundation members, and county Extension staff designated by regional UT Extension personnel to accompany their groups.
- The registration fee for Tennessee 4-H Congress is $400
- State finalists, regional public speaking winners, State 4-H Congress officers, and volunteer leaders attend on scholarships.
- All registration is handled through your county 4-H office.
- Scholarship opportunities are available, please refer to the registration details section.
Nashville is a city rich in natural beauty, culture, and more than 200 years of history. During Tennessee 4-H Congress, delegates will explore some of the city’s most notable landmarks.
Delegates will visit the Tennessee State Capitol and Legislative Plaza, meet with representatives from their region or district, and tour the Tennessee State Museum. They’ll also have the chance to stroll the historic cobblestone streets of downtown Nashville and enjoy a memorable General Jackson Showboat river cruise on the Cumberland River.
Registration
All registration for Tennessee 4-H Congress will be handled through your local UT Extension office.
The state registration deadline is December 5, 2025 but county deadlines may be earlier. If you’re interested in attending, contact your county 4-H agent for details and deadlines.
Before coming to State 4-H Congress, delegates and their parents or guardians must sign Form 600-A: 4-H Activity and Event Acceptance Form (available from the county Extension office or by downloading the F600A Form. When delegates sign this form, they are agreeing to follow all rules and guidelines for participation. All forms must be returned to your local extension office.
Congress scholarship information coming soon!
Preparing For Congress
Tennessee 4-H Congress is an activity that supports the Citizenship project and helps 4-H’ers develop the life skill of responsible citizenship. Citizenship is showing love, loyalty, and responsibility to your community and country. It means understanding both your rights and your duties as a citizen.
Citizenship includes:
- Loyalty to your community and state
- Understanding the rights and privileges of citizenship, such as voting and taking part in government
- Fulfilling your civic responsibilities
- Appreciating and valuing diversity
Being a responsible citizen starts with understanding how government works and how you can make a difference. In a democracy, government is created by the people and for the people. Active citizen participation helps ensure that government remains responsive and fair.
How much do you know about your government?
To make the most of your Tennessee 4-H Congress experience, take time to learn about how state government works—especially here in Tennessee. Explore books and trusted online sources to discover more. You’ll also find helpful links and resources on this website.
Ask yourself:
- Who are the leaders in Tennessee’s government?
- How are they elected?
- How does a bill become a law?
- What happens if the governor vetoes a bill?
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you step confidently into your role as a Tennessee 4-H Congress senator or representative.
4-H Congress will take place at the Embassy Suites Nashville SE in Murfreesboro on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The opening assembly will be held that evening.
Tennessee 4-H Congress will conclude on Tuesday evening, March 10, 2026, with the Citizenship Banquet followed by a farewell dance.
Delegates will depart on Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026.
Buses will be available for delegates from the Western and Eastern Regions. Specific schedules will be shared through each region’s staff. Please contact your county 4-H agent for details about transportation options.
Delegates from the Central Region should arrange for an adult to provide drop-off and pick-up at the event location.
Saturday – March 7, 2026
- Delegates Arrive
- Congress Kickoff
- Committee Meetings
Sunday – March 8, 2026
- Know You Government Sessions/Workshops – Downtown Nashville
- State History Museum
- Dinner on your own!
Monday – March 9, 2026
- Know your Government Sessions/Workshops – Downtown Nashville
- Legislative Visits/Capitol Tour
- Awards Assembly
- Lunch on your own!
Tuesday – March 10, 2026
- Elections
- History Bowl
- General Jackson Showboat
- Citizenship Banquet & Inaugural Ball
Wednesday – March 11, 2026
- Delegates Departure
- Breakfast on your own!
All delegates will be housed by region at the Embassy Suites Nashville SE, located at 1200 Conference Center Boulevard in Murfreesboro. The Embassy Suites will also serve as the official Congress headquarters.
Most meals will be special events sponsored by friends and supporters of 4-H. Delegates will be responsible for Sunday dinner, Monday Lunch, and Wednesday breakfast on their own.
If parents or guardians need to contact a delegate during Congress, they may call the Embassy Suites Nashville SE at 615-890-4464.
Knowing what to wear for Tennessee 4-H Congress can be a challenge—especially if this is your first time attending. Remember, you are representing your county and the 4-H program. You’ll meet state officials, legislators, donors, and other guests, so it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
The most important rule is simple: your appearance should always be neat, clean, and professional.
Use the following dress code guidelines to help you plan and pack for the event.
As a Tennessee 4-H Congress delegate, you serve as an ambassador for more than 184,000 4-H members across the state. Represent them well through your active participation, respectful behavior, and professional appearance throughout the event.
Remember:
- Be on time—or early—for every session and event.
- Listen carefully. Donors, university officials, and 4-H alumni will share valuable insights during Congress. Show respect and interest through your attentiveness.
- Keep cellphones put away during meals and assemblies.
- Express gratitude by writing thank-you notes to sponsors, leaders, agents, and parents.
- Share your experience when you return home. Take notes and be ready to give an engaging report of your Congress experience.
4-H Congress Competitions and Activities
Tennessee 4-H Congress offers a variety of experiences designed to strengthen leadership, communication, and citizenship skills. Delegates take part in competitions, elections, and service projects that showcase their talents and commitment to their communities. From portfolio submissions and public speaking to history challenges and hands-on service, each activity helps participants grow as leaders and engaged citizens.
The Leadership and Citizenship Portfolios recognize outstanding 4-H members who demonstrate leadership, service, and personal growth through their project work. These portfolios highlight a member’s accomplishments, goals, and community involvement and include an interview where participants share how 4-H has shaped their development as leaders and citizens.
There are two divisions: Senior Level I (9th–10th grade) and Senior Level II (11th–12th grade). In both divisions, the project achievement portfolio counts 50% of the total score, and the interview counts 50%. Finalists from across Tennessee compete during Tennessee 4-H Congress, which serves as the state event for these categories. All other senior high portfolios are judged and recognized at Tennessee 4-H Roundup.
During the interview, all participants are seated at a table facing the judges. Only the contestant and the judges are present in the room.
- Level I (9th–10th grade): Participants are interviewed through questions only and may not use visuals. Instead, they must bring four copies of their resume to the interview.
- Level II (11th–12th grade): Participants are also interviewed through questions only and may not use visuals. Judges receive copies of each finalist’s resume from the project achievement portfolio, but contestants are encouraged to bring their own copies as well.
Winners receive top honors, including scholarships, engraved silver bowls, and, for Level II winners, a trip to National 4-H Congress.
Portfolios for 4-H Citizenship and Leadership competition are due into the State 4-H Office by January 30th. For a guide to assembling a 4-H portfolio, please click on the following link: 4-H Portfolios.
Score Cards
Each year, one of the highlights of Congress is the election of officers when delegates actually get to use voting machines to select their own State 4-H Congress Governor, Speaker of the Senate, and Speaker of the House. A regional caucus is held prior to Congress to nominate candidates to run for office. To be eligible to run for a Congress office, delegates must be approved by the state 4-H office for membership in the Tennessee 4-H Honor Club. Following nominations, the election goes into full swing. Installation of the new officers is held at the final banquet on Tuesday night.
Eligibility of Candidates
- A member of the current state 4-H council cannot run for a Congress office and cannot resign his/her current council position in order to be eligible to run for a Congress office.
- All candidates must be approved by the state 4-H office for membership in the Tennessee 4-H Honor Club.
- A candidate must be enrolled in the 9th or 10th grade on January 1 of the current year.
Eligibility of Delegates
- All delegates must be duly registered in order to vote. To register, delegates will complete a voter registration form and receive back a voter registration certificate prior to election day.
- Current Congress officers are serving as leaders at Congress rather than delegates. Therefore, they should not register to vote. Likewise, public speaking, citizenship and leadership contestants, special acts and others who are not official Congress delegates should not register to vote.
- Only official voting delegates are eligible to serve as campaign managers or to take an active part in campaigning.
Voting
- Only senators vote for senators and representatives vote for representatives. Both senators and representatives vote for Governor.
- If there is a tie, delegates will vote in a run-off election.
- There will be no absentee voting.
Voting Reminders for Delegates
- You will receive a voter registration certificate at breakfast on Tuesday. You will not be allowed to vote without your certificate.
- You should be on time to vote. The polls open at 7:45 a.m. They will close at the time designated on the schedule.
- When you enter the polling area, check in at your region’s table. A volunteer will direct you to the correct machine.
- You will be using official voting machines for the elections. If you need assistance with operating the machine, a volunteer will be on hand to assist you.
- You must have your voter registration certificate punched by a volunteer working the election. Keep your certificate in case there is a run-off election. You must show your card (with the hole punched) in order to vote in a run-off election.
- For the first ballot, you will have two votes for each race. In case of a tie, there will be a second vote and you will vote for one person per race.
Campaign Material
- No campaign materials of any sort is allowed in the capitol.
- No campaign materials of any sort on tables at meals.
- No handouts, banners, or posters are allowed in the capitol or any assembly area – only that worn on the person is permitted.
- Each candidate will submit two campaign videos. Video requirements are:
- The videos should be 15 seconds and 45 seconds in length.
- Speakers should be in a quiet environment so the viewers can hear them.
- Try to video in a light, clean environment. Ensure the speaker is comfortable (not squinting, sweating, or in lighting that makes them washed out/ dark.)
- Do not wear any tight patterned shirts.
- When videoing on your phone, you must hold the phone HORIZONTALLY.
- Videos should be submitted to the regional 4-H program leader two weeks before Congress.
- Each candidate will also submit one powerpoint (or presenter) slide for campaign purposes.
- Slides will be created using a widescreen format (13.33 in W X 7.5 in H).
- Slides should be submitted to the regional 4-H program leader two weeks before Congress.
- Slides will be displayed on monitors in the hotel.
Speeches and Appearances
- Candidates for Speaker of Senate and House are given 3 minutes each at their respective Know Your Government sessions on Monday morning. Only the candidates may speak.
- Candidates for Governor are given 3 minutes each at the Monday evening assembly. Only the candidates may speak. Following the speeches, each candidate will answer a question asked by the Governor, drawn randomly from a pool of questions developed by the current Congress officers in conjunction with the state 4-H staff.
- In the case of a tie a run-off election will be held, and candidates for the contested race(s) will have a chance to give 1-minute speeches between ballots.
The 4-H Public Speaking Contest helps youth strengthen their confidence, communication, and leadership skills through the power of spoken words. Participants advance from county to regional competitions, with top Senior High speakers earning the opportunity to compete at the state contest during Tennessee 4-H Congress. This event highlights excellence in public speaking and celebrates the voice of Tennessee 4-H members.
For more information about the 4-H Public Speaking Contest, visit the public speaking contest page.
The 4-H History Bowl challenges teams to test their knowledge of Tennessee and 4-H history through fast-paced, friendly competition. This event encourages teamwork, quick thinking, and pride in our state’s agricultural and youth development heritage. The state contest is held during Tennessee 4-H Congress, where regional winners come together to showcase what they know and celebrate the legacy of 4-H in Tennessee.
For more information about the 4-H History Bowl, visit the History Bowl contest page.
The 4-H Poster Contest gives members the chance to express their creativity while promoting 4-H values and programs through original artwork. Participants design posters that inspire others to learn more about 4-H and the opportunities it provides. The state-level contest is held during Tennessee 4-H Congress, where top entries from each region are displayed and recognized.
For more information about the 4-H Poster Contest, visit the poster contest page.
Delegates to the 2026 Tennessee 4-H Congress will take part in a fun and meaningful “Hands to Larger Service” project—Penny Wars! The goal is to raise money for Tennessee 4-H Camp Scholarships, helping more youth experience the excitement, learning, and friendship that camp offers.
During 4-H Congress, the Western, Central, and Eastern Regions will face off in a friendly competition to see who can collect the most change. Every penny, nickel, dime, and dollar counts toward giving a young person the chance to attend 4-H camp.
Counties are encouraged to promote this service project locally and get their communities involved. Collect spare change at club meetings, schools, and community events to add to your region’s total. Together, we can make a difference—one penny at a time.
We strongly encourage counties to promote this service project countywide, not just with county 4-H Congress delegations.
While in the state capitol, delegates to Tennessee 4-H Congress have the opportunity to sit in the seat of their elected officials to the state legislature and vote on a bill. Delegates should study the bills and resolutions before their legislative session. They will have the opportunity to state their views and try to influence their peers regarding the bills introduced during the “Know Your Government” sessions of Congress.
Bills and the Resolution
Volunteer Orientation Information | Volunteer Expectations | Awards and Recognition Handbook | Volunteers at Out-of-County Events
