Soybean Ambassador Program Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders

2013 GOALS

The Minnesota Soybean Ambassador Program strives to create a learning environment for the development of young leaders in the soybean industry. Participation in the ambassador program is designed to increase knowledge and perception of the soybean industry and its issues. Additionally, this program will develop a support system for participants as leaders in the Minnesota soybean industry.

OBJECTIVES

1. To develop future leaders for the soybean industry and ag organizations.
2. To instill a commitment to the soybean industry in young people by providing them with opportunities to become actively involved.
3. To provide leadership and communication skills through hands-on experiences.
4. To establish a network that will support and help further develop young leaders.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Applicants must be 18 years of age, but not over 22 years of age, by January 1 of the year they compete for the ambassador program.
2. Applicants must be in a 2-year or 4-year post-secondary ag-related education program. Applicants must have a strong interest in the future of the soybean industry and agriculture.
3. Applicants must be able to commit to a one-year term, beginning in June 2013.
4. Applicants will need strong communication and leadership skills.
5. An individual may participate in the Minnesota Soybean Ambassador Program twice, as long as the qualification requirements are met.
6. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable under our commercial vehicle policy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as a spokesperson for the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.

Attend at least:

• 1 MSGA Board Meeting
• 1 MSR&PC Board Meeting

Attend soybean program activities as requested such as MN State Fair, Farmfest, and Ag Expo

Attend the Minnesota Ag Leadership Institute in June/July 2013

At the end of your term as Ambassador, write an article about your experiences for publication in the Soybean Business Magazine

REWARDS

All finalists selected for an interview will receive an appreciation gift. Up to three Minnesota Soybean Ambassadors will receive:

• A scholarship of $2,000. The first half of the scholarship will be paid after your first semester. The second half will be paid after your second semester
• Soybean clothing
• Business cards and a name tag
• Establishing yourself as a leader
• Opportunities for TWO Additional $250 Stipends
• A soybean-related newspaper article
• Attendance at a county event such as plot day or annual meeting
• Participate in your sponsoring-county’s soybean booth at the County Fair
• Attend a foreign trade team visit

Calendar of Events for the Minnesota Soybean Ambassadors

June

Ambassador Activities begin
Parades Breakfasts on the Farm

July

Ag Ambassador Institute*
Parades

August

FarmFest*
Parades
Soybean Day at the MN State Fair*

September

Trade Team Events
November – March
Your County’s Annual Meeting*(if scheduled)

January

MSGA Annual Meeting*
Your County’s Annual Meeting* (if scheduled)

February

Your County’s Annual Meeting* (if scheduled)

March

Your County’s Annual Meeting* (if scheduled)

April

Soy Month Activity as determined by the Consumer Education Committee

*Required events

Note: These events are typical, but are by no means comprehensive.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Submit a completed application and the Personal Profile provided.
2. Submit a typed essay (minimum 600 words – 1000 words maximum) sharing your opinion on a soybean-related subject of your choice. Facts and research will assist your essay writing, but do not submit a research paper. (Sample topics include new uses for soybeans, soybean disease and pest research, agriculture literacy and image campaigns, international trade, marketing, soy foods and health, etc.)
3. Please submit a wallet size photo with your application.
4. The DUE DATE for all application materials is March 1, 2013.
5. Review of all applications will be conducted by an independent panel.
6. Once a maximum of 10 finalists are selected, interviews will be conducted and up to three Soybean Ambassadors will be chosen, by May 1, 2013.