Greg Newing
BRISTOL – Bristol resident Gillian MacDougall was appointed Quebec 4-H’s new provincial coordinator on March 14 and officially began her role on April 2.
4-H is a nationwide organization that engages youth aged 6 to 25 in agriculture-based educational and volunteer initiatives. Prior to her appointment, MacDougall served on Quebec 4-H’s board of directors and was the leader of the Shawville 4-H Club – one of the largest in the province with about 80 members. She owns a beef farm with her husband and has 10 years experience working at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. She was also a long-time member of the Ormstown 4-H club before moving to Bristol.
In a press release, Paige Frost, Quebec 4-H president, highlighted MacDougall’s commitment to the organization and her strong leadership abilities. “She impressed us in each step of this rigorous selection process. We can’t wait to see what she will bring to our organization and how we will evolve,” said Frost.
As coordinator, MacDougall will be the lead administrator at the provincial level and act as the main link between Quebec 4-H and the national 4-H organization. She will also support clubs across the province in organizing events and activities, assist members and volunteers, and coordinate provincial events like the annual Provincial Rally.
In an interview with CHIP 101.9, MacDougall said one of her goals this year is to diversify the 4-H’s projects and activities, which have recently expanded to include opportunities to learn public speaking, mechanics, and photography in addition to agricultural skills and abilities. She’s excited to connect with clubs across the province, support members, and attract new members to the organization.
“One of the main things about 4-H is helping our youth to become strong community leaders,” said MacDougall. “Growing up as a member of 4-H, I was able to develop my voice as a leader and build friendships. Giving back to the organization as a young adult was a wonderful thing as well as seeing the ways we give back to local youth now as a parent,” she concluded.
