Allison Walbrecht creates opportunities for all youth to belong

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

Allison Walbrecht is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 9. Allison volunteers with the Lancaster County 4-H program and was nominated by Tracy Anderson, Nebraska Extension Educator in Lancaster County.

Allison Walbrecht is a Lancaster County 4-H member, a three-year 4-H leader for the Unified Showing 4-H Club, and a freshman at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Allison has a passion for giving opportunities to all and, as a result, had the idea to start the Unified Showing 4-H Club. This club allows youth with disabilities to participate in 4-H activities and learn about livestock, specifically lambs, through weekly meetings at her family’s farm. Allison pairs youth with disabilities with a teenage “buddy” who helps ensure the youths’ and animals’ safety. Together with their designated lamb, they learn how to care for their lamb, lead it in the ring, and show it

"Through the Unified Showing 4-H Club, Allison has helped youth with disabilities find their spark by providing a safe space to learn, practice, and participate," wrote Anderson. 

Tell us about yourself.

I am currently a Freshman Animal Science major at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, minoring in Engler Entrepreneurship and Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars.

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

Growing up as a fifth generation farmer on my family's cow calf operation I fell in love with agriculture, going to school in Lincoln I saw how this industry was not accessible to everyone. I love volunteering with 4-H because I get to feed my own passion of agriculture while watching youth fall in love with it as well.

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

In 2022 Unified Showing was in 3 counties, all of whom had their county fairs on the same day. My team helped over 40 participants show at 3 different county fairs in a matter of 8 hours. To watch all the hard work over the year pay off as youth who typically lack opportunities to be involved had bleachers packed with family, friends and community members all eager to cheer them on, was by far the most meaningful part.

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

Youth with disabilities unfortunately have limited opportunities within agriculture to be involved. Since starting this program I have seen kids come alive as they are able to connect with their animals, other youth with disabilities, and youth from the community who are eager to befriend them. When asking them what they are interested in doing when they grow up many say to continue working with animals. I have been fortunate enough to watch as they fall in love with agriculture and have myself been able to refall in love with it through their eyes.