About 4-HHistory HistoryThe 4-H Youth Development Program has its roots in serving disadvantaged youth and families in rural America. 4-H was formed in the early part of the twentieth century to extended knowledge and information from the state land-grant universities to local communities. An organization rooted in the rich tradition of American agriculture, 4-H today serves youth from urban centers as well as those living in suburbs and the rural heartland. 4-H looks back with pride at its past and looks ahead to a future of continued dedication to the development of young people 4-H is a program of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) which is a collaboration between federal, state, and county governments. Each county maintains a Cooperative Extension office with academic advisors who conduct research and extend knowledge in their areas of expertise. The 4-H youth development advisors work other staff and volunteers to deliver the 4-H program in your county. Purpose4-H is an educational Program to assist youth in their development by:
The 4-H program purpose is achieved through the development and support of leadership teams of staff, volunteers, youth and others who organize and conduct educational project experiences in community and family setting. 4-H TeamIn 4-H, members of the community work together as a teams to develop educational programs that meet the needs and interests of youth today. The team includes UCCE county directors, 4-H staff, adult volunteers and 4-H members. Each county Cooperative Extension office has a county director and professional 4-H staff who are responsible for providing a 4-H youth educational program and conducting and applying research in youth development. This is accomplished through collaboration with agencies, schools and volunteers in local communities. Adult volunteers are essential in carrying out the 4-H program. The role of the volunteers varies depending upon:
Volunteers may serve in a variety of roles. Some are project leaders who teach youth skills and knowledge in an area of interests. Others are units or community club leaders who organize clubs, groups, camps, and other programs. Resource leaders are available to provide information and expertise. In addition, volunteers may serve as helpers to other volunteers, assist with transportation or phone calls, or be responsible for all or a portion of an event or activity. Volunteers have the opportunity participate in management organizations Called 4-H Councils or Volunteer Management Organizations which work under the Direction of professional staff to set some county policies, plan and conduct activities and events, develop and maintain educational programs, and secure Resources in support of the program. Junior and teen leaders are another part of the leadership team. Junior leaders are 4-H members in the seventh through ninth grades and teen Leaders are in the tenth grade and above. These members participate in a Leadership Development project in order to learn leadership skills it is important for Adults to let the junior and teen leaders assume as much responsibility as possible. Guidelines for the Leadership Development projects can be found in 4-H booklet # 8043 |
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FundingCooperative Extension is an educational program publicly funded by three levels of government:
All three funding sources must exist for Cooperative Extension to establish local educational programming for youth and families. In addition, private sources of funding are solicited by foundations, councils, and sponsoring committees at the national, state and local levels. Local 4-H units also raise funds to support local goals and activities. Sources Of Funding for 4-H Programs:
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MembershipYouth are eligible to participate in 4-H as primary members if they are 5 years old or in kindergarten as of January 1 of the program year, they can enroll as regular members. Please note that if youth are home-schooled, the grade criterion does not apply. If you are 9 years old or in the 4th grade by January 1 of the program you may sign up as a regular member. Youth remain eligible for membership until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 19 years old. A 4-H group or club will be organized with at least one volunteer leader and three or more members. Each member in 4-H has one or more projects. Your leader can tell you about the projects. Projects are offered when leaders are available to work with members. Programming varies from county to county. Check with your local Extension office to learn what is offered for different age groups where you live. |
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Program Delivery4-H youth development programs can be delivered in a variety of ways:
One of the most well-known delivery methods of 4-H is the community-based club program which is operated primarily by volunteers. Members of clubs have the opportunity to conduct their own business meetings, learn how to provide leadership for younger members, and be involved in a wide variety of community service activities. The members also participate in projects in area of interest under the guidance of their volunteer leaders. Regardless of the type of 4-H program, the goal is to develop youth into capable, responsible, and caring adults. There is an emphasis on community service; leadership; and the development of skills and knowledge in decision-making, communication, working with others, and career preparation. |
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Working with YouthAdults who are responsible, and who demonstrate respect and confidence in youth, make effective leaders. The roles of 4-H volunteers include teaching and mentoring youth and coordinating activities. As a 4-H leader you should provide:
For instance:
Another important area that 4-H volunteers must address is that of safety. 4-H volunteers should:
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4-H PledgeYou have undertaken what could be one of the most important and meaningful experiences in your life. Helping young people develop into responsible adults is essential to the future of our country and our world. The 4-H pledge demonstrates this commitment well. I pledge... My Head to clearer thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, My Hands to larger service, My Health to better living For my club, my community, my country, and my world. |
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4-H EmblemThe 4-H Emblem is a four-leaf clover with the letter "H" on each leaf, representing:
The leaves of the clover are green and the "H"s are white. The white is for purity; green is nature's most common color and symbolizes youth, life, and growth. |
