U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has proclaimed October 1-7 as National 4-H Week! 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the United States – a network of 500,000 volunteers and 3,500 4-H professionals that provides caring and supportive mentoring to 6 million 4-H’ers.
What is now known as National 4-H Week began as an outgrowth of World War II. Following Pearl Harbor, it was decided to postpone holding the National 4-H Camp in Washington, D.C. Soon after, 4-H leaders in Ohio announced their plans for a State 4-H Mobilization Week, focusing on what 4-H members could do for national defense. The idea was embraced by 4-H leaders nationwide and evolved into National 4-H Mobilization Week, which was observed in 1942, 1943 and 1944. Beginning in 1945, and every year since, it has been known as National 4-H Week.
You can read and download the Proclamation on National 4-H Week, 2023 – United States Department of Agriculture.
4-H Programs Empowering Youth
A statewide needs assessment conducted in 2020 and 2021identified that the highest-priority intergenerational need in Hawaii as healthy living, which encompasses food systems, relationships and physical health.
To address this need, Hawaii County Extension delivered educational programs and workshops to teach gardening, cooking and nutrition to individuals, including youths, families and older adults. Programs included nutrition field day activities for youths; online and in-person workshops and demonstrations on cooking and gardening; and a project that provided kupuna (older generation family members) with plants and gardening education.
As a result, 100% of youth participants in the Healthy Snacking class made a new recipe and learned something new about food safety. Youth participants in the propagation lesson achieved a 70% survival rate of cuttings after 20 days. Read more results here.
The South Dakota 4-H Legislature Program is a state-level civic and governmental education program allowing participants an opportunity to gain a better understanding of how state government operates.
During 2022, 14 youths (ages 14-18 years old) participated in the 4-H Legislature program. They experienced improved interpersonal communication skills and confidence in a group setting. They learned essential skills for understanding the rights and responsibilities of being a South Dakota citizen and gained workforce and life skills that add value to themselves and their community. In the future, graduates of the 4-H Legislature program are well positioned to serve as inclusive community leaders and public servants.
Upcoming 4-H Event
Planning to attend the 2024 National 4-H Conference April 19-24 in Washington, D.C. Join NIFA for an informational session on November 16 to learn about the conference’s history, objectives, schedule, chaperone roles, policies and registration process.
