4-H is more than a club.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H is about having fun, learning, exploring and discovering. In 4-H, young people make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders and help shape their communities. About 50,000 Wisconsin youth are enrolled members of 4-H clubs in Wisconsin. Another 195,000 Wisconsin youth get involved in 4-H through special educational opportunities at school, in after school programs, or at neighborhood or youth centers. These youth live in cities, suburbs, small towns and rural communities.

4-H gives them a chance to pursue their own interests – from photography to computers, from building rockets to raising sheep. A list of 4-H projects is available online. They go places – to camp, to state and national conferences, even to other countries on 4-H exchange programs. They learn to be leaders and active citizens.

In 4-H clubs, they serve as officers and learn to conduct meetings, handle club funds, and facilitate group decision-making. In a growing number of communities, 4-H youth serve as youth representatives in municipal or county government or as members of Teen Courts. They give back to their communities. 4-H members get involved in volunteer projects to protect the environment, mentor younger children and help people who are less fortunate.

4-H experiences are designed to address the four essential elements of positive youth development: Belonging, Mastery, Generosity and Independence.

Essential element bookmark (2 pages, 300 KB, 2 per page, front and back of the handout) – Front and back of a handout featuring the four essential elements, with brief descriptions of the critical components of each element.

• 4-H Traditions – Pledge & Motto
• 4-H History
• Mission & Vision
• Demographics
• Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development State Staff

4-H Traditions

The 4-H Clover Emblem and Pledge Explained

The first 4-H emblem was a three-leaf clover, introduced sometime between 1907 and 1908. The three “H’s” represented head, heart and hands. In 1911, at a meeting of club leaders in Washington, a fourth “H” representing health was added and the current 4-H four-leaf clover emblem was approved. It is protected by the U.S. Congress. More information on Clover logo usage is available.

The 4-H pledge was worded by Otis Hall, Kansas state 4-H leader. It was approved at the first National 4-H Club Camp in 1927 in Washington, D.C. The words “my world” were added to the pledge in 1973. Their addition is the only change ever made to the 4-H pledge.

• HEAD stands for clearer thinking and decision-making. Knowledge that is useful throughout life.
• HEART stands for greater loyalty, strong personal values, positive self concept, concern for others.
• HANDS stands for larger service, workforce preparedness, useful skills, science and technology literacy.
• HEALTH stands for better living, healthy lifestyles.

4-H Pledge

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.

4-H Motto

To make the best better.

4-H History

• Early History of Wisconsin 4H (3 pages, 50 KB)
• Noteworthy Dates in 4-H History

Mission

UW-Extension 4-H Youth Development integrates research, education, and community-based  partnerships, enabling youth to learn and practice skills to be productive citizens.

• 4H Youth Development Mission and Vision Graphics – multicolor (1 page, 30 KB)
• 4-H Youth Development Mission Graphic — White and Green (1 page, 1,296 KB)
• 4H Youth Development Vision Graphic – white and green (1 page, 1,058 KB)
• Cooperative Extension Mission

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Vision

4-H Youth Development: A catalyst for positive community youth development.

Wisconsin 4-H News

• 4-H in the News
• News from Cooperative Extension

Shawano County 4H Program is on Facebook!

If you have any questions regarding 4-H Youth Development in Shawano County, please contact:

	Megan Suehring 4-H Positive Youth Development Educator Shawano County Courthouse 311 North Main Street, Room 101 Shawano, WI 54166 Phone: 715-526-4869 Fax: 715-526-4875 Email: megan.suehring@co.shawano.wi.us
	Terri Brunner, 4-H Educator Shawano County Courthouse 311 N Main Street, Room 101 Shawano, WI 54166-2198 Phone: 715-526-6136 Fax: 715-526-4875 Email: terri.brunner@co.shawano.wi.us
	Charlotte Schwartz,  Office Assistant Shawano County Courthouse 311 N Main Street, Room 101 Shawano, WI 54166-2198 Phone: 715-526-6136 Fax: 715-526-4875 Email: charlotte.schwartz@co.shawano.wi.us