Making The Best Better
4-H has been there for numerous generations of kids. It’s one of the oldest and largest youth development programs in the nation and has reached millions of young people over its long life span. The support of government, foundations, corporations, and individuals is what enables 4-H to continue to enhance the lives of thousands of young people every year. Sad then that support for 4-H programs has been steadily shrinking away. Memories of my own involvement in 4-H growing up are some of my fondest, and that even includes giving demonstrations. Right now teens are campaigning, giving speeches and learning about the political process during 4-H Know Your Government conferences at state capitols. Some of the nation’s top movers and shakers were once 4-H members. The 4-H pledge, and yes I can still recite it, says it all: I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living. For my club, my community, my country, and my world. The last thing any of us should want to see is for the 4-H program to disappear, because it truly can “make the best better”.