Mission Statement
4-H Pledge
The 4-H pledge describes how 4-H helps youth develop and grow in positive ways.
- Head stands for decision making, planning, organizing, problem solving and using knowledge throughout life.
- Heart stands for strong personal values, positive self-concept, concern for others, cooperation and communication.
- Hands stands for volunteering, community service, preparing for the world of work, science and technology literacy, and useful skills.
- Health stands for healthy lifestyles, character, ethics, stress management and disease prevention.
"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."
4-H Motto: "To Make the Best Better"
The 4-H motto encourages each member to do his or her best and improve the next time, so his or her "best" becomes "better." Members stretch their abilities and capacities to reach their full potential.
4-H Slogan: "Learn By Doing"
The philosophy of the 4-H program provides opportunities for youth to gain "hands-on" experience to enhance their learning.
Description
4-H is a community of young people across America learning citizenship, leadership, and life skills. 4-H programs can be found in three expansive mission mandates: Science; Citizenship; and Healthy Living.
The 4-H program aims to educate youth in arts and sciences and to encourage fellowship and service opportunities. With continued urban sprawl, 4-H continues to develop new projects for its members to study beyond agriculture and animal husbandry, including photography, conservation, cooking, public speaking, shooting sports, history, art, and other pursuits.
4-H is often associated with summer camps, county fairs and state fairs. 4-H has spread out across the world and regularly awards and sponsors the International 4-H Youth Exchange, trips, and cultural events
Although having embraced many new fields of endeavor over the years, 4-H retains a strong connection to its roots in agriculture and the associated values of thrift, invention, education, compassion, conservation, encouragement, service, and general happiness and well-being.
