View from the Cab: Happy 4-H Week
By Kent Casson
This is the week when we spotlight a great youth organization.
National 4-H Week 2024 runs Oct. 6-12. 4-H continues to help young people prepare for future success. It is America’s largest youth development organization, empowering almost six million young people with leadership skills to last a lifetime.
4-H believes in the power of youth and feels every child has strengths and influence to improve our world. 4-H is made possible through Cooperative Extension which includes over 100 universities across the country that provide experiences where kids learn by doing.
According to the National 4-H website found at www.4-h.org, the organization believes in the potential of all young people, ensuring access and equity for all, the power of America’s leading public universities and creating safe, diverse and inclusive environments.
There are countless program areas youth can focus on within 4-H such as STEM, agriculture, healthy living and civic engagement. 4-H’ers are four times more likely to give back to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices and two times more likely to participate in STEM activities.
Kids get to experience 4-H in every county and parish in the country through in-school and after-school programs. The organization’s reach is limitless – all the way from urban neighborhoods to rural farming communities and everywhere in between.
This year’s theme for National 4-H Week is “Beyond Ready.” Building a ready generation in a world of change, 4-H gives youth skills for the future while meeting them where they are today.
There are plenty of benefits of 4-H, including life skills to lead, hands-on experiences and growth of true leaders.
If you are looking for ideas to celebrate 4-H this week, here are some suggestions from University of Illinois Extension:
-Put up lawn signs.
-Ask someone about changing their social medial profile picture to 4-H.
-Write letters to congressional leaders or local legislators about how important 4-H is.
-Plant a tree in honor of 4-H.
-Take a plate of 4-H cookies to local businesses with an appreciation poster for them to post.
Happy 4-H week, everyone!
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