Celebrate National 4-H Week Oct. 6-12

Familiar words to countless Michigan Farm Bureau members, whether as a youth or volunteer:

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.

Why? Because 4-H launched many of our leadership journeys.

Clare County Farm Bureau member Erika Schunk — also District 10’s representative on MFB’s state Promotion & Education committee — shared the impact 4-H is now having on her own kids.

“Being involved in our local 4-H has so many advantages. My kids are learning the importance of giving and serving the community in which they live and work,” Schunk said. “They’re learning what it means to work together and the importance of discipline, whether that’s attending meetings or tending to their 4-H animals and projects.”  

National 4-H Week 2024 — Oct. 6-12 — is a time to celebrate the program’s impact, and Michigan 4-H has given us several ways to celebrate:

Wear Your 4-H Gear — Nothing says 4-H pride like a 4-H tee! Dress yourself (or the entire family, pets included!) in 4-H green-n-clover gear.

Shout-Out a 4-H’er — Recognize the hard work and dedication of 4-H’ers by shouting out one youth or an entire club on social media, in a local newspaper or other media. You can also utilize your county Farm Bureau social media to recognize your local youth and volunteers involved in 4-H.

Storefront Displays/Information Booths — In some communities, you can ask local businesses, including your local Farm Bureau insurance agent, to display 4-H posters, flyers, showcase the work of 4-H’ers, or host a table to share information about your local 4-H program.

Become a 4-H Volunteer —If you’re a 4-H alum, parent or recent 4-H ‘graduate’, you might be looking for ways to stay connected. Consider giving some of your time to a local 4-H program as a volunteer.

Share Your 4-H Story — Take to social media to share a 4-H memory, express how 4-H shaped who you are today, describe what 4-H means to you, post an old 4-H photo, or shout-out your 4-H club. 

Have a 4-H Reunion — Gather your old 4-H friends and spend some time together reminiscing on your 4-H experience or recreate a 4-H project together!

Send a 4-H ‘Thank You’ — We all have a reason to thank our local 4-H staff, leaders and supporters. To show your appreciation, send a handwritten thank-you note to someone who has supported youth and made a difference. Take time at your next board meeting to write notes to 4-H staff and leaders making an impact on your county.  

Raise Awareness – On Oct. 9, Michigan 4-H and MSU Extension will host the second Michigan 4-H Day at the Capitol. Join this exciting education and awareness event to help elevate knowledge of Michigan 4-H and share the impact of its programming across Michigan. Learn more online.

Give Back — Local programs are always looking for resources to continue growing 4-H for the future, help programs thrive by supporting your county 4-H program, either monetarily or with your skills. Contact your local 4-H program to find out what their needs may be.

The 4-H pledge is more than just a pledge; it’s a way of living for many Farm Bureau members. Let’s find a way to celebrate the organization that has helped shape many of us and is continuing to build future leaders in our organization. 

Adapted from Michigan 4-H.