So, you say there are a few things you want to
know about this 4-H organization like…
title
Where did 4-H get its name?
The first use of the term 4-H club in a federal document appeared in 1918 in a bulletin written by Gertrude L. Warren. By 1924, wider use of the name 4-H was adopted. This was used thereafter throughout the world.
Why is the 4-H clover green and white?
The green clover, nature's most common color, symbolizes life, springtime, and youth. The white H's symbolize purity.
And, what do those H's stand for, anyway?
Head, Heart, Hands, and Health
Head:
Clear thinking: problem solving; decision
making; critical thinking skills; visionary leadership; knowledge useful throughout
life.
Heart:
Greater loyality: strong personal values;
positive self-concept; productive family and peer realtionships; informal
citizenship.
Hands:
Larger service: workforce preparedness; useful
skills; science and technology literacy; community service.
Health:
Better living: healthy personal lifestyles;
promoting environmental stewardship; creating communities that are safe and nuturing
for youth and their families.
So, now that I know what the colors and H's stand for, where did the 4-H clover come from?
The first emblem design was a three-leaf clover introduced by O.H. Benson, sometime between 1907 and 1908. At that time, the three H's stood for head, heart and hands. In 1911, Benson expressed a need for 4 H's. He suggested that the H's stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Hustle. In 1911, 4-H club leaders approved the present 4-H design. In 1924, the 4-H emblem was patented and in 1939, Congress passed a law protecting the use of the 4-H name and clover, with a slight revision in 1948. Bensen's Hustle didn't make it as the fourth H, but O.B. Martin's suggestion of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health did and has been used universally since then.
Now, how does that 4-H pledge go again?
"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."
Otis Hall, State Leader of Kansas, is credited with the original wording of the 4-H pledge. It was officially adopted in 1927 by the State 4-H Leaders at the first National 4-H Camp. The pledge remained unchanged until 1973, when it was revised to include "and my world."
The 4-H Motto
"To Make the Best Better"
The 4-H Slogan
"Learn by Doing"
What is the mission of NC 4-H Youth Development?
The goal of 4-H is to assist youth and adults in becoming competent, coping, and contributing members of a global society, developing essential life skills through planned "learn by doing" experiences.
The 4-H Creed
I believe in 4-H club work for the opportunity it will give me to become a useful citizen.
I believe in the training of my HEAD for the power it will give me to think, plan and to reason.
I believe in the training of my HEART for the nobleness it will give me to be kind, sympathetic, and true.
I believe in the training of my HANDS for the ability it will give me to be helpful, skillful and useful.
I believe in the training of my HEALTH for the strength it will give me to enjoy life, resist disease and to work efficiently.
I believe in my country, my state, and my community and in my responsibility for their development.
In all these things I believe, and am willing to dedicate my efforts to their fulfillment.
