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When Albert B. Graham, a superintendent of schools in rural Ohio, gathered local youths together on a Saturday morning in January 1902, little did he know that this impromptu get-together to learn about agricultural experiments would be the genesis of the largest youth organization in the country. A century later, nearly 7 million youths across the nation benefit from 4-H programs.
4-H in the Hoosier State
4-H reaches nearly 300,000 Indiana youths each year through clubs, school enrichment curricula, camps, after-school programs and community outreach. But more important than the numbers is the impact that 4-H has on the lives of the participants.
At last year's Indiana State Fair, Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan asked us to locate a 4-Her that he had watched in the show ring the previous evening. This particular youngster, who was about 12 years old, was dealing with an uncooperative steer. Though sorely frustrated by his animal's behavior, the young man did not give up. The lieutenant governor said that perseverance, which this youth so aptly displayed, is one of the many hallmarks of 4-H. He later caught up with the youth in the cattle barn and complimented him on his exemplary conduct.
As I travel around the state, the stories that I hear from 4-H members and alumni are equally compelling. People of all ages have told me how 4-H has introduced them to new activities, influenced their educational and career choices, and inspired them to serve their communities.
One of the best examples of this is the dedicated corps
of individuals who serve the Indiana 4-H Foundation. This group represents a cross-section of Indiana citizens from family farmers to corporate executives. But what they all have in common is a dedication to 4-H and a readiness to share their experiences with others.
The 4-H Foundation is also the driving force behind an ambitious
project to re-establish ties with Indiana's estimated 1 million
4-H alumni. Not only do we want to know where these former
members live and what they are doing, we want to tap their
collective resources for current 4-H programming. We encourage
all 4-H alumni to add their names to this registry.
Changing Times
In some ways, 4-H is much the same as it was a century ago, remaining true to its "learning-by-doing" educational philosophy. But 4-H also reflects the changing face of American youth. Not content to rest on our rich heritage, we continue to reach out to youth in diverse settings, including those in inner-city and at-risk environments.
Learning methods have changed, too. In the past, learning may have been centered around an agricultural experiment in a cornfield. Today, it may well be in the form of a Web site or interactive DVD and include life skills and workforce preparation. Youth have nearly 100 projects from which to learn—a far greater number than in the past. While the first 4-H projects, which were oriented toward agriculture and homemaking, still exist, we now offer aerospace, computers, small animals and photography, just to name a few.
Centennial Conversation
It seems fitting that, during our centennial year, we invited hundreds of youth and adults from around the state to take part in a series of "conversations" on
local issues and the role of youth. These conversations took place in
nearly every Indiana county and culminated in a statewide event. During these discussions, youths told us that they want to have a voice in local concerns, to be active in community organizations and to make a difference in the lives of others. The next step is for us to incorporate their ideas and help pave the way for more adult-youth partnerships. In short, we need to listen to them and learn from them.
As we embark on the next 100 years with our roots and mission firmly intact, we will continue to strive "to make the best better."
Editor's note: Janet
Gordon will retire Jan. 1, 2003 after serving Purdue Extension since 1973.
Related links:
National 4-H Council |
