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The other day I was teaching a bullying prevention program at a rural South Georgia school. I showed the group a picture of myself as a 4‑H’er at an event. I looked happy, was holding a tomato, in a green 4‑H sports coat, and smiling. I asked the group to tell me something about the person in the picture, or something they had noticed about me since I had started the class. I got things like, “You like tomatoes,” others told me, “You look happy.” Both of these things were correct, at least for that moment. I did look happy, and at that event I was, but what about every other time? I explained to these middle schoolers that just by looking at this picture, and talking to me they could not tell that I had been bullied, that I cried myself to sleep many times, that I planned suicide, that my father left my family when I was young, or that I felt unloved.

Today many of our nation’s youth are experiencing these same adversities. They may not all have a parent who left, they may not all contemplate suicide, but many are experiencing harsh words and actions by their peers in our schools, communities, and gatherings. I was told that I was aggravating, ugly, fat, stupid, different, gay, and many other names. Unfortunately, the more you are told these things the more you believe them.

I would not be here today had it not been for a caring family that recognized something was wrong, and for my involvement in the 4‑H program. At 4‑H I felt loved. I knew that there were 4‑H Agents and friends who liked me, wanted me to succeed, and be the best I could be. 4‑H taught me to be strong, and then to go help others; to help any other person who had experienced what I had. Most importantly, 4‑H taught me that normal does not exist. There is no such thing as a normal family, person, school, community, or anything. We are all different, and we bring different skills to the table – 4‑H taught me how to be me.

I was grateful to have a loving family, and a loving 4‑H family who supported me every step along the way, but so many do not have these support systems. It is our duty as 4‑H members, as 4‑H educators, and as 4‑H alumni to bring to these youth the message of self-worth, to bring a family of support, to bring ourselves to help others in need. This is not a strange concept for 4‑H; this is what it’s been doing for 114 years. Together we can save a child, win a battle, and make a difference.

Tony Frank is the president of Colorado State University, Chancellor of the Colorado State University System, and a 4‑H alum. He had some of his earliest experiences with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects in his local 4‑H chapter in rural Illinois, before going on to earn a college degree in biology and a doctorate in veterinary medicine. He also had some of his first leadership experiences in 4‑H, and now leads a university with more than 29,000 students.

I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with him about 4‑H when he was growing up, and where it’s going today.

 

You were in 4‑H in the 1960s and 70s. What kinds of things were 4‑H’ers doing then?

Tony Frank (TF): A lot of livestock and farm projects. I did cattle and hogs, some veterinary science projects—which wound up becoming my career when I went on to vet school after college. And as I went through 4‑H, I held a lot of officer positions—secretary treasurer, president, vice president.

Did you learn any skills in those 4‑H leadership roles that you use today as president of Colorado State University?

TF: Virtually everything you need to know as a leader you experience in those 4‑H offices. As secretary, you learn the importance of getting other people involved to get work done, and as treasurer you learn the importance of the trust that comes with dealing with other people’s money and funds. As the vice president, you learn to put other people first, and then as the president you learn what it’s like to represent a group of people.

At the end of the day, it’s those basic things—how do you get people involved, how do you make sure everyone’s voice is heard, how do you represent your constituents faithfully—those are the things good leaders have in every organization.


I’m happy to hear that, because developing leadership skills is still very important in 4‑H. We still have those roles and try to create more leadership positions so that more young people can learn critical life skills.

TF: I don’t think I realized at that time what I was getting out of those 4‑H leadership roles. I think without realizing it, I was part of one of the greatest leadership programs out there, and that’s 4‑H.


Did you learn anything else in 4‑H that is relevant to your life today?

TF: One of the first science-oriented projects I ever did was a 4‑H project. It was keeping track of data in a livestock project. There were many pieces of that which came to replicate my tasks later on as a researcher.


As an educator, do you think 4‑H does a good job of getting kids interested in STEM?

TF:  4‑H finds exciting ways to draw young people into STEM. Those might be animal-related projects, rocketry projects or robotics projects. Those are all great ways to get young people involved, but the important things are the underpinnings. Not only are there a lot of job opportunities in STEM, but it’s also a critical aspect of what we do as a country. It’s critical to our global economic competitiveness.


Were you thinking about any of these things back when you were 18 and in 4‑H? What was important to you then?

TF: The world was a much smaller place in general back in the late 60s and early 70s. I certainly didn’t have much of a worldview. If I were to tell you what my greatest goal was, it was probably to get an 8-track player for my pickup truck.

Today, 18-year-olds are a lot more focused on their future and more connected to a much larger world. I think 4‑H helps open the world up for a lot of kids.


What did you wish you knew when you were 18?

TF: I wish I had known that there were so many opportunities out there. There were so many more things that I could have participated in through 4‑H, like state-level leadership activities, the national organization, and even international opportunities.  Those things add a great deal of value, and I sure wish I knew those opportunities were there.


As the head of a university, you work with plenty of young people. What advice do you give your students who are 18?

TF: First, take advantage of all the opportunities that are out there. There are always more opportunities than you realize at 18.  Just dig in and immerse yourself; get involved in as many things as you can because they’ll all benefit you.

And secondly, know that there’s a lot of time ahead of you. I think that there’s a sense of urgency sometimes. At 18. you don’t realize that you have a very long life ahead of you. So while you should immerse yourself in your opportunities, you should also take risks and try things. Some things won’t work out, but you’ll have a lot of chances to redirect. Over the course of your life you can have so many opportunities to serve in leadership roles in your community. You’ll find the right place to make a difference.


Anything else you want to add about your 4‑H experience?

TF: I want to thank all the volunteer leaders. They made a big difference in my life and I know in the lives of so many other 4‑H’ers.

As we continue our spotlight of 4‑H Grown alumni and sharing the impact 4‑H has had on their lives, we are excited to celebrate a very special 4‑H alumna, Martha Ann Miller, who will be celebrating her 105th birthday on August 6!

Martha Ann Miller is a phenomenal woman who is a strong part of our 4‑H and American history. Through 4‑H, she was named the State Baking Champion at the young age of 14, being the youngest to receive the award in Indiana at the time. As a result, she received a scholarship to Purdue State University, earned a trip to Washington, D.C., and was one of many 4‑H’ers to meet President Calvin Coolidge in 1926.

As an adult, Mrs. Miller became a teacher in Virginia in 1952, where she taught at the first integrated school in the state.

“The principal asked the teachers if we would be willing to teach black students,” she shares in her book, The First Century, And Not Ready for the Rocking Chair Yet. “Some teachers refused. I personally felt it was an insult to be asked this kind of question, and I, of course, volunteered, considering it an honor to have the students in my classroom.”

coolidge

Martha Ann Miller (right) pictured with President Calvin Coolidge (1926)

In the past year, Martha Ann Miller has shared her story in USA Today, visited the National 4‑H Conference Center for the first time, and walked the green carpet at the 2016 National 4‑H Council Legacy Awards.
Happy Birthday, Martha Ann Miller! And thank you for continuing to share your support and passion as a 4-H Grown alum!
Lazarus Lynch is only 22, but he’s already making waves in the culinary world. Lazarus, whose father owned a restaurant, now offers healthier takes on classic soul food on his website, Son of a Southern Chef. He has appeared on the Food Network and the Cooking Channel, and he’s working on a cookbook. Unsurprisingly, he’s also a 4‑H alum.

Lazarus, who grew up in New York City, got involved with 4‑H as a sophomore in high school when he joined the group for a week in Washington, D.C., with other young leaders. “I remember on the last day, I cried because it was over,” he said. “I never looked back from there.”

At 22, Lazarus is now a youth member of the board of National 4‑H Council. “This is a group you’ll feel connected to forever,” he said. “I have lifelong friends because of 4‑H.”

We talked to Lazarus about how being a part of 4‑H helped him get where he is today.

How did being a part of 4‑H help you become a better leader?

Lazarus Lynch (LL): It taught me to be conscious of the world around me. That means taking note of the issues and the people around you and compassionately responding. Because being a leader is really about serving others.

4‑H also taught me how important listening is. When I traveled around New York, I would listen to the stories of kids who grew up on farms and whose parents were in 4‑H. I didn’t have that story, but I knew I could learn from them. Because at the end of the day we were all there for the same reason: We believed our voices mattered, and we believed in the ability of young people to respond to issues that mattered to us.

What makes 4‑H unique when it comes to growing true leaders?

LL: 4‑H believes in the possibility of young people. It teaches kids that we’re powerful, that we’re not broken, that we can do things—we can do great things.

It’s not just another after school program. It’s about creating a conversation that reflects service and that really inspires you to speak up. We were thinking about issues that others kids maybe had never thought about. Like, how will we feed 7 billion people by the year 2050? Or how do we use robotics and STEM to create different kinds of technologies for people with disabilities? Those were questions we were asking ourselves in high school.

lazlynch-gtlexperience-1
How is what you learned in 4‑H helping you become a leader in the culinary world now?

LL: 4‑H has taught me those soft skills you need to lead, like commitment and follow-through and responsibility. For example, my website, Son of a Southern Chef, requires my dedication and commitment. I think some people think it kind of happens organically, but there’s actually a lot of work that goes into it. So I use those skills every day.

It has also given me opportunities. Being a youth board member gives me a platform that I wouldn’t have otherwise, and I’ve met other board members I would not have gotten to meet otherwise. I’ve also worked for the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., where I was learning about the farm bill or speaking one-on-one with the secretary of agriculture.

Your father was a chef and a restaurant-owner, and you learned a lot from him. You even called your website “Son of a Southern Chef.” In what ways was he a role model for you when it comes to leadership?

LL: My father was a business-owner all my life. He only ever worked for himself. He had a sense of confidence and leadership that I took for granted for many years.

He taught me about believing in yourself, believing that your dreams matter, and believing that you’re capable of pursuing your dreams. My dad barely passed high school because in his senior year my oldest brother was born. That was a real challenge for him, and he overcame that. He didn’t relent. He went to work, and then he started his own business when he was, like, 22.

He showed me a lot about being a man— what a man looks like today: Someone who takes care of their family, who provides, who is a good listener, who is a good father. He was just second to none, and that’s the kind of dad I want to be for my kids one day.

Michelle Perez has lived and breathed 4‑H since she was seven years old. As a member of Kansas 4‑H, she was involved in a variety of projects including beef, swine, and poultry, in addition to creating her own projects that were the first of their kind.

Now the mother of two boys, whom she proudly describes as “born and bred in 4‑H,” Michelle serves the 4‑H community as part of the local County Fair Board, where she helps determine what awards will be provided for all project areas at the county fair.

When she became part of the awards committee, she wanted to make sure grand champions were honored with something extra special. After years of involvement in 4‑H as a youth, an extension educator, a volunteer, and a 4‑H agent, Michelle knew how much time and dedication 4‑H’ers put into their projects and the fair, and she wanted to honor them accordingly.

To meet this need, Michelle, with the assistance of sponsors and the County Fair Board, began a tradition of awarding grand champions with a belt buckle that matched their species. She very quickly identified that there were several species not yet represented, and contacted the 4‑H Mall.

With Michelle’s help, the 4‑H Mall has introduced three brand-new belt buckles: rabbit, poultry and sheep. Through her expertise and dedication to the 4‑H community, the 4‑H Mall has become more inclusive and now offers more 4‑H’ers the special gifts that highlight their great achievements.

We are so thankful for Michelle and for people like her, who have a passion for 4‑H and speak up to make the community better for everyone. See the new belt buckles on 4‑HMall.org, and keep your eye out for the 4‑H Mall’s newest addition – the dairy goat belt buckle!

California 4-H

Erika is a California 4-H volunteer and a mother of two children who both participate in 4-H. Here’s her story:

“4-H is very important to me, and gives me the opportunity to help my community. It is also an opportunity to support my two children in educational programs. I volunteer at many events in my community and I try to set a good example to my children. Sharing with others our time and talents is the best way to help! . . . We have two clubs and our vision is to open more! Ours is a small community with a large number of Hispanic and low-income students; 4-H will help many families!

THANKS 4-H!”

"El programa ayudara a muchas familias. ¡GRACIAS 4-H!" - Erika, California 4-H

Kyle is a Delaware 4-H alum who is currently majoring in agribusiness:

4-H has impacted Kyle’s life in many ways. It has given him the direction and guidance to work toward and achieve his goals. Kyle comes from what is considered to be an underserved community. His influence in that community and school has been felt throughout by achieving goals only hard work and determination can achieve. He has a powerful work ethic that has encouraged his fellow club members to reach for higher goals and accomplishments that is felt throughout his community. Kyle is well known in Sussex County for his many accomplishments and is an example to all young people that setting goals and working toward them can be done.

Georgia 4-H
Georgia 4-H’ers participated in great programming like Mentor Up, Citizenship Washington Focus, and Health Rocks!:Ka’Shawn attended Citizenship Washington Focus in 2014, and from that experience felt he would like to pursue a career in politics. Since his trip, he has been growing his leadership through taking on roles in 4-H by getting involved with his STEM Robotics club, becoming a junior Camp counselor at 4-H Healthy Living & STEM summer camps and at his local high school.
Royce, an Idaho 4-H’er, has served the Coeur d’Alene community for two years as a 4-H Food Smart Families teen advocate.
“Kids watch a lot of TV these days, so I like being able to teach them about how nutrition and healthy living can be fun too. I volunteer for Coeur d’Alene for Kids, and because of 4-H I have become a better mentor to them, and they look up to me more. I’ve had a hard time with public speaking—I’ve been shy. Being in this program, I’ve been able to break through that shell and it’s easier for me to talk to new people now.”
"Being in this program, I’ve been able to break through that shell and it’s easier for me to talk to new people now." - Royce, Idaho 4-H
Iowa 4-H and college student, Allison, stays involved in 4-H by serving as a 4-H club leader:
 
“4-H has been and still is so much more than a club or program, it is my true love, and when I was younger it was finally somewhere I could fit in and be myself, which is still true today. The most important thing that 4-H ever gave me was the confidence to believe in myself. This may not seem like much, but to me it was everything as it helped me through many difficult situations that I have struggled with in my life, including my life long fight with obesity. I have also had the great fortune to be one of five individuals from across the U.S. to serve on the National 4-H Healthy Living Team as a youth ambassador, specializing in nutrition, healthy eating, and weight management . . . Being chosen to join this team and represent 4-H, healthy living, the United States, and Iowa is the most humbling opportunity I have ever been given.”

"4-H has been and still is so much more than a club or program, it is my true love." - Allison, Iowa 4-H

Here is the story of Alexis, a Louisiana 4-H'er:
 
“This past year was the first year I became a member of the Louisiana State 4-H Food and Fitness Board. Being on this board has allowed me to further my knowledge and experience of living a healthy lifestyle. Coping with an injury throughout the past year, I could no long be as physically active as I used to, so I had to find ways to stay healthy. The Food and Fitness Board helped me discover new ways to do just that . . . The Food and Fitness Board has used the grant to plan events as well as go to different events to meet new people and go to new places. This helped increase my social skills and made me the well-rounded 4-H leader I am today.”

"This helped increase my social skills and made me the well-rounded 4-H leader I am today." - Alexis, Louisiana 4-H

Baltimore, Maryland 4-H
 
4-H’ers in Baltimore participated in Health Rocks!:
 
Baltimore has been regrouping and recovering from the recent April uprisings. Our youth have been put in some unsettling environments. As a result, the Health Rocks! curriculum has been such a precious gift per several of the parents and grandparents. We had the opportunity and privilege to spend quality time with those youth who normally would just hang out in the community. However, with rec centers closed they were eager to attend 4-H. The structured program provided has ignited youth old and young to come together and work the plan as they plan to work hard to be constructive and not destructive. Healthy lifestyle and healthy life choices has been included in their summer days, afternoons, and after school hours.
 
Michigan 4-H’er and active teen leader Ryan shares his story of 4-H leadership:
 
“4-H is important to me for several reasons. First of all, it is an opportunity for me to build skills in leadership, public speaking, showmanship, and many other categories. From singing my heart out as a camp counselor, to presenting projects and information to large groups, to properly showing a chicken to the head of the American Poultry Association, I’ve gained a lot of experience in real world situations and can now use that experience in the future.”
We continue our celebration of 4‑H youth impact across the nation, here are just a few of the many ways 4‑H empowered youth and built true leaders in 2015.

Jerry, a Mississippi 4‑H’er, serves as a Youth Health Ambassador with Alcorn State Eat4‑Health Program:

“I have been in 4‑H for 3-1/2 years. During that time, 4‑H has helped me learn a lot about leadership, teamwork and communication (public speaking). Being in 4‑H has also helped me develop better decision-making skills, it has helped me be more responsible and take charge of my life.

Participating in the Citizenship Washington Focus program has changed my life. Traveling to Washington, D.C. has given me a new look on life. Before this trip I was not sure where I was going but today I know I am going to college and I would like to be an educator. This experience helped me to learn more about 4‑H and my government, things that will help me be a better 4‑H’er and citizen. I have always been a little shy, but CWF gave me the opportunity to meet and interact with people from different backgrounds and communities. This gave me confidence in myself and my abilities.”

"Being in 4‑H helped me develop better decision-making skills, be more responsible, and take charge of my life." – Jerry, Mississippi 4‑H

Nebraska 4‑H
Nebraska 4‑H’er Emily’s story is one of 4 H skill and responsibility:

“4‑H has helped me amplify my love for agriculture, and build my skills in other areas that are important to me, such as: Citizenship, Sewing, Cooking, and Photography. 4‑H has also helped me to become a confident individual. I have helped improve my community by volunteering my abilities to do different community service projects with my club and with my friends. I love when I get the chance to participate in community service projects that younger generations are involved in because I feel like I am leading them to do good in their lives also.”

"4‑H has also helped me to become a confident individual." – Emily, Nebraska 4‑H

Jessica is a North Carolina 4‑H’er who has been showing goats since the age of 10. Now in college and an active 4‑H volunteer, she wrote a beautiful poem about her time as a 4‑H’er:

Showing days are over, It’s time for college
From a 4-leaf clover, I leave with my knowledge
From a girl who was once shy, and had no clue what to do in the ring
Saying goodbye with a cry, Especially in the spring
Showing taught me a lot, Most importantly responsibility
I gave it all I got, With much acceptability
Win or lose, Different judge every time, Can put you in the blues
But worth every dime . . .
I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for this
Made a lot of friends along the way, Ones I’ll definitely miss
My goal in life is to help others, So that’s what I’m going to do
Make a difference in my life and another’s—Maybe yours too

Encouraging young people nationwide to reach their full potential is the number one priority for 4‑H. It is critical that today’s youth are introduced to, and encouraged to pursue the career paths that they may be unaware of or feel are unattainable.

Sparking interest in agriculture and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is even more important for young women and girls who remain under represented in ag and STEM careers.

I had the pleasure to connect with U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden. As a visionary in agriculture, an advocate for women and girls, and proud 4‑H alumna, she shared her thoughts on the importance of 4‑H hands-on learning programs today, and provided insight on her vision for the next generation of our nation’s leaders.

As America’s largest youth development organization, 4‑H is focused on growing young innovators and preparing them for leadership roles in their careers. From someone who grew up in 4‑H, how did your 4‑H experience impact your life and career?

Krysta Harden (KH): 4‑H opened up many doors for me. Through my involvement in various 4‑H competitions and camps, I was exposed to new experiences – and many life lessons that I have carried with me. In my professional career, I have seen the positive impact 4‑H has on our youth and I truly believe that the organization is developing the next generation of young leaders. I make it a point during every trip I take as USDA’s Deputy Secretary to visit with these young leaders and let them know that we need their skills and talent in order to build a better future.

As a leader in agriculture and agribusiness, what is your vision for the next generation of agriculture and agribusiness leaders?

KH: The time is now to be building the bench for tomorrow’s producers, consumers, and agribusiness leaders. It is crucial that our leadership in the field of agriculture truly reflects the diversity of our nation’s farmers and ranchers.

We need everyone at the table. Everyone’s voice is important and having diverse representation will only lead to better discussions and a stronger tomorrow.

As Deputy, I have also focused a lot of my efforts on women in agriculture because it is a topic near and dear to my heart. Our women farmers and ranchers have a wide variety of interests and skills. At USDA, we started the Women in Agriculture Mentoring Network to connect women with shared interests and goals, personally and professionally. We have over 700 members and we are always looking for more 4‑H’ers! You can join by e-mailing agwomenlead@usda.gov.

USDA is currently working to reach new and beginning farmers. How do you think 4‑H and other agriculture-based youth organizations are helping to support this effort?

KH: The average age of a farmer is 58 years old. We have to start making decisions today to make sure young people will get involved in agriculture, and that’s in all aspects. That’s farming, science, marketing, education, and communication. It’s the entire industry.

I think organizations like 4‑H really do help start a career path for a young person who is thinking about an interest, a degree, or a career in agriculture. 4‑H can show them the opportunities. USDA certainly wants to be there and help bring awareness, and to help provide outreach to young people. We do a lot with colleges, 4‑H clubs, and even space programs. We do a lot of joint research with NASA, helping young people understand the importance of growing and providing astronauts with safe, available food. You often hear people refer to STEM in the news but at USDA, we want to make it STEAM to include agriculture.

In partnership with 4‑H, we want to expose young people to all the different options involved in agriculture. For those who want to stay on the farm or ranch, we want to make sure they have the tools to do that as well.

The push for more women in agriculture and agribusiness is a topic being raised on a global level. What are your thoughts on ways we can encourage young women to pursue a career in such a high demand field?

KH: We must first say, “You can do it if you want to do it.” Girls and young women need to know that there are a vast amount of opportunities in the field. From the farm to the boardroom to the classroom, there are so many possibilities and we must continue to open doors for women. We need their ideas and talents, and USDA stands ready to make sure they receive that message through our mentoring efforts, partners, outreach opportunities, and so much more.

Wood shavings, goat hair, and judging notebooks characterized my summers growing up, rather than the traditional sunscreen and bathing suits. I spent most of my time with Sarah, Ace, Geoffrey, and Habanero — all sheep or goats in our show string.

My 4‑H career spanned nearly every conceivable event and team. I sewed, judged livestock, went to 4‑H camp, learned to safely shoot BB guns, cured country hams, attended national conferences, and gave speeches. Dipping my toe into so many disciplines definitely made me a more well-rounded student, but my heart lied in the livestock program, specifically in Skillathon. I enjoyed that part of the livestock competitions the most because you relied solely on your ability and knowledge of animal science. Ten years of work and study culminated at the 2007 National 4‑H Skillathon Contest in Louisville, Kentucky. My sister and I were on our county team (not to mention coached by our mother!) representing Kentucky 4‑H and to our delight won the National Contest! This remains my proudest accomplishment as a 4‑H member.

Elizabeth-Riley-2007-National-4-H-Skillathon-1

Certainly the more traditional 4‑H projects continue to remain relevant and practical, but I learned some of my most important lessons in an initiative Christian County 4‑H took on called Youth in Governance (YIG). This program trained youth in advocacy and how government worked. Through our efforts, youth were placed as non-voting members of various boards and government agencies. We contended that the voice of youth was valuable and worth hearing. I was an ex-officio member of our local Economic Development Council (EDC), where I learned how industry impacts a community, how local governance works (or doesn’t), and most importantly in my mind, the value of caring. When I was a teenager, it certainly wasn’t “cool” to be passionate about something. Apathy was popular and being on the EDC as part of YIG showed me that people dedicated to a cause get things done in their community. That lesson has stayed with me and ultimately played a part in my decision to join the Peace Corps, where I’m still working with 4‑H in Jamaica. Our YIG group went to the Citizenship Washington Focus in 2004 and happened to be there during President Reagan’s funeral, certainly a memorable experience.

ElizabethRiley_youth

One of my most treasured memories in 4‑H is when I was an adult counselor at 4‑H camp. I always preferred to be in charge of the youngest girls, even though they were often plagued with homesickness; the drama and boy-craziness of the older girls hadn’t hit them yet, for which I was profoundly thankful. In Kentucky 4‑H camps, a Spirit Stick is awarded to the teams with the most “spirit” at each evenings’ activities; basically, the loudest ones. This always put my little ones at a disadvantage, but one night they pulled out all the stops and were awarded the Spirit Stick. To this day, I don’t know why it touched me so much, perhaps we’d been denied it so long, but I was unbelievably proud of those girls.

My 4‑H activities and animal science knowledge led me to receive my BS in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky and my MS, also in Animal Science, from Virginia Tech. The people I’ve met and friendships forged throughout the years have certainly enriched my life and made me a better person. I carry with me all the lessons that I learned through 4‑H, especially applicable as I continue my Peace Corps service in Jamaica. I don’t know what my next step in life will be, but you can bet 4‑H will be part of it.

How do we strengthen the connection between family and youth development? It’s with various in-school and after-school programs that 4-H is able to not only contribute to the upbringing of today’s youth, but to encourage greater family engagement. The work of 4-H is beneficial to all involved—youth, parent/guardian and adult leader/mentor.

So, what organization knows the importance of youth and family engagement better than the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA). In celebration of National PTA Founders’ Day, we were honored to chat with the National PTA president and 4-H alumnus Otha Thornton.

OthaThornton-feature-1
Otha Thornton, National PTA President – 4-H Alumni feature:
 
Otha Thornton knows from personal experience the importance of family engagement in a child’s life as he credits his own mother as someone who was influential in his upbringing.“My mom believed in us … she cared,” he explains. “She ensured that we had a good education and gave us opportunities to take part in clubs like 4-H and scouting.”Growing up as a member of the Elbert County 4-H Club in Elberton, Georgia, Thornton says it was 4‑H that influenced his desire and passion for service.

“[Serving people] was the core of 4-H to me,” he says, recalling the third H—pledging his hands to greater service.

During his five-year involvement with 4-H, Thornton participated in a number of programs, including gardening, photography and canning, with his photography skill earning him an award for what was a personal hobby of his.

Thornton went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in urban planning from Morehouse College and received his master’s degree in communications from Michigan Technology University. He also served in the United States Military and is now a retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel. Aside from his role as National PTA president, Thornton currently works as an operations specialist at General Dynamics.

We caught up with Otha Thornton to get his insights on today’s 4-H and how he feels its values are helping to empower youth in varied communities across the country.

How do you think 4-H is helping develop youth today?
Otha Thornton (OT): I believe 4-H is developing youth now through the importance of service in the community, through the importance of being healthy adults and also developing leadership skills. Youth are given so many opportunities to develop their leadership skills through 4-H.

Tell us about other interests you gained because of skills developed in 4-H?

OT: When you’re in 4-H, you’re exposed to so many different things and exposed to different people. That, for me, was very important. I also think about the four H’s: Managing and thinking (Head); Relating and caring for people (Heart); Giving and working (Hands); Living a healthy lifestyle (Health). Those values help. They really make a difference.

Today, 4-H is focused and committed to serving youth in all backgrounds, including those in urban communities. What challenges do you see these youth facing today and how do you think 4-H can play a part in solving these issues?

OT: I think what is critical is empowering our youth to reach their full potential. It’s important to partner with communities and continue to give kids opportunities, especially in the urban communities. I know 4-H is strong in our rural communities, but it’s also in the urban communities where 4-H can really make a difference.

With your military background, how do you think military families and youth benefit from the 4-H Military Partnerships?

OT: I believe 4-H work with children in military families benefits them by reinforcing positive physical and mental development. One thing I know 4-H offers is mentoring programs. These are the sort of programs that work really well for the military and its partnership with organizations like 4-H. Mentoring is really important in the positive development of military youth.

What does it take for families to become actively involved in a child’s learning and upbringing, both during and after school?

OT: One of the things PTA is working on, which is an element of what 4-H is doing, is promoting the importance of health and healthy lifestyles. PTA has great programs that promote healthy lifestyles as far as education. We’re working very closely with communities across the country to help put an emphasis on early childhood education. Encouraging healthy lifestyles is what will make our kids more productive and more competitive in the country and the world.

What is top priority for National PTA right now?

OT: PTA is now leading in family engagement. We’re working with the secretary of education, we’re working with Congress, and we’re working with folks all around the country to find ways to get more families involved in education. They estimate that when you invest in a kid in education, that’s almost equivalent to $1,000. We want to get all family members in every family engaged. The bottom line is when you get involved, kids do better in school and it opens up more opportunities for them and their lives.

Do you think the importance of family engagement is prevalent in the work of 4-H?

OT: Absolutely! The mission of 4-H is to empower youth to reach their full potential through working and learning with the help of partnerships with caring adults. That contributes to family engagement.

How do you think 4-H is helping to build towards its vision of growing more youth leaders and preparing them for leadership roles as an adult?

OT: I believe what’s most important is the values 4-H encourages. It teaches kids how to manage and how to think. The organization also stresses the importance of being able to relate and genuinely care for people and make a difference. Giving back to the community and working to make them better is also a crucial value. Lastly, 4-H is teaching youth about being healthy and living the healthy lifestyle that will make a difference in their lives and being better, more productive citizens. These are very important values that 4-H provides to strengthen the leadership skills of youth.