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For more than 100 years, 4‑H has helped young people develop the skills that led them to successful careers and contributions to their communities. Today, they are industry leaders, activists and experts who use their influence to pay it forward and help eliminate the opportunity gap for communities and kids across the country. To commemorate Black History Month—and with support from Nationwide®—I will be sharing stories from African American 4‑H alumni who are creating opportunities for all kids and communities.

I am excited to launch this in partnership with Nationwide, one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States, to inspire young people from all backgrounds to see the opportunities available in agriculture and beyond, and provide the tools and confidence they need to bring their new ideas and passions to life.

Throughout February, I’ll be having one-on-one conversations with industry changemakers, such as Dr. Robert Jones, Chancellor of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Georgia 4‑H alumnus; Kyle Bridgeforth, Bridgeforth Farms and Alabama 4‑H alumnus; Avery Williamson, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker and Tennessee 4‑H alumnus; Cooperative Extension* leaders of historically Black colleges and universities**; and many others.

These alumni inspire others to take action and be catalysts for change through leadership and innovation in their respective fields. From education to agriculture to the National Football League, these individuals are creating a future that is equal and accessible to all young people. Join me as I celebrate their leadership in developing equitable solutions for the next generation, while telling stories of diversity and innovation that are essential to the future success of our economy, our country and our world.

*The Cooperative Extension System is a nationwide, non-credit educational network. Each U.S. state and territory has a state office at its land grant university and a network of local or regional offices. These offices are staffed by experts who provide useful, practical, and research-based information to agricultural producers, small-business owners, youth, consumers, and others in rural areas and communities of all sizes.

**The Morrill Act of 1890 requires each state to show that race was not an admissions criterion, or else to designate a separate land-grant institution for persons of color. Among the seventy colleges and universities which eventually evolved from the Morrill Acts are several of today’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).


Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2021 Nationwide

 

Amid the challenges and obstacles of 2020, one thing we’ve learned is that we all are holding on to hope for a better future—even if that future is a month away.

This sentiment is even more true for young people. For 118 years, 4‑H has been there to help all kids achieve their dreams and see a better future for themselves.

Through inequities, social unrest, pandemics, and other difficult times in our country, 4‑H has been there to help support, encourage and guide young people. And despite the challenges, their determination grows and their dreams prevail.

Right now, it’s up to us to provide kids everywhere with meaningful opportunities and eliminate the barriers that keep them from reaching their full potential. It starts by giving them the tools they need to define their own future.

So, where do we start, and how can you help? In this season of giving, there are several ways you can support our nation’s young people:

Facebook Fundraising

Facebook is a great way to connect with family and friends, and introduce them to the causes you’re passionate about. It’s easy to start a fundraiser for 4‑H on Facebook to share your support and encourage your family and friends to join you!

You can also support 4‑H’s national fundraiser, which will launch on our Facebook page on Giving Tuesday (December 1).

Donate on 4‑H.org  

Visit 4‑H.org to make your donation directly on our website. Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000 thanks to the generosity of 4‑H alum David Epstein and his wife Paula.

Shop, Save & Give with Amazon Smile

Support 4‑H while you score holiday deals on Amazon when you designate National 4‑H Council as your AmazonSmile charity of choice.

Support 4‑H with Your Holiday Shopping

Great brands are teaming up with 4‑H to promote products and offers that give back to 4‑H while you shop. With every product sold, a portion of sales helps create more opportunities for kids through 4‑H. Shop the following brands: BOGS Footwear, State Line Tack, Georgia Boot, JOANN Fabric & Craft

These ways to give all directly support the FOURWARD Fund, which helps provide all kids with mentors, fun learning experiences, a sense of belonging, and a chance to serve others. And, most importantly, hope for a better future.

As it turns out, STEM careers aren’t just in cities.
Everyone talks about how important STEM learning is, and for good reason. Learning the principles of science, technology, engineering, and math can prepare you to work in specialized jobs that pay well – and are really fun. 

Take Rob D’Amico, for instance. He grew up loving roller coasters, then turned that passion into an engineering degree that led him to where he is today: working as a software developer for internet provider HughesNet, a job for which he programs the software on satellites orbiting Earth. 

We talked to Rob to learn about what he does, how he got there, and why he loves his job.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.

 

Can you tell us a little bit about your job? What are your duties and responsibilities on a day-to-day basis?

Rob D’Amico (RD): I write embedded software that helps run our satellite services. It runs on a network device – like the modem or router that our customers have in their houses – and it helps manage their satellite internet connection behind the scenes. Most of my work involves long-term projects to improve our software. I might be writing new code, testing my code to make sure it’s doing everything it’s supposed to do, or looking at existing code to see why it’s not working correctly. I sometimes have to investigate the electronic hardware to see what’s going on, and I work with a lot of other engineers to make sure we get things right.

Where did you grow up? And did where you grow up have an influence on your career path?

RD: I grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Despite being so close to the city, my family was never very tech-savvy. I wanted to go to college to learn more about engineering and how computers and other electronics work. I could have gotten a job in the Pittsburgh area, but having an engineering degree gave me a lot of opportunities to move to or visit new areas and experience them. I live in Maryland now, and I hope my career will take me many more places.

Where did your path to engineering begin? What activities as a child inspired you? Did you have any mentors or idols that you looked up to?

RD: I knew I was good at math and science, but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do for my career. I was very interested in roller coasters, and loved to ride them, watch them, and try to understand how they worked. My favorite computer game was always Rollercoaster Tycoon! My dream was to eventually become a rollercoaster designer. I understood later that knowledge from several fields, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, was a critical part of that. My teachers were definitely mentors for me along the way.

How did you finally decide that this was the career for you?

RD: I didn’t give up on my dream of designing rollercoasters, but I became more interested in electronics and software. I went to Penn State and I was introduced to Hughes at a Career Fair on campus. I spoke to someone who would later be one of my co-workers and they convinced me that Hughes was the right fit for me. I didn’t know anything about satellites when I started at Hughes, but I had a strong foundational understanding of electrical engineering. Thankfully, a few people on my team studied the same major as I did but had a few more years of experience so I looked to them for guidance along the way. This gave me a confidence boost knowing that in a few years I could have the skills and understanding that they did. 

For kids who are interested in exploring engineering, what classes, activities, etc., would you recommend them pursuing?

RD: If you enjoy learning and problem-solving, then you should pursue activities that allow you to do that. Your school may offer classes that teach different areas of technology, and they might have clubs for you to do even more. I was involved in computer-aided drawing (CAD), but I wish I would have also done robotics activities, since they are an awesome way to learn the basics of electro-mechanical engineering. I would encourage young people to explore as many different areas as they can. 

What are some of the challenges of being a satellite engineer? What are some of the benefits?

RD: Working with satellites is fascinating, because there is no other technology that stays in use as long. Your cell phone is replaced every year or two these days. But a satellite, like the ones that power our HughesNet service, could be in orbit for 15 years! That’s a long time in the technology world. And one of the challenges is to continue to optimize the customer’s internet experience using the same satellite signals, and pairing those with increasingly sophisticated software and devices in the home. So a major challenge for a satellite engineer – and any engineer, really –  is that you never stop learning. School is a good start, but technology continues to progress, and you need to work to keep up. I stay in touch with new technology and best practices through training lectures and programs. And I also recommend starting work as soon as possible after college. After a few years of hands-on experience, it is easier to figure out what specific kind of engineering you like. Some people go on to get their master’s degree and even Ph. D., depending on their field and company. These challenges are also benefits; you can ensure that you’re never bored with your work, and you’ll make many friends and gain many new insights from the people you encounter.

How would you encourage a kid who wants to pursue becoming a structural engineer – or any other STEM-based career, but are worried about the lack of job opportunities?

Rob D’Amico (RD): With the growing popularity of teleworking, a lot of engineers are able to work from anywhere. There are also more engineers and scientists out there than you think, so don’t give up on your dream!

These are complex times, and financial worries are at the front door for many of us. It’s situations like these that highlight the significance of financial health. That’s why there’s never been a better time to teach your kids about financial basics.

Earlier this year, we rolled out our first set of financial literacy lessons for kids that taught the fundamentals of saving, assessing needs vs. wants, and the cost of buying things on credit. Now, we’re proud to announce that, in continued collaboration with TD Ameritrade, we’ve created another set of activities that takes these basics even further.

Geared toward children ages 9 to 15, these activities are designed to ensure kids have an early and fundamental understanding of real-world finances so they can use those principles to make positive and informed decisions. Our goal is to empower the next generation with the tools they need to make smart financial decisions throughout their lives, so they can manage their money confidently and proactively – through good times and bad.

The next three activities we’ve launched are:

  • Banking Your Money: Through simple calculations and some online research, students learn what interest is, how to calculate it, and the importance of saving your money starting at a young age.
  • Evaluating Investment Alternatives: Advancing beyond the basic savings accounts, students learn about different types of investment options like education savings accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and brokerage accounts, and the risks and withdrawal stipulations associated with them.
  • My Work, My Future: It’s one thing to have a dream. But getting where you want to go in life takes hard work and planning. In this activity, students think about their dream jobs, and the steps along the way – and the financial considerations – it will take to get there.

These financial education activities live alongside other fun, educational activities in CLOVER, our hub for at-home, hands-on activities to help kids develop critical skills to be successful in life. These are fun activities, and perfect for right now, when you’re looking for creative ways to keep your kids learning and entertained.

We’re proud to collaborate with TD Ameritrade to bring these fun educational activities to families across the country.

Tell us what you think, and what you’d like to see more of, by reaching out to us on social media.

Please keep in mind TD Ameritrade® commentary is for educational purposes only. Member SIPC. All investing involves risks, including risk of loss.

What is the CARES Act?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a $2 trillion stimulus bill passed by Congress in response to COVID-19. This bill provides special tax incentives and encourages Americans to continue making charitable gifts to nonprofits like 4‑H.

How Does the CARES Act Apply To You?

While most donations aren’t inspired by the tax benefits alone, the advantages of the CARES Act may inform how you make your gift to 4‑H. Here are three examples of how the CARES Act can help your philanthropic dollars go further:

  1. UNIVERSAL CHARITABLE DEDUCTION: 90% of households don’t itemize their charitable deductions. If you’re one of them, you’ll be excited to know that you can still deduct your gift to 4‑H when filing your taxes in 2021! The CARES Act states that all donors can claim up to $300 per taxpayer ($600 for married filing jointly) for charitable gifts made in 2020, whether they itemize or take the standard deduction. That means a lower tax bill for you, and much-needed support for the youth 4‑H serves!
  2. FROM RECOVERY REBATE TO GENEROUS GIFT: If your household income hasn’t been affected by COVID-19 or if you’re drawing on retirement assets, you may find that you don’t need the full amount of the stimulus check you received in the spring. Eligible households received payments of up to $2,400 for joint filers and an additional $500 per child. These tax-free payments – when made into a charitable gift – can turn into sizable tax deductions!
  3. NO ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME CAPS: If you’re considering a major gift to 4‑H, the CARES Act has eliminated adjusted gross income caps on charitable contributions made in 2020. This applies to new gifts and to pre-payments of existing multi-year pledges. That means you can give to your heart’s content, make a transformational impact on the lives of youth, and significantly reduce your taxable income!

Help Kids When They Need You Most

If you’ve already made a gift to 4‑H this year or if you’re still considering a donation, please know that your support is critical in helping us provide youth with the resources they need to navigate the COVID-19 crisis. A gift to the FOURWARD Fund reaches youth in every county across the country – providing learning materials and caring adult mentors that kids desperately need right now. Your donation also equips 4‑H educators, program leaders, and volunteers as they work to close the growing opportunity gap in America.

You can give all youth the opportunities they need to reach their potential and thrive. Now more than ever is the right time to make a difference. Click here to donate to the FOURWARD Fund today.

 

We’re excited about how the CARES Act can benefit our generous, kindhearted donors and encourage greater support for youth in need. But while 4‑H is proud to be the nation’s leader in positive youth development, we can’t claim to be an expert in tax advice, too. To learn how the CARES Act can apply to your specific situation, please consult with a tax professional or financial advisor.

As it turns out, STEM careers aren’t just in cities
If you live in a rural community, you probably know the farming and agriculture jobs available to you. But did you know that STEM careers exist no matter where you live? It’s true: Science- and tech-centric careers don’t just happen in urban areas. Regardless of where you live, STEM jobs are almost always in demand and are usually pretty well-paying. We talked to Martin Nelkie, a 4‑H alum and an electrical engineer at Tyson Foods in North Sioux City, South Dakota, to learn about how he landed in a STEM job and the unique challenges and benefits that come with living and working in a rural setting.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.

 

Did you grow up in a rural area? If so, how did that influence your decision to establish your STEM career in a rural area?

Martin Nelkie (MN): I grew up on a small dairy farm several miles from a town with a population of 2,500 people. Growing up on the farm, I wanted to become a farmer, and I greatly enjoyed the lifestyle. But I enjoyed playing with fireworks, amateur rockets, as well as remote-controlled cars and planes. I studied model rocketry at a 4‑H camp at Michigan State University, and that was one of my favorite weeks of the year. I also participated in a spring competition consisting of various local 4‑H clubs where we would create various projects to present. My brothers and I would always have competitions with Lego cars, and crash them together to see who had the strongest. I really enjoyed making things, and seeing what they could do.

What was your educational path to becoming an electrical engineer?

MN: In high school, I took many AP classes, which did not have a direct affect on my college education, but were a great educational base for me to build upon. I did well with most science and some math classes in school. I really enjoyed the applications of principles with biology, chemistry and physics. I actually struggled with some of my college math courses; the math often seemed arbitrary and inapplicable. It was not until later classes like signals and systems and higher-level physics that some of the mathematical concepts made more sense.

My message to students thinking about their future is that I recommend having a first-choice career path and a backup one before starting. And, remember, there is no need to break the bank for your entire education. There are many specialized classes that I did not appreciate until after college. I attended the University of Detroit Mercy and it was required that students take three internships during their schooling. This was one of the best experiences for me, and I feel it helped me get my first job, and learn how to apply what I was learning in the work environment.

Can you tell us a little bit about your job as an electrical engineer, and what your duties and responsibilities are on a day-to-day basis?

MN: I currently work in the controls and automation department. I code PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces), which run various operations around the plants. Examples include refrigeration systems, processing chains, conveyors, and other systems. I work with the design engineering department for new additions to plants and upgrades to old equipment.

What are some of the challenges of being an electrical engineer in a rural area? What are some of the benefits?

MN: Working as an electrical engineer in a rural area requires a lot of travel to where the work is. Tyson has many facilities scattered across the U.S., and depending upon the project, we must travel to them to complete our work properly. This can be a positive or negative thing; If you are able to plan accordingly beforehand you can minimize travel by doing a significant amount of work before going to the location. The cost of living is significantly lower in rural areas, and you are able to develop yourself in a small-town atmosphere.

How would you encourage a kid who wants to pursue becoming an electrical engineer – or any other STEM-based career – in a rural area, but is worried about a lack of job opportunities?

MN: Don’t be afraid to travel. Most of the education received is universal from school to school. And with the advent of online classes, you get out what you put into it. When I went to University of Detroit Mercy, living in a big city was very different from anything I was used to. It was also one of the greatest experiences I have had, and it broadened my view on many areas of life.  Had I stayed in a more rural area for my education, I may have missed out on these opportunities. There are jobs everywhere, even in rural areas. You just need to look and be open to the possibilities.

As the president and CEO of National 4‑H Council, there is nothing more important to me than ensuring America’s young people have the skills to lead and change the world. I have dedicated my career to supporting children and their families, and I have never seen a more urgent need for investment in young people and their futures.

To witness the pain and growing disparities caused by the pandemic and systemic racism is heartbreaking.  COVID-19 is exacerbating inequities in mental health, access to education and employability – particularly among those communities already experiencing trauma, systemic social inequity and other disadvantages prior to the pandemic.

Too many young people are at risk of being left behind. The opportunity gap is widening—in virtually every corner of America. Much of the evidence of this is included in a new white paper – Beyond the Gap – prepared by youth development leaders, researchers, practitioners and young people, together with experts in the private and public sectors.

As a nation, we must invest more in positive youth development.

America’s Cooperative Extension System and 4‑H are working to bring a life-changing experience to millions more young people—10 million kids by 2025—because we believe that every child should have an equal opportunity to succeed. Not in the future. Right now.

Closing the opportunity gap means that the health, well-being and success of any young person isn’t determined by their zip code or the color of their skin. It means that all youth have access to positive youth development programming—and the necessary support and experiences to navigate the social and economic realities that we now face.

Closing the opportunity gap will take bold thinking and action.  It will require a collective effort. It means engaging youth development organizations, school systems, corporations, foundations, local, county, state and Federal governments.

In 4‑H, we are fortunate to have some powerful allies. Our partners—some of the largest brands in the world like Google, Microsoft, Walmart, Nationwide and others—are committed to creating opportunity for more young people. In addition, Federal Agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Justice support 4‑H in its work to scale and advance diversity, equity and inclusion efforts that directly impact youth of color.

We must listen to young people.

Youth can lead us and teach us. Where adults see challenges, youth see opportunities to step up and give back. They are incredibly creative and inspiring. And they must have a role in creating their own futures. The resilience, confidence and strength of young people is what gives me hope—and youth are asking for more opportunities to positively impact their world.

4‑H is listening to young people and lifting up youth voice through a powerful new campaign – Opportunity4All – that will bring youth to the forefront of discussions about how we eliminate the opportunity gap. Recently, 4‑H youth joined 4‑H alums, thought leaders and other experts for a robust conversation on how best to address the disparities that are holding young people back. You can watch the program here.

Most importantly, we must live our values every day.

At National 4‑H Council, we are taking concrete steps to support and accelerate Cooperative Extension’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work, but also to become a more diverse, inclusive and equitable organization ourselves.

We’ve established a new leadership position at National 4‑H Council to guide the implementation of our DEI strategy and training across Council, and with Extension 4‑H programs. We’re telling an inclusive and aspirational story of 4‑H with youth and alumni from all backgrounds and experiences. We are listening to our partners in higher ed—especially leadership at the 4‑H programs in our nation’s historically black colleges and universities.  And we are setting diversity goals for the composition of Council’s Board of Trustees, leadership and staff.

We are only at the beginning of this journey.  Positive youth development focuses on building youth assets, opportunities and voice – rather than focusing on problems.  A national commitment to positive youth development can transform our country’s social, economic and political imbalances—and create a more equitable and just America.

Our youth are an investment worth making.

*******

To learn more about what 4‑H is doing in diversity, equity and inclusion, please visit our website for a compendium of DEI resources and information at www.4-h.org/diversity

To hear the stories and the impact young leaders are making today, visit our web site at www.4‑H.org/youthvoices

Since joining National 4‑H Council 14 years ago, I’ve had the honor of meeting and building relationships with 4‑H alumni and supporters who are serving and leading with purpose. I thought now would be a great opportunity to reconnect with my colleagues for a new virtual series, 4 for 4. 4 questions. The concept of these talks is simple. We ask four questions in four minutes.I’m excited to launch the 4 for 4 series with Wade Miquelon, president and CEO of JOANN Stores and a member of the National 4‑H Council Board of Trustees. We discuss how stores have supported communities during COVID-19. The concept of these talks is simple.

So, Wade, looking back on your life’s journey so far, who or what helped you to succeed?

Wade Miquelon (WM): I would say more than anything, you know, it’s really the word others. At an early age, having role models to look up to. Having mentors, seeking them out. Having good bosses and taking their advice. Also working with peers and collaborating to work together versus trying to work as a silo. Hiring good people and letting them run and do their job and supporting them. It’s really about others. And one person can only do so much, but if you can surround yourself in all directions with great people then great things happen.

You’re the chief executive of one of the nation’s most well-known brands. What advice would you give young people who want to succeed and aim high like you?

WM: I would say first and foremost, I think it’s critical that you really find something you love and you do it will all your heart and you’ll be successful. You know, there’s no right or wrong. I was originally an engineer and I felt I wasn’t a great engineer and I didn’t love engineering. It was a great background. Then I found something I loved in business and I went for it with my heart. No matter what it is, put your passion into it. And the other thing too is that life gives us certain windows of opportunity, and when you see those opportunity windows, step through them because they close very quickly. Create an eye for seeing opportunities and not being afraid to take some personal risks.

Well over the last few months, JOANN has stepped up with volunteers to make and donate over 100 million masks for those in need during this COVID-19 pandemic. So, why from your perspective is this commitment to service so important to you and the JOANN family?

WM: You know, our customers are unique people. They almost all come into the store to make something. Most of the time, 70% of the time they are making something to give to a sister, a friend, a daughter, a child. And almost 30% of the time they are making to give to charities. It could be blankets for children in hospitals. It could be blankets for people in shelters. It could be quilts for people with cancer. It could be things for veterans. You name it and for the homeless and so that’s who pays our bills is a very giving customer and so we need to be giving back and be authentic about it.

Do you have any words of encouragement for kids who are home right now because of the coronavirus and are thinking about their futures?

WM: Yeah, I do. The first thing I would say is, you know, don’t worry about the future. Things are going to be okay. There will be a great future there. There’s going to be great opportunities. This too will pass like so many other things. So, I’d say, try to do sometimes when you’re without from within. I read a story once about a man who was in a prison camp basically in Vietnam and basically for many years he wrote several books in his head. Every day he would write the next page and memorize and when he was released, he put them quickly to paper and won multiple awards. And, I say it because you should use your time productively. You know, you may not have time like this where you can learn new skills. You can research new things. You can find new ways of communicating. So, don’t waste this precious time. Look at it as a gift to do all of the things that maybe you didn’t have time to learn and do and when you’re without, do from within and I think you will be so much stronger than you would have been otherwise. And this too will pass, and your opportunities will be there for you.

 

Donaldson Company, Inc. is excited to join 4-H as a national sponsor in celebrating the 12th annual 4‑H National Youth Science Day (NYSD) when it kicks off across the country in October 2019. 4-H NYSD is an interactive learning experience that gets youth excited about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and spotlights the many ways millions of youth are engaging in 4-H Science programs year-round.

This year’s challenge, Game Changers, was designed by Google and West Virginia Extension service. The challenge, which features an interactive coding kit, teaches kids ages 8-14 how to use computer science (CS) to create games, solve problems and engage with topics they’re passionate about.

As a partner of 4-H, The Donaldson Foundation also focuses on providing impactful NYSD programming to youth in communities where Donaldson employees live and work. Employees at 17 plant locations across the U.S. raised their hands to facilitate NYSD activities in their local communities.

Donaldson, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a global manufacturer of filtration solutions. For over 100 years, Donaldson has been continuously innovating to solve complex filtration challenges. Today, the company is one of the largest providers of unique filtration technologies and high-quality filters and parts.

Donaldsonfacility1-blog

 

The Donaldson Foundation, founded in 1966, funds charitable causes on behalf of Donaldson Company, Inc. The Foundation’s mission is to positively impact the communities in which Donaldson Company employees live and work by supporting education—with a spec focus on STEM education. Led by an employee volunteer board, the Donaldson Foundation grants upwards of $1.2 million each year to nonprofit organizations nationwide.

Donaldson is rooted in technology innovation and the encouragement of STEM learning; the company is proud to support 4-H’s National Youth Science Day challenge—which can give youth the inspiration to become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the 2019 4-H NYSD event! Click here to order a kit for your club today. Visit our website for more information on the Donaldson Foundation.

 

For over 100 years, 4-H has inspired families, shaped careers, and impacted communities. On October 6 through 12, we will celebrate the impact of 4-H during National 4-H Week. Here are some ways you can celebrate 4-H!

Host a 4-H Rally

With permission, host a 4-H rally at a school or community center. It’s a great way to bring the community together to celebrate and show the pride of your local 4-H program

Give Back

Local programs are always looking for resources to continue growing the programs. Help programs like the Flying Squirrels or Green Turtles (not real clubs, by maybe) thrive by making a donation that can help provide supplies to kids in the area.

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 and 4-H gear, available at Shop 4-H.

Set Up Information Booths

If your local grocery or hardware store allows, set up a table to share information about your local 4-H program. You can display 4-H posters, hand out flyers, or showcase the work of local 4-H’ers.

Shout-Out a 4-H’er

Kids love 4-H. They enjoy the time they spend with 4-H friends, look forward to their next 4-H meeting, and plan all year to show off what they’ve learned. Recognize the hard work and dedication of 4-H’ers by shouting out one or an entire club on social media.

Storefront Displays

In some communities, you can ask local businesses to display 4-H posters. Many may be willing to dedicate their entire storefront to 4-H signs, memorabilia, and décor for the week.

Become a 4-H Volunteer

If you are a 4-H alum, you might be looking for ways to reconnect with 4-H. Consider giving your time to a local 4-H club by becoming 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. Use and follow the hashtag #InspireKidstoDo, share your story, or read stories similar to yours.

Have a 4-H Reunion

4-H alumni often credit 4-H for the connections they’ve made, remembering the friends they made and those who they may still keep in touch with today. Gather your old 4-H friends and spend some time together reminiscing on your 4-H experience or recreate your 4-H project together!

Send a 4-H ‘Thank You’

We all have a reason to thank our local 4-H leaders. Whether you grew up in 4-H, you have kids in 4-H, or you’ve witnessed the positive work of 4-H in your community, send a ‘thank you’ note to your local Extension/4-H office to show your appreciation,