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Becoming the 4‑H Youth in Action STEM Pillar and National Winner is a result of the 4‑H mentoring program I was a part of. The program taught me lessons about myself that I can confidently say made me the person I am today.My 4‑H mentoring story started when I joined the Broome County 4‑H Tech Wizard Program, located in my hometown, Johnson City, New York. Here is where I was introduced to Kelly Adams, the woman who would eventually become a second mother to me. At first, I had trouble opening up to the adults coordinating the program because I was shy and did not know how to connect with others.

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Eventually, I was able to interact with the other youth and started to connect with Kelly on a personal level. She truly understood where I came from and was willing to invest her time in me. I finally felt safe talking to someone about the problems in my life. Kelly wanted to hear what was going on, whereas other adults in my life could not dedicate the time to hear me out. Kelly inspired me to be my best self and to go beyond the minimum expectations.

With this motivation, I continued to try my best in school, challenge myself, and explore 4‑H activities in different project areas. After completing projects in subjects from clothing & textiles to rocketry to Geospatial Sciences, I’ve learned life skills that I use today in my everyday life. Without Kelly encouraging me to try new things, I would not be the respectful, well-rounded young man that I am today.

I started out as your “not-so-typical” kid with a difficult childhood. I was very shy and did not know how to open up and interact with different types of people. With the guidance and care of my mentor, Kelly Adams, and with the resources provided to me by 4‑H, I learned that I can ask questions, and I will continue to do so. I learned that I can make the most of the cards with which I have been dealt. I have Kelly to thank for my successes and for being my mentor, friend, and a second mother.

Mentoring is just one of many resources that 4‑H has provided to me to be successful. If there is one takeaway I want you to get from my story, it’s that joining a mentoring program is one of the best ways to grow and to learn! I encourage other 4‑H’ers to take advantage of afterschool mentoring programs and all that they offer. You will walk away with a new perspective on life and make a few friends along the way!

Young people have tremendous insight into the world around them. They pay close attention to the issues that affect them and those around them. They recognize when change is needed and are willing to do what they can to make the world around them a better place.

At 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people and their desire to do. That desire to do stems from their passion for giving back, creating change, and sharing their voice.

In my new “Youth Voices” series, I feature topics of equity, inclusion, and access through the perspective of teens who have first-hand experience or insights in the matter.

This month, I feature Emma Newell, Ohio 4‑H alumna, National 4‑H Council Young Alumni Advisory Committee member, and self-proclaimed ally. Emma’s instinct to speak up and advocate for those around her who face discrimination is why her peers gave her that title before she realized she was an ally.

“I never realized who I was to my friends and family until they told me,” she explains. “They showed me my actions through their lenses. I never understood the impact my wave made before this.”

Here’s how her wave to becoming an ally went from one that was subconscious to intentional.

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I started this journey by doing something so simple–sitting and listening to my friends. Just like in any close relationship, they shared their hardships with me. As someone in a privileged position, I could never imagine what they were experiencing and what they continue to experience. I didn’t pretend to understand. I listened with the intention of learning and supporting.

Once I became knowledgeable about the adversity they face, I became more aware of it within my surroundings. I would notice the micro-aggressive comments, the dirty looks, and the outright hatred being spewed at them daily. Before, I would have just walked by and not blinked twice. This didn’t mean I was a bad person—just naïve. I started to see that it is my personal responsibility to become more aware of the diverse population that surrounds me.

As I began to observe these challenges from a third-party perspective, I could identify the injustice easily. It stuck out like a sore thumb. I knew I needed to take action. It started with correcting people in conversation, to make them aware of hurtful comments. Though I’ve certainly encountered deliberately unkind people, I’ve also had conversations with those who, because of their privilege, don’t understand that their words are hurtful. I aim to take the time needed to build understanding and to encourage others to be actively aware of our diverse population. From these personal conversations, my commitment grew to a much larger scale.

As a result of her commitment, Emma joined a committee to assist in educating friends, faculty, and staff in 4‑H about the LGBTQ+ community, which led to the creation of the Ohio 4‑H LGBTQ+ Summit. Through her work, she has learned how to best advocate for this group, create a safe space for them, and join the fight for equal rights.

“It is one thing to self-identify as an ally,” she expresses, “and another to be given the name. You have to walk the talk and be willing to be uncomfortable at times. You never know who is listening and the impact you will leave.”

So how do you create a wave of support and advocacy? Emma recommends you do the following: “Create an inclusive environment by identifying yourself as a safe person. Make efforts to reach out to others to check-in. Correct someone’s nasty comment. Create programming specific to the needs of minorities.”

I’m inspired by the many 4‑H youth I’ve seen discover their passion and turn it into purpose. Through scholarship programs like Youth in Action, collaborations such as NBC News Learn, and national initiatives like 4‑H National Youth Science Day, 4‑H’ers nationwide used these platforms to confidently share their purpose with the world.  Through Cooperative Extension’s 4‑H program, they made their communities healthier, stronger, and more equitable.

Today, youth in 4‑H who have found their purpose have tremendous influence to inspire and empower their peers and those around them. Not just some day in the future – but today. We call them True Leaders. Now more than ever, our country needs 4‑H’s True Leaders giving back, making healthy choices, boldly standing up for others, and recognizing and solving the toughest challenges in their communities.

We all need True Leaders.

We need Clyde, who is using technology to combat a drug overdose epidemic.

We need Aja, who is providing STEM access to underserved and minority youth.

We need Mayyadah, who is educating her community on LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity.

We need Callie, who is equipping local law enforcement with stuffed animals for kids who find themselves in stressful situations.

Each of us has the opportunity to provide the young people in our lives with the confidence and skills they need to succeed. I’m deeply grateful for Cooperative Extension’s professional 4‑H staff and the growing family of supporters who continue to rally behind kids and ensure equal access to youth development opportunities and education. No matter where kids live, how they identify, or their circumstances, they deserve access to the skill-building experiences that will open doors of opportunity for them. Today’s 4‑H is focused squarely on this purpose and we welcome you to join us.

In 1965, 10-year-old Kip Tom achieved a long-awaited dream of joining 4-H in a small rural community in northern Indiana. From that moment until 1974, a pathway began that would lead him to become a leader in agriculture. Today, he is Ambassador Kip Tom, United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture.

Ambassador Tom credits much of his success and passion today to his nearly 10-year experience in 4-H.

I had the opportunity to connect with the 4-H alum and former National 4-H Council Trustee to hear more about his 4-H story, how that story shaped his career, and to learn more about his work to end world hunger.

Where did your 4-H experience begin?

Ambassador Kip Tom (KT): My 4-H experience started before I even got into 4-H. As a young child, about 5 or 6 years of age, our parents challenged us to get engaged and build a pathway. So when my siblings and I turned ten years old, we were ramped up and ready to go into 4-H. Before that, we were doing chores and getting paid a little weekly allowance for doing those chores. With that allowance, I bought my first calf for which I was responsible. That cow produced a calf for me every year for the ten years I was in 4-H. It made enough money for me to get started in the business I’m in today.

So I followed a very traditional 4-H path. I credit 4-H for setting the pathway, teaching me responsibility, for helping me understand business as an adult.

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Can you describe the top skills or values you learned during your time in 4-H? 

KT: There were five children in our family. We experienced the loss of our brother when he was 17, and honestly, 4-H prepared us to be able to deal with something like that. I can credit not only my parents, but also the leadership responsibility learned in 4-H. We also learned how to value others first, so we knew how to deal with a very dire situation like losing our brother. I think it was 4-H that taught us to care for other people and put other people first, ahead of our own interests. That helped us deal with the tragedy we went through in our family.

4-H also taught us how to be more engaged and take on more leadership roles in school and other activities. I would almost imagine that 80% of our community was involved in 4-H in some way. It made it a very dynamic community, which fostered many leaders who went on to contribute value today and into the future.

How did those skills lead you to where you are today, both personally and professionally?

KT: I believe that my growth in business was the result of my experience in 4-H. No matter what activity we participated in, there was a business element. I had some projects as a senior in high school that allowed me to make more than some of my teachers at school. It was the foundation of a 4-H experience—which started at 5 or 6 years of age—that gave me the footing to grow a business today. Now, that business has grown to have agriculture operations in Indiana and Argentina, as well as investments in ag start-ups in San Francisco.

Please share your thoughts on the evolution of 4-H and how you think the organization is preparing today’s young people to be leaders in their communities.

KT: I think that evolution has been in place for some time as we’ve seen 4-H evolve and expand, offering opportunities for more young people in rural and urban communities. Let’s face it, we’ve had a lot of growth in urban areas as far as population goes, and we’ve seen rural populations decline. So the trend has been pretty well paralleled. When I served as a Trustee for National 4‑H Council, I learned about projects that represent that evolution. We visited an aquaculture farm that a group of 4-H’ers was running in downtown New York. That was exciting for me! In the rural areas we visited, I’ve seen a protein packing plant. These 4-H’ers are contributing and building a successful future. They give back to the community, and at the same time, they improve their own economic future while helping others to do the same.

Well before accepting your current role as U.S. Ambassador to the UN Agencies in Rome, you played a significant role in agribusiness and economics, from serving on international boards to overseeing production at Tom Farms. Tell me about the defining moment in your career in agriculture in which foreign affairs became a key focus? 

KT: Throughout my career, I’ve been on several boards and involved in philanthropic efforts, trying to assess why we have so many people hungry around the world when agricultural productivity is so high in the United States. I got involved with an organization called Farmers Feeding the World, and along that way, I met Howard Buffett. Together, we visited Afghanistan and Iraq, where we witnessed firsthand how people are struggling to feed themselves. At the same time, one of my fondest memories is as a member of National 4-H Council’s Board of Trustees. We went to Kenya and Tanzania, where we saw some of the 4-H clubs operating down there. While in Kenya, we met Millicent Obare, principal of Nyaminia Primary School. I think she had nearly 900 students at the school, and those kids were so excited about their 4-H experience. They were eager to learn how to grow a livelihood and at the same time give back to the community. All of this set the stage for where I am today.

You have often spoken out about the crisis on hunger that is plaguing countries around the world, once saying, “too many people go to bed hungry…and our world pays the consequences because of that.” Tell me about some of your work to date on combatting this issue and how can young people help support the mission to end world hunger.

KT: The Food and Agriculture Organization recently released its SOFI 2019 report, The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, which cited that the number of people who are chronically malnourished and on the edge of starvation and famine grew from 810 million a year ago to 827 million this year. Those numbers continue to increase, with no anticipated change in the near future. It’s very concerning. So, in the role I’m in today, I represent the U.S. out of Rome and the way we work with the World Food Program (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These UN Agencies go out and work with those who have the immediate need and are facing hunger. Human conflicts drive hunger in many of these places, and we sometimes find out much of this conflict is driven by not having access to food, and people migrate, and we have long, drawn out, damaging conflicts. And then we have an even greater crisis in feeding people. I work a lot with the FAO, an organization with a mandate to go out and create resilience and capacity in food systems to feed people. It’s a big mission, one with a broad mandate, and it’s essential. I can tell you, I didn’t leave five children, 11 grandchildren, and two 90-year-old parents to come here and not get anything accomplished. I’m here to get work done.

What are some ways 4-H and other youth organizations can keep youth more informed about these topics?

KT: I think we need to talk about it in 4-H clubs. We can talk about just how great the need is on a global scale. Think about it this way. Africa will double its population by 2050. How are we going to feed them? We can barely feed them today. I think that puts it in a clear perspective of just how great that need is. The capacity is going to be needed to feed the world. The demand for food is going to continue to grow, and there are so many places for young people to be involved. Along with agriculture, STEM programs allow us to innovate and think about new ways to feed a hungry world.

What message would you share with young people to encourage them to want to help feed their community and world?

KT: Realize that we don’t live in a static world. We need to understand our past, but we also need to look to the future. Realize that there will be so many careers available and jobs created in the next ten years. Have an open mind. Understand the global perspective, because as we continue to live in a more global society, there’s a need for youth to be very adept at changing. Be very aware of those around the world. Be very broad in your academic choices as you go through high school or college. Make sure you leave yourself open to dream a little bit. Our access to technology does not limit our ability to innovate. It’s only limited by our ability to dream.

Lastly, I leave you with this final statement: “I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. And something I ought to do.” My father repeated it to me many times as a child, and that’s why I remember it. I use that as a challenge to young people as they look at the complexity of the world today and how it may seem too big of an obstacle to overcome. It’s a statement that’s very close to my heart, and I challenge everybody to get involved and be a part of the solution.

4-H Expert Series: Empowering Today’s Youth to Help Foster World Change

In 4‑H we serve young people from all walks of life. Many credit their 4‑H experience with helping them learn to be themselves and allowing them to shine—no matter their background, race, beliefs, lifestyles, circumstances, or upbringing.

I am proud to affirm the thousands of LGBTQ+ 4‑H youth and alumni who live their truth. You are strong and courageous. You conduct your lives with purpose and generosity. You are an inspiration to us all. Moreover, you belong to the national 4‑H movement of 6 million youth and 25 million alumni who are positive change-makers in their communities.

All across the nation, State and local Cooperative Extension’s 4‑H programs are developing advisory committees and resources to ensure 4‑H provides equal opportunities to all youth. In 2018, the Ohio 4‑H Teen Leadership Council brought together 4‑H leaders and young people from 16 states for a first-of-its-kind event: the Ohio 4‑H LGBTQ+ Summit. They shared resources and discussed the importance of providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth.

Youth voices help guide 4‑H at the national, state and county levels. In this video, 4‑H’ers share what equity and inclusion means to them. You’ll hear words like welcoming, love, support, community, individuality, and respect. Those are values that we all can connect with.

As we celebrate Pride Month, my heartfelt message to LGBTQ+ 4‑H youth and alumni: Be proud of who you are. You are an inspiration to us all.

To learn more about how 4‑H impacts youth of all backgrounds and ways to get involved, sign up for the 4‑H newsletter.

 

Participating in 4‑H has been one of the most rewarding experiences I could have ever imagined. It afforded me with a launching pad that equipped me with a support system, skills, and space to dream. It conditioned me to never settle for mediocre and to strive to always rise to the occasion. The consistent mentorship and encouragement I received during my time in the 4‑H program produced a ripple effect of impact that is reflected in every aspect of my life.

My 4‑H career began just before the fourth grade, thanks to my mother being employed by the University of Tennessee Extension. Having the opportunity to be exposed to other youth and community leaders who displayed a passion for helping youth confirmed that 4‑H was a place I wanted and needed to be. Over the years, the sheep and goat projects developed into leadership and citizenship activities. These moments inspired my career path as a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for UT Extension and prepared me to educate others to assist them in finding real-life solutions.

4‑H has shaped me as an individual by providing caring mentors along the way. As a high school freshman, I decided to take on the challenge of running for Congress Speaker of the House. I sought out the counsel of one of the older 4‑H members in my county, who shared with me their secret to great speeches. He said the key to being a great speaker is not to simply tell a story, but to make a connection.  If he knew it or not, establishing a meaningful connection was not only the secret to great speeches, but the secret to great leadership.

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Early in my 4‑H career, I had the opportunity to interact with Jennifer Sirangelo. Through our continued interaction, she showed me what it meant to be compassionate for others, to stand for what you thought was right, and to face challenges head-on. As a great mentor does, she challenged me to operate outside my comfort zone on a regular basis and to pour into others just as others had for me. The service mindset prepared me to enter into a field that strives to serve and empower others. This is just one example of the power of mentorship.  They often see the things in you that you don’t see in yourself and help you grow the underdeveloped parts of you that will aid in becoming a leader in your field.

In a world that is so accustomed to being dominated by men in leadership roles, it was imperative for me to find a network of hardworking and passionate women to help mentor and guide my career. It has been so rewarding to be connected with other women who are committed to the mission of making this world a better place.  To be on the receiving and giving side of mentorship is a learning experience for both parties.  It reinforces the idea that each step in the right direction for one is a part of a leap in the right direction for us all.

I recently had the pleasure of sharing my thoughts on the land-grant mission and how it can help strengthen its relationship with 4-H in the 21st century. In the article, published by EvoLLLution.com, I was joined by fellow leaders of youth development and higher education:

  • Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University
  • Stephen M. Gavazzi, Professor of Human Development and Family Science at Ohio State University
  • Karen J. Pittman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Forum for Youth Investment

The joint interview is a follow up to the 2018 book “Land-Grant Universities for the Future: Higher Education for the Public Good,” and its discussions on the impact of Cooperative Extension as well as land-grant universities’ connections with the community.

Here are a few highlights from the article:

The EvoLLLution: What are some of the challenges that universities typically face when it comes to creating accessible and relevant programming for K-12 learners?

Gordon Gee: One of the biggest problems is that universities largely have become disconnected from public education. Some of this disconnect has come about through arrogance. Here, universities are operating under the assumption that they can simply sit back and wait for the K-12 system to do its work before receiving its students for a final round of educational polish. Universities should be actively creating relationships and partnerships with public educators. In fact, they should be getting back into the business of creating laboratory schools, especially regarding the development of innovative models that unite educators from campuses and communities in the common purpose of educating our youth.

How does the mission and work of 4-H align with land-grant universities and their Cooperative Extension Services?

Stephen Gavazzi: 4-H is a program run by Cooperative Extension Services, and Extension was established through the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, the third of three major congressional actions that formed the basis for our three-part land grant mission. Land-grant institutions must transcend the urban-rural divide by focusing on what is good and right for all our nation’s communities, regardless of their geographic location. Cooperative Extension Services in general and 4-H programming more specifically must help land-grant universities achieve that objective. In 1914, undoubtedly there was a major focus on rural youth and more agriculturally based activities. In our modern era, we are witnessing some significant growth in 4-H programming that reaches youth in more urbanized locations. For that reason, 4-H now represents one of the land-grant university’s best efforts to connect the urban-rural divide.

Why is 4-H programming relevant in the 21st century?

Jennifer Sirangelo: One of the most important roles that 4-H plays today is in working alongside the nation’s public school system. As an organization founded by educators, 4-H knows schools cannot do it alone. Across the U.S., 4-H is able to support and enhance what is happening in the classroom through hands-on leadership experiences that are proven to develop their skills and ability to lead. This kind of leadership development has always been important to our country’s well-being, but we believe this work is even more relevant now. We need leaders who engage others, who have confidence in their own abilities, who think about the needs of others and are giving back to their communities. The role of 4-H is to the develop community members who are civic-minded individuals with valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.

How can land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension Services better support 4-H programming in the years to come?

Karen Pittman: I would take this back to the fact that Cooperative Extension Services exists inside of land-grant universities that have made a commitment to increased diversity. And I would encourage these universities to hold themselves numerically accountable. To not only make these verbal commitments, but to begin to discuss where they are and where they are not making progress by referring to data that has been gathered about various efforts to make themselves more diverse. That would include evaluative information about activities inside of Extension efforts in general and more specifically within their 4-H programming.

Visit EvoLLLution.com to read the feel interview!

 

Thinking about my growth and path to where I am today, I can’t help but feel a sense of duty to encourage girls and young women who aspire to lead. I think we all do. At some point, we’ve all had a woman who inspired us, and in turn, we should all want to be an inspiration to someone else. I believe in women helping women.

As I began my journey into my career, I encountered people who already had a perceived notion of who I was. On the outside, they saw a young, outgoing young woman from the Midwest. They automatically assumed they knew who I was and what my capabilities were.

I was underestimated. Maybe you can relate. You may have people around you who doubt your ability to succeed. They may assume the outcomes of your success (or lack thereof) based on where you’re from, how you look, or how old you are. It’s so important to never let others’ assumptions about you alter your path to success – however you define it.

I was fortunate enough to have women in my life who instilled in me the values, confidence, and drive I needed to become the leader I am today. No matter where others thought I should be or what I should do, these women believed in me and my abilities.

My greatest champions were my grandmothers. As women who both grew up in an era where opportunities to have a career were limited, they inspired me to follow my dreams and not to be afraid to step outside of the box of what was considered ‘normal.’

I also saw the female pastor of my childhood church breaking barriers. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized how powerful it was to see a woman from my faith community in a leadership role. She empowered me to aspire beyond the expected norms and gave me my purpose – to help others.

At the most significant period of growth in my career, I had the opportunity to work for a female CEO, which proved to be a gamechanger. I watched her build the organization’s brand, fundraising, and board and her success set the tone for where I envisioned my path to leadership could take me.

Today, I continually remember the women who inspired me. I encourage you to take a close look at the women around you. Recognize the game changers, the barrier breakers, and the sideline cheerleaders that you have in your corner. Learn from them, feel their support, and let their example light the path to your success story. I know yours (or your story) will be a great one.

 

For more than 100 years, 4‑H has been the nation’s leading youth organization to welcome young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving youth voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better. These values are an inherent part of the 4‑H program since our founding when too often the perspectives and potential of young people were overlooked in improving their communities. As a result, a powerful program called 4‑H was created and has grown to empower nearly six million kids across the country today willing to take on societal issues such as addressing community health inequities, advancing innovations in technology, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for equity and inclusion for all.Our alumni often share that the life lessons, skills, and values they gained from their 4‑H experience still motivate and influence what they do today. You will frequently hear words like confidence, character, acceptance, leadership, resilience and compassion. These very same traits are the ones we see exhibited every day from 30,000 trained youth development professionals and 500,000 volunteers nationwide who believe unequivocally in the value of every young person. These individuals are anchors of their community welcoming youth with open arms, open minds and open hearts with the goal of inspiring young people to succeed in all aspects of their lives and see their greatest success as the impact they leave on others.

These 4‑H values are shared by more than 25 million Americans who are 4‑H alumni, who love their organization and share their own experiences of meeting people from different backgrounds, being exposed to new ideas and seeing both the importance of our diversity and the power of what we can do when we bring our diversity together.

No place are these values more important than ensuring today that all young people know that 4‑H is a welcoming environment for who they are and their beliefs. Together, Cooperative Extension and National 4‑H Council affirm our shared values of inclusion for all youth in 4‑H programs and we know our programs have been particularly relevant and impactful to LGBTQ+ youth. Cooperative Extension institutions have been unwavering in their commitment to serving all youth, including LGBTQ+ young people. 4‑H programs in every state and county in America are governed by state laws regarding non-discrimination in public education as well as land grant university policies regarding diversity and inclusiveness in its many forms. We are proud that some of the best examples across the 4‑H network in demonstrating this commitment follow 4‑H’s tradition of youth and adult partnerships working collaboratively. From youth-led summits sharing best practices about inclusion of LGBTQ+ youth to trainings providing guidance for 4‑H professionals and volunteers, 4‑H is creating safe and inclusive environments where all youth have the opportunity to develop skills in partnership with caring adults and feel a sense of belonging.

These programs are only a small sample of our larger network determined to expand its reach to 10 million kids representative of America’s diversity over the next 10 years. We understand there are various points of view in our country around the differences we share and many times these views can create a more polarized society. What can’t divide or deter us is the common love and acceptance we have for all of our kids.  4‑H will continue to stay vigilant in our outreach, support and service to America’s youth no matter the challenge, circumstance or implications.

This is who we have always been–helping all kids pledge their Head, their Heart, their Hands and their Health to the service and betterment of our country and our world.

This is 4‑H.

Dr. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension and Chair of the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy

Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO, National 4‑H Council 

America is facing a leadership crisis. Many young people today aren’t being given the opportunity to learn the tenacity, strategic-thinking and people skills that they’ll need to lead – now and in the future.

For me, leadership started at home as a big sister. As the oldest of four kids, I took on a lot of responsibility early on in my life. My dad worked two jobs and my mom was my first mentor, and she saw the unique potential in me and each of my siblings and helped us cultivate it. Caring adults like my mom and others stepped up and gave me the opportunities I needed to grow essential life skills.

But recent research conducted by 4‑H suggests that today’s youth aren’t getting the leadership opportunities they want and need. In the 2016 4‑H National Youth Survey on Leadership, two-thirds of respondents said they don’t have the tangible skills they needed to lead. Half of high school students said they don’t feel prepared to lead in college or a future career.

That’s a discouraging statistic. But even more discouraging is that, as adults, we’re not stepping up to help young people get the leadership opportunities they need. When our survey asked youth why they hadn’t taken opportunities to learn leadership skills, the number one reason they gave was that no one had asked them.

4‑H decided to change that. In spring of 2016, we launched our Grow True Leaders Campaign to highlight the experiences offered to young people that grow leadership skills. Through self-chosen projects, kids are paired with mentors and given opportunities to lead. These projects bring out their potential, their passions, and their drive to help others, as we empower them to become true leaders.

In 4‑H, we believe that every child has the potential to be a leader, and in order to fulfill that potential they need caring adult mentors, chances to develop practical skills, and opportunities to take on leadership roles. As America’s largest youth development organization, we know this approach works and our results are second to none.

If we’re going to fill the coming leadership void, adults must play a larger role in encouraging kids and offering them the hands-on experiences that will help them build confidence and grow skills.

4‑H’s Grow True Leaders Campaign continues to highlight those experiences. We asked young people to tell us which problems facing the world need stronger leaders, or which problems they themselves would like to lead the way in solving. Then they have the opportunity to develop innovative solutions to these problems.

We also asked adults to champion the positive work that today’s youth are doing by recognizing young leaders in their own communities through a digital Shout Out and by helping us provide more opportunities for youth to gain the skills they need to lead.

We’re supporting our youth, and we’re asking adults across the country to do the same. Let’s rally the nation to grow a generation of True Leaders.