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It
is New Year’s Day 2008 as I sit down to write this article. Welcome
back! I hope your new year has started off extremely well. There are so
many ways to make a difference with the youth of Alabama. Please take
the time to find a way to influence the youth in your area in a positive
way.
4-H
has so many events ready to start this spring. Many contests in the
counties will be going on to find the best projects and youth to go on
to the state contest. Teams are preparing for Livestock, Meats, Agri-Knowledge
and Horse Judging contests as well as Quiz Bowls, just to name a few.
February and March will see the final days of most of the steer projects
started last summer. Remember each and every kid is a winner for just
finishing the project; it doesn’t just mean the champion is the only
winner. Each of these boys and girls have made a strong commitment and
worked hard on this project. And yes, along the way they have learned
skills of selection, feeding, clipping, grooming and showmanship as well
as hard work, time management and information on how America is fed by
our farmers and ranchers. Congratulations to everyone of you for a job
well done!
A
question that’s often asked of me is "What does 4-H do?"
Since many people know 4-H has historical roots in the corn and tomato
clubs of rural America, they are unsure how 4-H has evolved to meet
modern young people’s needs. As a drive through Alabama demonstrates,
the number of people living on farms is a small fraction of what it once
was. So what is the purpose of 4-H in a time when very few young people
keep chickens or grow corn?
Modern
4-H focuses on developing young people to be leaders in a changing
society. Research emphasizes the importance of meeting four basic human
needs: belonging, independence, generosity and mastery. In Alabama 4-H,
we use the mnemonic BIG M to remind us of those goals. We reach those
goals through youth programming in science, engineering, technology, the
arts and other subjects focusing on contemporary youth interests.
·
Belonging –
Youth need to know they are cared about by others and feel a sense of
connection to others in group settings. 4-H gives youth the opportunity
to feel physically and emotionally safe while actively participating in
a group and working as part of a team.
·
Independence –
Youth need to know they are able to influence people and events through
their decision-making and their actions. By exercising independence
through 4-H leadership opportunities, youth mature in self-discipline
and responsibility and learn to better understand themselves. They learn
to make choices by making choices and, since they are human, it is
expected they will make mistakes.
·
Generosity –
Youth need to feel their lives have meaning and purpose. By exploring
4-H community service and citizenship activities, youth can connect to
communities and learn to give back to others. Through such amazing
programs as The Alabama 4-H War on Hunger, they learn sharing and caring
are rich and important aspects of the American experience. |
