One in seven adults participated in 4-H in their lives
teach their parents. We still have agriculture and wildlife programs, but we also have urban and suburban programs. We’re very involved in STEM programs, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, plus citizenship, leadership and workforce development. One of our more popular programs is ‘Health Rocks,’ about making good decisions for lifestyle choices.” Many young people become involved with 4-H through their local schools. In addition, an extension office in every Alabama county can help with 4-H projects. Full-time cooperative extension professionals work closely with volunteers who conduct programs to fill local needs. Regional extension agents serve two counties. “Extension agents oversee 4-H programs in their two counties and work with volunteers who have undergone extensive training to get certified as 4-H volunteer leaders,” Lawrence says. “Young people can participate in many different disciplines. Our fastest growing program in Alabama is SAFE – Shooting Awareness Fun and Education, where young people can participate in a shooting sports curriculum.”
says. “It has rural kids, urban kids, at-risk kids, kids from poor economic areas, all kinds of kids. Many kids get involved through their schools, but most counties have community-based clubs or special interest clubs. Through community service, kids learn that they can make a difference in solving a problem. If kids have an interest, we’re always looking for opportunities to hook them up with caring adults or programs to suit their needs. If young people have a need, we’ll find them.” No matter the interest or topic, 4-H programs generally stress a sense of belonging, responsiveness, independence, safety, health, mastery of a discipline, hands-on education and generosity to others. Many 4-H alumni become extension professionals or volunteers later in life. “4-H teaches life skills, but 4-Hers tend to be very involved young people,” Lawrence says. “Following through on a project is one of the key elements.” Typically, kids who become involved with 4-H programs do so because they want to learn and experience life, not just watch it on television or a computer. A study conducted by Tufts University determined that young people involved in 4-H programs are civically active and four times more likely to contribute to their local communities than their peers. They
Across America, one in seven adults participated in a 4-H activity at some point in their lives. Some notable people with 4-H experience include Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Julia Roberts, Faith Hill, Johnny Cash, Reba McEntire, Archie Manning, Vice President Al Gore and Orville Redenbacher, the popcorn king among millions of other 4-H alumni. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through land-grant institutions like Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities, 4-H began more than 100 years ago as a practical, hands-on way to educate rural youths. As the 19th century drew to a close, older generations of farmers steadfastly maintained their traditional agricultural methods, but emerging technologies could improve their lives and productivity. To teach these older farmers to accept new ideas, the U.S.D.A. came up with ways to teach rural youths who could pass this knowledge to their parents and grandparents. In 1882, Delaware College organized a contest to see who could grow the best corn in accordance with their instructions. In 1892, groups in Wisconsin began Volunteers are essential Volunteers form the backbone of 4-H a movement to include youths in various agriculture clubs. Similar efforts, such as efforts. These volunteers come from many tomato and corn clubs, emerged in Ohio, backgrounds with diverse experiences. VolMinnesota and elsewhere by the early unteers help with after-school programs, 20th century. Many of these clubs and weekend events, summer camps and at programs formed the foundation for the other times to pass their experiences and knowledge to new generations. In 2013, 4-H experience. Officially, 4-H came into existence on nearly 2,900 volunteers in Alabama conMay 8, 1914, when President Woodrow tributed more than 96,150 hours of time. Wilson signed the Smith-Lever Act. The If they had charged for their services, act created the Cooperative Extension Ser- the value would have exceeded $2.1 milvice with the mission of “promoting ag- lion. Nationally, more than riculture, human health, the environment 540,000 volunteers donate and well-being in communities.” The act time to 4-H activities. “Alabama 4-H represents also incorporated various programs under the face of the state,” Gregg the 4-H umbrella. The 4-H organization pioneered the thenunlikely idea of including boys and girls in the same programs. In 1924, 4-H adapted its iconic four-leaf clover logo. “4-H started in the agricultural South when parents weren’t willing to make the changes they needed to do to be more economically success- The 4-H Environmental Science Education Center features meeting rooms with scenic views; top right, ful,” Gregg says. “They taught the chapel is a popular site for weddings. youths skills so they could
Alabama Living
MAY 2014 13