“The Youth Advisory Committee is a group of passionate young 4-H alumni from across the country who work alongside National 4-H Council to promote the 4-H program. We strive to share the stories of 4-H grown leaders and innovators and inspire the next generation of 4-H youth. As alumni, we understand the incredibly influential role 4-H can play in a child’s life, and our goal is to ensure that young alumni and others understand the value of investing in the lives of our future leaders.”
I am proud to serve on the National 4-H Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). This April, we are launching our first digital fundraising campaign – inviting our friends and family to “raise your hands” and help us bring the life-changing 4-H experience to more youth around the nation.
On a hot South Georgia August day, my 5th-grade teacher told us we had to go to the lunchroom for the first 4-H meeting of the year. I remember being so excited to go; anything to get out of class was worth excitement. I walked in with my class to hear the song Cotton Eyed Joe playing through the speakers and two people in the front of the room. Those two individuals would change my life. They would teach me how to work hard, how to serve others, how to be confident, and so much more. My 4-H agent, Mrs. Shelia, and 4-H Program Assistant, Mrs. Lynn, challenged me to be the best I could be.
My first year in 4-H I was encouraged to participate in Georgia 4-H Project Achievement where I would have to research a topic and give a speech about it. No one had ever told me I could do something like that, but because of the support I had from 4-H, I believed I could, and on that Saturday in Bacon County Elementry School I walked away with a ribbon. 4-H gave me the skills I needed to succeed. Two in three young people say that they do not have the skills they need to lead, and half of all high schoolers report not being prepared to lead in their life after high school. Today we need 4-H more than ever because 4-H teaches these skills. 4-H gives young people the tools and skills to be successful.
Please join me in giving more kids the experiences that will help them grow the skills they need for life today and a career tomorrow. Just $20 or more will go a long way toward helping me reach my personal goal and helping us grow 4-H.
When you give to America’s largest youth development program, 60% of your contribution will support the 4-H Grow True Leaders campaign to grow 4-H nationwide; 20% of will directly support the program that made a difference in my life – Georgia 4-H; and 20% will support the YAC Cause for 2018: helping the Puerto Rico 4-H program that is still recovering after the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria.
I grew up in a rural area with limited opportunities, but because of 4-H, I had ample opportunities to grow, to learn new things, to have experiences across the state, and be inspired to serve. Today you have the chance to give those same opportunities to young people around the country. Today you can help grow a true leader, inspire a young person to do something great, and help make the best better. Join me in giving back to an organization that has given us all so much!
