Personal Statement: Volunteering For 4-H To Benefit Yourself

Volunteering for 4-H to Benefit Yourself

Does anyone know what is the largest youth development organization in the United States is? 4-H… According to the 2016 Annual report done by the National 4-H council, 4-H is regarded as the largest youth development organization serving over 6 million youth in the United States with over 25 million alumni, and 600,000 volunteers. (Penn State Extension) Pretty amazing, right? For those of you who don’t know what 4-H is, here is a little background. According to a study done in Florida, the organization originated in 1902, actually here in Pennsylvania in Mercer County, with the purpose of making a connection between public school education and rural communities, leading to one very common misconception

Since that date in 2009, I have become immersed in the 4-H way of life. Starting this journey through a local club afforded me the opportunity to see the world of 4-H. One of the many great opportunities that I experienced during my time as a 4-H youth was the opportunity to travel to Atlanta, Georgia, as the Forest County 4-H Delegates to National 4-H Congress. I was the first ever delegate selected from my county and it was an honor that myself and my family supported. Through 4-H, I was able to attend leadership retreats where I had the opportunity to participate in activities that pushed me out of my comfort zone to become a better leader and person. When adult staff notice leadership potential in youth, they pick them out and push them to a higher standard to plan leadership events and teach workshops. I had the opportunity to be one of those selected youths where I was in a position to plan and lead both regional and state events. Outside of leadership activities, I participated in agriculture clubs where I would show pigs and cows at local and state levels. I feel that people disregard ag programs as maybe invaluable, but I have to totally disagree. Through raising and showing livestock, I learned about dedication, hard work, and patience. 4-H likes to encourage and support youth, which I think maybe hard to find in club now days. During my last year as a 4-Her, the

I could tell you all the ways that 4-H is beneficial to youth and give you statics, but I feel as though you could benefit from the program just as much as the kids. I’m sure many of you are looking for resume boosters to get that dream job or to be accepted into graduate school. Volunteering is an awesome way to do that and what better organization to volunteer for than 4-H. According to Penn State Extension, “When you volunteer for 4-H, you reap so many rewards, not only for yourself, but also for 4-H members, and your community. With the wide variety of programs offered through 4-H, you can get involved in an activity or club that interests you and develop your skills while you enrich the lives of the youth you work with. Why should you consider becoming a leader? You are needed to help youth become better citizens, you will learn a great deal about young people, leadership, and yourself, you will enjoy serving and making friends with young people through 4-H, and You can share your skills, talents, and hobbies with young people.” (Penn State Extension) To get involved, you can visit your local extension office. There is one conveniently located in every county in PA. Just type Penn State Extension into google, find your county, and you are set to go! You will work with the cooperative extension professional in your county to