YEX-43, Reprinted July 1996. Jacquelyn P. Robinson, Extension 4-H Program Specialist-Educational Design, Associate Professor, Vocational and Adult Education, Auburn University

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Welcome to the Family

Welcome to Alabama's 4-H youth program. Today your child or young adult became one of more than 82,000 boys and girls in Alabama who are already involved in 4-H. These young people are using the four H's--Head, Heart, Hands, and Health--to learn and grow as individuals, family and community members, and citizens. Through the 4-H experience they learn that the joy of achievement is earned, not given. They gain an appreciation for individual responsibility and service to others. They also develop leadership skills and learn the basic moral and ethical values that made this country great.

Today's youth are clamoring for immediate solutions to society's problems and stresses. In response, 4-H provides motivation, role models, and a direction for channeling the energies of our youth. Through 4-H experiences each young person can build toward a bright future and become a successful member of society.

What Is 4-H?

Four-H is the youth development education program of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. For more than 80 years, 4-H has helped Alabama's youth develop into resourceful citizens and responsible leaders. To achieve the goal of helping youth become productive individuals, the professional 4-H staff enlists support from caring, concerned parents such as yourself, as well as volunteers and business leaders.

The purpose of 4-H is to foster skill development in young people. Four-H'ers are given the opportunity to select from a variety of programs and projects. Individuality is valued, and each person is encouraged to discover his or her own particular skills, talents, and interests.

Challenging 4-H projects in science and technology, the environment, communications, performing arts, service learning, and community leadership involvement are increasing each year. Traditional projects for rural youth such as livestock and plant and soil science remain strong, while innovative programs are being designed to stimulate the curiosity of special youth populations.

Four-H clubs are usually led either by a county Extension agent or an adult volunteer who is trained to work with young people and has a genuine interest in helping them. Relationships between a caring adult leader and 4-H members, as well as relationships between peers, nourish the development of interpersonal skills and confidence. Through these experiences, 4-H'ers gain leadership and citizenship skills while experiencing the rewards of team efforts.

Types Of 4-H Clubs

A 4-H Club is an organized neighborhood or school group of youth between the ages of 9 and 19. There are several types of 4-H clubs:

• School Enrichment Programs offer learning experiences in cooperation with school officials during school hours. These programs support or enhance the school curricula. Teaching is performed by Extension staff or trained volunteers. These volunteers may be school teachers.
• Community or Neighborhood Summer Clubs meet during the summer, usually in members' homes.
• Special Interest Clubs focus on areas of interest to 4-H'ers. Examples of special interests are environmental stewardship, aerospace, beef cattle, and food preservation.
• Year-Round Community Clubs are usually organized by parents, members, or adult leaders and are available to the young people (age 9 to 19) in a given community. Meetings are often held in members' homes, at schools, in clubhouses, or other meeting facilities in the community.
• School Clubs may meet at the elementary, middle, junior, or high school. Meetings are held regularly during the school year.
• After School Clubs meet after school hours or on Saturdays. Meetings may be held in school buildings, members' homes, or other appropriate meeting facilities.

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Opportunities For 4-H'ers

Four-H gives your son or daughter the opportunity to:

• Learn the importance of valuing self, setting and attaining personal goals, and helping others.
• Develop his/her unique talents, interests, and abilities to the fullest potential.
• Acquire leadership skills while appreciating cooperation and team spirit when working with others.
• Meet new friends through work and play activities.
• Practice the principles of good citizenship.
• Experience new things through travel to new places.

In addition, opportunities are created for 4-H Club members to participate and to succeed, both individually and as team members. Individual goals and growth are important and are rewarded.

What Is Your Role As A 4-H Parent?

You are invited to become active in your child's growth and progress. You know as a parent that young people are going to learn. You can help control what they learn, and you can do this through 4-H. As a 4-H parent, you can share your experiences and participate in learning activities with your child and with other 4-H'ers. Four-H learning experiences can help equip your child with skills necessary for becoming a happy, successful citizen and for making wise personal choices and career choices throughout life.

The most valuable gift you can give your son or daughter is your time. By actively participating in your child's 4-H experiences, you can help channel that time into positive, productive growth activities. You can also share your experiences with other parents and adult leaders, as well as county Extension agents, sponsors, and friends.

The primary role of a 4-H parent, like the role of any parent, is one of interest and support. At various times, you may assume the role of friend, companion, or advisor. You may find yourself helping your child with a project or an assignment. By working alongside your 4-H'er you can enjoy his or her success, while perhaps offering encouragement when success is longer in coming.

There are many things you can do to help your 4-H'er enjoy a positive 4-H experience. Here are some ways you can support and participate in your child's 4-H experience:

• Ask your county Extension agent for a list of 4-H educational programs and projects available in your county. Become knowledgeable about the types of activities and experiences your child has chosen. Then help your child select a project or projects that are of particular interest.
• Get to know your local 4-H volunteer leader and your county Extension staff. Learn about the plans members are making and where they may need help. Offer to help with meetings. Ask how you can help your 4-H'er at home.
• Value your child for his or her individual worth and potential.
• Encourage your 4-H'er to stay involved and make sure that he or she gets to all of the meetings on time.
• Keep the camera handy to photograph your child's projects and experiences in 4-H activities.
• Make provisions for your child to practice at home what was learned in 4-H meetings and offer help when needed.
• Help finance projects that require buying supplies.
• Assist your child with his or her project or projects.
• Offer to share your expertise on projects that are familiar to you.
• Volunteer to work with a group of 4-H'ers on projects and activities.
• Offer your home for a club meeting site.
• Attend 4-H events.
• Organize a 4-H parent booster club.
• Join the county 4-H volunteer organization.

Grow with your child as a 4-H parent. You can personally gain much pleasure and satisfaction from taking part in the 4-H experience and letting 4-H become a family activity. By associating with other 4-H Club members and leaders, you can widen your horizons and have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a special part of your child's life.

Where Can I Get More Information?

You can get more information about 4-H from your county Extension office. There is at least one office in each county, usually in the county seat. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and land grant universities; 4-H is the youth component.

Four-H is a national program with groups throughout the United States and in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. The Extension state staff and 4-H specialists are located on the main campuses of Alabama A&M University, Auburn University, and Tuskegee University, and you can also receive information by contacting the state 4-H staff at one of these institutions.