4-H: Leading the World
The 4-H Program is a youth development organization that is apart of the Cooperative Extension Service, a group administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Because of the significance it places on developing individuals into the best they possibly can be, 4-H has grown into the largest and most respected youth-orientated organization in the world. Lessons learned and experiences had because of this extremely educational program will stay with former members throughout their life and benefit them in ways they may not realize. Therefore, because of the public speaking skills learned by competing in communication contests and presentations, workshops that allow members to focus on disciplines they take interest in, and leadership roles that identify the strengths and weaknesses of yourself, while meeting different kinds of people, make 4-H an educational organization that will unleash the true capability of members into their adult life.
The art of public speaking is a skill one learns by retentively speaking before a crowd or group they may not usually speak in front of. Most 4-H members develop this important skill by preparing a speech or demonstration for speaking contests about a project they completed within the most recent program year (4-H 434-435). These contests can occur on the club, local, state, regional, or the national level depending on what the project description entitles and the level of commitment the participating member are willing to strive for. By being able to take part in speaking contests or other presentation forms, youth are better able to develop this very useful skill, which will allow them to one day become productive members of society (4-H, 2008). Programs offered by 4-H such as this, offer many rewards for the individuals dedicated enough to strive their hardest, showing up in the later years of their life.
In addition to developing speaking skills through the participation in public speaking and demonstration contests about a recent program they completed, skills like this can be earned through other activities as well. By participating in national teen opportunities such as National 4-H Conference, Citizenship Washington Focus, and National Youth Issues Conference, individuals learn how to address a group about a topic pertaining to the conference (Ohio 4-H Teen Opportunities 1). Presentations like these are prepared by a group of paired attendees and given in the form of a speech to the whole convention. Also, these presentations can be given to local clubs or organizations as a way to better your home community and to encourage community service to take place (Virginia 4-H All Stars 1). As a whole, the availability of being able to participate in the many speaking opportunities provided by the National 4-H Foundation teaches youth how to properly speak in front of large crowds and gives most a much needed confidence boost. Factors such as this, establish 4-H as life-changing organization youth of the world can participate in.
Another major aspect that helps establish 4-H as an organization that prepares its participants for their adult life are the many workshops and conferences members can become a part of. State Equine Affaire, National Quarter Horse Congress, and American Heritage are conferences help throughout the country, teaching youth more about topics relating to the event through various types of workshops (Ohio 4-H Teen Opportunities 1). Workshops that are taught during conferences like the ones listed above, educate youth about topics that may be of some interest to them and informs them of how to capitalize on the opportunities that are available to the youth who may interested. Opportunities like these help the participating young people explore possible careers while learning new ways to help their community, and are an excellent way to become more intelligent in an informal way (4-H 433). These informal education opportunities are one of the benefits of participating in workshops and conferences that are sponsored and endorsed by the National 4-H Foundation.
Youth developments like these predominantly coincide with the workshops that are occurring with whatever conference happens to be taking place. The lessons an individual has learned in these workshops taught at state, regional, and national conferences have been spread by the participants, allowing all six million 4-H members to be affected in a positive manner (4-H Youth Development Statistics 2008). Aspects and valuable information an individual in attendance learns while in attendance of various different workshops, allow them to go back to their home club and spread the information to those unable to attend; enabling others to learn in a more condensed time period. The information one gathers at the various conferences offered through the Cooperative Extension Program stresses this form of youth development through service activities that benefit others who may be less fortunate than others of the global community (Virginia 4-H All Stars 1). As a whole, conferences and workshops that are being taught to individuals interested in learning are unleashing the full potential of all members; not only the ones who take part in the prestigious conferences offered by 4-H. Information that is gathered in these events, can be applied to all aspect of life and provide guidance in other activities that they may participate in on future dates.
In addition to the above opportunities offered through the enriching programs of 4-H, interested individuals can also take part in one or more of the leadership development activities or take a role in leading a group or club. For interested senior 4-H members, leading, conducting, and evaluating junior members in throughout their community service activities and in their respected clubs allow the older members to develop team leadership qualities, while assisting younger members through the development of their project (4-H 435). As the project progresses, teen leaders will encounter problems they must quickly figure a solution out for, while not becoming frustrated in front of the other participants. In little of no time, teens who may not have believed in their own leadership skills will gain confidence in leading a group of people through an activity they are qualified to lead. These efforts in helping younger individuals of your home county through projects will encourage others to strive stay active in 4-H and to maintain a high interest in various projects; all while living by the 4-H motto "Making the Best Better," (Virginia 4-H All Stars 2). Although teen volunteers who take part in leading younger individuals may not realize the difference they can make in the lives of the younger members, the traits they acquire and put to use while in lead of these activities will make become noticeable at some point of their life, while participating in an activity where leadership qualities are needed to accomplish a common goal.
Most people of the world may not realize the important role leadership development activities can play in their lives and how it can directly influence how successful they will end up being in other activities they may end up occurring later in life. Because teens have the opportunity to participate in local, district, state, and regional councils, they will continue develop a solid basis for leadership, while playing an important role in the planning and conducting of activities for 4-H members and 4-H sponsored activities that take place for interested adults (4-H 2008). Being able to plan and implement activities other will be participating in is a very important step in developing the leadership roles of an involved 4-H member. Activities such as show the ability to think critically in situations that require it and demonstrates how well an individual can work within a group of dedicated members; both being very important stepping stones in developing ones leadership qualities into the fullest they can possibly be. In addition to planning and enacting activities as group, other activities are also available for teens looking to become better leaders. Participating in groups where teens speak out against current events, mentoring younger individuals, and teaching others how to develop their leadership qualities also enable teens to become better leaders (Ohio 4-H Teen Opportunities 1). Linking all these activities together will allow teens to better lead a group and to develop the leadership qualities all people in leadership roles need to possess. Being able to lead a group of younger individuals effectively is one sign teenage members are maturing and are beginning to accept the responsibility in the activities they are involved in; a major goal 4-H has tried to accomplish with all aspects of this spectacular program.
4-H and similar programs offered throughout the world have affected millions of youth in more than eighty countries throughout the world. Although most of these countries have not adopted all aspects of the American 4-H program, each program focuses on the three major aspects set forth in ours; public speaking, additional education programs, and developing the leadership qualities of all individuals interested in doing so (4-H 2008). Because of the significance the national leaders of 4-H have placed on the three major areas of this program, the youth of the world have began to reap the benefits of each area while learning new skills, developing interesting trades, and meeting new friends with the same interests as them along the long and drawn out path. Speaking contests have helped pre-teens and teenagers develop a solid basis for giving speeches, while being giving productive feed back on how to improve their skills. Workshops that are taught to attendees of state and national conferences have allowed members to learn about topics of interest to them, while being able gain information on how to implement a similar program at their local club level. Lastly, leadership opportunities and programs has allowed many 4-H members to develop and use leadership skills they will be helpful in life; currently and in future endeavors. When putting each of these factors together, the benefits of being a 4-H member become quite prevalent. These factors support the argument of 4-H being a highly educational organization, which will help members become highly productive members of society. Is 4-H a club you are interested in?