I Pledge My Heart
In honor of Nebraska 4-H Month, GLW 4-H would like to revisit the 4-H pledge so many in our community have made over the years. “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty.”
It is no coincidence that 4-H is a local program. Humans have a need to belong nearly as strong as the need for food, water and shelter. Our youth are no exception. 4-H is built on a foundation of positive youth development. It uses solid research-based resources to inform how to grow youth into resilient, engaged citizens.
One of the main themes of positive youth development is the necessity to provide a sense of belonging for each youth. In 4-H, one can join a club, participate in afterschool and make friends across the county to build that sense of belonging. Beyond the peer level, it is also important for 4-Her’s to build caring relationships with trusted adults serving as 4-H volunteers. This is vital for all 4-H members, but critical for youth that may not feel fulfilled in their relationships at home.
A sense of belonging can manifest in a number of ways. Many of us provide evidence of its existence through the pride we show for our schools and communities. When we build belonging for our youth, we build a connection to their communities that may inspire them to return home to start careers and families. 4-H exists at the local, state and federal level. Through experiences like Citizenship Washington Focus, our DC study tour, we hope to show the youth how local, state and federal connections affect our daily lives as active citizens participate in our democracy. Our governmental systems only work if citizens take part. This is especially true at the local level and we need our youth to be prepared to take part.
GLW 4-H is free and easy to join. We welcome all youth between the ages of five and 18. If you are interested in enrolling your youth, please stop by or contact the GLW Extension office to receive an enrollment packet. This packet contains instructions for enrolling as well as a preview of some of the camps and workshops available to 4-Her’s this year. Families are welcome to enroll in the GLW Extension office during our regular hours if technology is unavailable or uncomfortable.
If you have questions about GLW 4-H, please contact Jennifer Epp at Nebraska Extension in Garfield, Loup & Wheeler Counties at 308-346-4200 or jepp@unl.edu. You can also learn more about upcoming extension programming in GLW by visiting us at the Garfield County Courthouse or checking our website at glw.unl.edu.
