United Way: 4-H has grown beyond its agricultural roots

Until recently, I naively assumed that 4-H was for kids who lived on farms. Having attended college in Indiana, my naivet was perpetuated, as the vast majority of my classmates did grow up on farms and had been members of 4-H. But it never occurred to me to learn more about the organization, nor to ask what those H's represent.

The answer is: Head, Heart, Hands and Health, all words contained in the 4-H pledge. Originally the organization was established to teach farming skills to young people, but since 1902 it's grown beyond its agricultural roots into one that helps shape the lives of boys and girls of all backgrounds, encouraging and teaching them to develop into knowledgeable, productive and confident young leaders.

"Children who have the 4-H experience have a unique advantage," notes Linda Denning, 4-H Program Leader, University of Florida, Collier County Extension. "4-H teaches citizenship, leadership & practical skills in a wide variety of areas to young people. Ultimately, it's about gaining skills and knowledge that will be used throughout their lives."

There are more than 15 clubs across the county, representing a variety of programs and interests, including health, gardening, livestock, cooking, animal training, wildlife, crafts, film production and media arts, to name but a few.

As children from 5 to 18 years take part in their projects, they share what they've learned through presentations, which take the kids into the realm of public speaking. Organization and record keeping are other project requirements as details and components must be recorded in order to maintain inventory, track expenses and determine profit/loss. Such areas of focus assure a strong tie to academics and future business skills. Special programs for teens focus on citizenship and leadership training, immersing teens in the roles and responsibilities of local government and beyond. With seemingly endless opportunities, Denning says that 4-H sometimes seems like a best-kept secret.

As one of the agencies supported by United Way, 4-H has also benefits in its own right.

"Not only does United Way provide funding, they also provide people like me with a network of other agency professionals to collaborate with," Denning said. "Without United Way, we wouldn't have been able to help the more than 3,000 children who participated in our program last year."

As the 2004 Campaign for United Way of Collier County, "Collier's Safety Net," continues, keep in mind that your safety net may one day be provided by any of the 27 agencies operating with assistance from United Way. Your contribution to the campaign will stay within Collier County and work for more than 100,000 residents taking advantage of available social services such as 4-H.

Patricia Wyche, marketing manager for London Bay Homes and a second-year Campaign Cabinet member of United Way of Collier County, is writing this weekly column during the annual fund-raising campaign, which ends Dec. 31. To learn more about the campaign, call 261-7112.