Why Join 4-H

4-H supports and empowers young people

Wisconsin 4-H programs promote the four essential elements of positive youth development: belonging, mastery, independence and generosity.

4-H gives youth direct experience with democratic practices and electoral processes.  As club officers, youth leaders learn to be accountable for their own leadership and are able to see the immediate effects of their club’s decisions.

4-H teaches important skills and attitudes like teamwork, problem-solving and positive communication – all skills that are strongly desired by employers.

4-H emphasizes the role of young people as active citizens in their communities – promoting opportunities for youth to contribute to public discourse and decision-making.

Wisconsin 4-H programs promote the four essential elements of positive youth development: belonging, mastery, independence and generosity.

4h-kidsBelong

Young people in 4-H find a sense of community and belonging when they join. 4-H programs are open to all young people, with programs available for all interests and levels of involvement. Youth in 4-H community clubs have fun with new friends and form bonds with Wisconsin 4-H’s caring adult volunteers.

4-H members have opportunities to make friends from all around the state through events like WI 4-H &  Youth Conference and National 4-H Dairy Conference. And youth can participate in the global 4-H community through the Wisconsin 4-H International Program Exchanges.

Mastery

With programs and projects for a wide range of interests, Wisconsin 4-H encourages young people to engage in learning and improve their skills in a variety of areas. And the adult volunteers working with Wisconsin 4-H each bring their unique talents to teaching the many projects.

As they participate in 4-H, youth are given a chance to choose the path that interests them most.  Using specially prepared curriculum, the knowledge of more than 17,000 adult volunteers and the support of their peers, 4-H members are able to learn and succeed in projects that include:

  • Arts and communication
  • Animal science
  • Community Involvement
  • Mechanical sciences
  • Natural resources
  • Family, Home and Health
  • Plant and Soil Science
  • A full list of projects is available on the Wisconsin 4-H Projects page.

4h-kidIndependence

Many Wisconsin 4-H programs help youth learn to be strong leaders and independent thinkers. Opportunities are available at the local and state level. Being involved in community clubs is one way for young people to develop independence and leadership skills — club meetings are run by parliamentary procedure, and all members are encouraged to be part of the democratic, decision-making process. There are also leadership positions within the club, including president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.

At the state level, the Wisconsin State 4-H Youth Leader Council and Youth in Governance programs help 4-H members learn to think independently, address important issues and constructively voice their opinions.

Generosity

The 4-H pledge says it all: “I pledge my hands to larger service…for my club, my community, my country and my world.” Most 4-H clubs engage in community service activities every year, doing things like visiting nursing homes, working in food pantries, planting trees or tending community gardens. Service is an important value in 4-H, and it gives youth a stronger sense of citizenship and ownership in their communities.