WINNIPEG — 4-H Canada is looking to the future but is relying on its past to do so.
The organization is calling on past members to help promote the rural youth group as it begins its second century.
The group celebrated 100 years at its annual conference May 29-June 1, with a gala attended by 450 people and a visit to the birthplace of 4-H at Roland, Man.
Rob Black, former Canadian 4-H Council president and chair of the 100th anniversary committee, said 4-H’s strength is its long history.
Read Also
Canadian economy going ‘under the speed limit,’ says FCC analyst
Farm Credit Canada outlined less than impressive numbers for Canada’s economy Sept. 18, and that will spill over into agriculture.
“Not too many can say they made it to 100,” he said.
“Another strength is our family culture. This is a big family,” Black said of 26,000 members, 8,500 members and 40,000 projects.
Black called on former members to serve as ambassadors and help raise the profile of the program.
“Two million or more folks have been impacted by 4-H over the last 100 years. That’s absolutely an opportunity,” said Black. “Our alumni are a tremendous opportunity.”
“If we talk to, connect with and re-engage a percentage of those two million, just think of what we could do,” he said.
Students Valerie Stone and Breanne Durie, 4-H Youth Advisory Committee members, are part of the 4-H legacy.
Stone said the group has helped her achieve goals at university and fostered leadership and communication skills.
“I know what 4-H has given to me and I want to give it to others,” she said. “I want to use it to make an impact on other people.”
Durie, who represents YAC on 4-H Canada’s board, wants to ensure members ideas are heard and that 4-H continues.
“It’s been such a successful program for us and given us so many opportunities, it’s the least we can do to ensure the program remains there and becomes a better and stronger program for youth. We all know what a difference it makes,” she said.
Valerie Pearson, president of the Canadian 4-H Council, said the group celebrated its past but must now look forward and not rest on its laurels.
“Because you have history and tradition, you may want to hold on and not move forward but to continue to grow, you always have to try to improve, look at what you’ve done and new opportunities for the future,” she said.
