4-H Pledge, Parents' Pledge, Motto and Colors

A community of more than 6 million youth and adults working together for positive change. Here you can learn about the wide variety of people and programs that make up 4-H, which is implemented by the 106 Land Grant Universities and USDA's Cooperative Extension System through more than 3,000 offices across the country.

4-H Pledge

I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking,
my HEART to greater loyalty,
my HANDS to larger service,
my HEALTH to better living,
for my club, my community, my country and my world.

(It is a common practice to involve hand motions to accompany these spoken words. While reciting the first line of the pledge, the speaker will point to their head with both of their hands. As the speaker recites the second line, they will place their right hand over their heart, much like during the Pledge of Allegiance. For the third line, the speaker will present their hands, palm side up, before them. For the fourth line, the speaker will motion to their body down their sides. And for the final line, the speaker will usually place their right hand out for club, left hand for community, bring them together for country, and then bring their hands upwards in a circle for world.)


4-H Motto

"To Make the Best Better"

 

4-H Colors

4-H Colors Green and white are the 4-H colors.
Green is nature's most common color. It symbolizes spring, life and youth.
White represents purity and high ideals.
 

 
4-H Parents Pledge

I pledge my HEAD to give my child the information I can,
to help my child see things clearly and to make wise decisions.
I pledge my HEART to encourage and support my child
through success and disappointments.
I pledge my HANDS to help my child's club;
if I cannot be a leader, I can help in many equally important ways.
I pledge my HEALTH to keep my child strong and well
for a better world through 4-H,
for my child's club, our community, our country and our world.

4-H CREED

I believe in 4-H Club work for the opportunity it will give me to become a useful citizen.
I believe in the training of my HEAD for the power it will give me to think, plan and to reason.
I believe in the training of my HEART for the nobleness it will give me to be kind, sympathetic and true.
I believe in the training of my HANDS for the ability it will give me to be helpful, skillful, and useful.
I believe in the trainingof my HEALTH for the strength it will give me to enjoy life, to resist disease, and to work efficiently.
I believe in my country, my state, and my community and in my responsibility for their development. In all these things I believe, and am willing to dedicate my efforts to their fulfillment.

 

WHAT DO THE 4-H RIBBON COLORS MEAN

Purple Ribbons denote an exhibit of superior quality that has met and exceeded all of the standards.
Blue Ribbons denote an above average exhibit that has met almost all of the standards in a way that surpasses the norm.
Reb Ribbons indicate average quality and indicate that the exhibit has met the majority of standards in such a way that the benchmark was reached, but not exceeded.
White Ribbons indicate that the exhibit has not met the majority of the standards.



4-H PARTICIPANT/PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT

The primary goal of the 4-H Program is to help youth develop competency in their projects, confidence in themselves and others, connections to their community and sound character. Actions by persons (Parents,and 4-Her's) involved with the 4-H Program will be consistent with the six core ethical values comprising good character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness and citizenship. When you enroll in 4-H in Nebraska you will be asked to sign a Code of Conduct. This is signed by both the 4-H member and their parent/guardian. 

 

4-H AGE REQUIREMENTS

4-H is open to all youth between the ages 5 and 18 (4-H Age), regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status as determined by the following age criteria:

  • 4-H Age: The age of the youth before January 1 of the current year.
    • If your birthday is on January 1, your 4-H age is the age you were on December 31st.
    • If you turn eight (8) on January 1, your 4-H age is seven (7).
    • If you turn nine (9) on January 1, your 4-H age is eight (8).
  • 4-H eligibility is determined based on the 4-H age. (The age of the member on December 31st of the previous year)
    • The first year of eligibility for participation in the 4-H Clover Kids program is the 4-H age of five (5).
    • The last year of eligibility for participation in the 4-H Clover Kids program is the 4-H age of seven (7).
    • The first year of eligibility for the regular 4-H program is the 4-H age of eight (8).
    • The last year of eligibility is 4-H age of eighteen(18).