When many people think of 4-H, they think of youth in agriculture or livestock. While 4-H did get its start in these areas, youth leadership has always been the mission of 4-H. There are many ways to develop leadership skills in 4-H!

Clubs

Most 4-H’ers get their start at their local clubs. Clubs are excellent ways to learn a new project (such as sewing, gardening, or robotics). However, giving youth the tools, and opportunity, to make their own decisions and act professionally is crucial to 4-H! Clubs are overseen by adult volunteers, but are ultimately led by youth. Youth elect officers, learn how to create an agenda, and run a meeting using parliamentary procedure. At their clubs, youth are empowered to make decisions together and learn how to compromise – clubs vote to make decisions, after all.

Within our county, Broward 4-H club members participate in events like the Fair and BBQ Tailgate competition. These events improve interview and public speaking skills. These are essential skills of leaders.

Florida 4-H

When youth join Broward 4-H, they are a part of a larger 4-H community. Our county joins with Palm Beach County 4-H and Miami-Dade County 4-H to form a District. Within our District, we plan service learning events and host public speaking and talent competitions.

Youth are also a part of Florida 4-H. Through Florida 4-H, youth from all over the state compete in state-level competitions, attend leadership workshops, or participate in events like Day at the Capitol, that introduces them to civic engagement.

Congratulations to Lydia and Hayden!

This year, we are proud to announce that our own Broward County 4-H youth, Lydia and Hayden, have been elected to serve as Florida 4-H President (Lydia) and Vice President (Hayden). Together with their leadership team, they will plan 4-H statewide events, initiatives, and guide the direction of the program for the 2020-2021 year!

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