Ottawa, Ontario – July 11, 2019 – 4-H Canada is pleased to announce that following its Annual General Meeting today, the 4-H Pledge will now include “…and my world” at the end.

The idea to update the 4-H Pledge was initiated at the 2017 Global 4-H Network Summit by 4-H youth members themselves who, for the first time, met with other 4-H youth from around the world and realized that they belonged to a global community of more than seven million youth involved in 4-H in over 70 countries. Feeling empowered to contribute to a movement with implications far beyond themselves, 4-H youth proposed to align their Pledge in solidarity, so that their fellow members across the country could pledge the same promise as their counterparts around the world every day.

4-H Manitoba seized the momentum after their youth members expressed the same interest and presented a resolution to amend the Pledge at the 2018 4-H Canada AGM, which was adopted.

“This update to the 4-H Pledge is a testament that 4-H in Canada listens to youth and engages them in having a voice at the table to ensure we have thriving communities in partnership with youth leaders,” said Shannon Benner, 4-H Canada CEO. ‘‘4-H in Canada is leading the Global 4-H Network because we see the opportunity and potential youth can have in being leaders at every level of community around the world.”

Starting today, 4-H clubs, their leaders and members in Canada will begin to use the updated 4-H Pledge, with the ultimate goal of them achieving a sense of self-identification with it while strengthening their sense of belonging to a greater community, with endless opportunities.

"4-H has taken me to local fairs, provincial camps, national conferences and on the Going Global Exchanges program,” said Cassidy Barnert, 4-H Canada Youth Advisory Committee member from Alberta. “I’m excited about the addition of ‘…and my world’ to the 4-H Pledge because it highlights the global 4-H movement and the international opportunities available.”

The updated 4-H pledge now reads:

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.

To learn more about the 4-H Pledge and its updated wording, visit 4-h-canada.ca/pledge.

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