What is changing about the 4-H Pledge?
Very little is changing about the 4-H Pledge. Put simply, we’re adding “…and my world.” to the end of it.
The updated 4-H pledge will read:
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.
Why are we updating the 4-H Pledge?
We are making this change as a response to youth wishing to reflect the global nature of 4-H. In 2017, Canada hosted the Global 4-H Network Summit and participating 4-H members heard an opportunity to update our Pledge. To align with the Pledge of other 4-H nations globally, they requested this change. So, we did it! At the 2018 4-H Canada AGM, a motion was put forward and accepted.
Why is this update to the 4-H Pledge important?
There are seven million 4-H members around the world in more than 70 countries. This change recognizes that 4-H’ers in Canada is part of the larger, global 4-H movement. Many 4-H organizations in countries around the world have already included “and my world” in the wording of the 4-H Pledge; 4-H members in Canada are open to this evolution as citizens of the world.
When will the updated 4-H Pledge be launched?
The updated 4-H Pledge will officially launch on July 11, 2019, in conjunction with the 4-H Canada Annual General Meeting. As of this date, 4-H members and leaders are encouraged to start reciting the updated Pledge and using new materials.
How will the updated 4-H Pledge impact my club?
We hope your club is excited to start using the updated 4-H Pledge now. It is easy to share the updated language verbally and begin reciting it in your meetings. If you have printed materials, such as project record books or banners that have the old Pledge, you can continue to use them for the rest of their lifespan. Your provincial office will begin updating their materials as they are replaced, and we ask you to do to the same. If you are making a new banner, for example, please use the updated Pledge.
View the resources available for 4-H clubs
How much will it cost to update the 4-H Pledge?
Unlike other elements of the 4-H visual identity (i.e. the 4-H logo), the 4-H Pledge does not exist in print on as many items. We anticipate this cost to be minimal as a result. We have replaced new 4-H Pledge banners in the 4-H Canada Store, and these are available for clubs to purchase at a discount until June 30, 2020. You can visit the 4-H Canada store at shop.4-h-canada.ca.
Can we just keep using the old Pledge?
As part of a unified movement, we believe all 4-H’er across Canada should be reciting the same Pledge – including ‘…and my world.’ going forward. Of course, it will take some time to adjust and your club is not expected to replace all their materials that have the old Pledge right away. However, we encourage you to recite the updated 4-H Pledge in your meetings, starting with your next meeting.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have a question about the update to the 4-H Pledge, please contact the team at 4-H Canada at communications@4-h-canada.ca.