As my term as a Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) member for 4-H Canada comes to an end, I am able to look back on the memories I have made at the local, provincial and national levels of 4-H with such joy and sense of luck at what I was able to be a part of.
Being a part of 4-H has opened countless doors for me to find my passion, be a leader everywhere I go and meet my idol, Green Party Leader of Canada, Elizabeth May!
This past July, 4-H Canada hosted the largest gathering of 4-H’ers in North America at the 2017 Global 4-H Network Summit. My involvement as the Master of Ceremonies at the evening events was one of the biggest highlights of my 4-H career. I was so inspired by my experiences, I wrote about this event in my local newspaper. To my surprise, one of the readers was also organizing an event that Elizabeth May would be attending in my hometown. He knew I was interested in the environment and going “green” so he asked me if I was interested in helping with her event. Planning the food choices that evening was my favourite part! Because of 4-H, I met my idol!
My time with 4-H has taught me much more than just leadership and public speaking. It has also taught me:
Professionalism: Representing an entire province of 4-H members meant I had to be professional in all aspects of my life because who knew when I would bump into a 4-H supporter, alumni or fellow member.
Representing others: The ability to attend a meeting isn’t hard but making sure you are unbiased when it comes to decision making and always thinking of what is best for the social interest is a very important skill I have learned.
How to manage time: Being the YAC representative for British Columbia has pushed me to improve my time management skills. Balancing school, work, 4-H and relationships with family and friends is not easy but I have had some really great practice with the help of amazing mentors.
The Youth Advisory committee has allowed me to travel across Canada for various 4-H events, be a member of working groups that make important decisions and also opened doors in my community for leadership roles. Through 4-H, I have the honour of being Co-Chair for the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer's in my community and have a part time job managing the compost program at my university. 4-H has given me once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that have not only improved my resume but have also helped me expand professional relationships in my community.
To anyone interested in taking a bigger role in the world of 4-H, I highly recommend it! The skills you will learn from taking on leadership roles will be advantageous to your future and may doors you never even thought of!
I just want to end with a huge THANK YOU to the entire 4-H B.C. community for the doors that have been opened, to Erin Smith and Valerie Stone for the YAC support and of course the amazing staff at the 4-H Canada office in Ottawa.
As my term as a Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) member for 4-H Canada comes to an end, I am able to look back on the memories I have made at the local, provincial and national levels of 4-H with such joy and sense of luck at what I was able to be a part of.
Being a part of 4-H has opened countless doors for me to find my passion, be a leader everywhere I go and meet my idol, Green Party Leader of Canada, Elizabeth May!
This past July, 4-H Canada hosted the largest gathering of 4-H’ers in North America at the 2017 Global 4-H Network Summit. My involvement as the Master of Ceremonies at the evening events was one of the biggest highlights of my 4-H career. I was so inspired by my experiences, I wrote about this event in my local newspaper. To my surprise, one of the readers was also organizing an event that Elizabeth May would be attending in my hometown. He knew I was interested in the environment and going “green” so he asked me if I was interested in helping with her event. Planning the food choices that evening was my favourite part! Because of 4-H, I met my idol!
My time with 4-H has taught me much more than just leadership and public speaking. It has also taught me:
Professionalism: Representing an entire province of 4-H members meant I had to be professional in all aspects of my life because who knew when I would bump into a 4-H supporter, alumni or fellow member.
Representing others: The ability to attend a meeting isn’t hard but making sure you are unbiased when it comes to decision making and always thinking of what is best for the social interest is a very important skill I have learned.
How to manage time: Being the YAC representative for British Columbia has pushed me to improve my time management skills. Balancing school, work, 4-H and relationships with family and friends is not easy but I have had some really great practice with the help of amazing mentors.
The Youth Advisory committee has allowed me to travel across Canada for various 4-H events, be a member of working groups that make important decisions and also opened doors in my community for leadership roles. Through 4-H, I have the honour of being Co-Chair for the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer's in my community and have a part time job managing the compost program at my university. 4-H has given me once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that have not only improved my resume but have also helped me expand professional relationships in my community.
To anyone interested in taking a bigger role in the world of 4-H, I highly recommend it! The skills you will learn from taking on leadership roles will be advantageous to your future and may doors you never even thought of!
I just want to end with a huge THANK YOU to the entire 4-H B.C. community for the doors that have been opened, to Erin Smith and Valerie Stone for the YAC support and of course the amazing staff at the 4-H Canada office in Ottawa.
With over 7,600 volunteers across Canada, 4-H leaders are the heart of 4-H programming, supporting and guiding more than 24,500 4-H youth members nationwide. Everyday heroes like our volunteer leaders can and do change the world, and with their help, 4-H members are developing skills to become responsible, caring and contributing individuals, affecting positive change in the world around them.
Know an awesome leader who is affecting positive change in the community? Here are five reasons to recognize your 4-H leader! Nominations open September 15, 2017 and close November 30, 2017.
Nominate Your Leader Who Loves to Connect with Others
Your leader is great at creating connections with your club, your family and your community by making everyone feel welcome. Being self-aware, listening and showing compassion for others are all traits of excellent 4-H volunteer leaders. Your leader uses this ability to create a safe, fun and inclusive environment for 4-H members, encouraging you and your fellow members to grow as responsible, caring and contribution leaders.
Nominate Your Leader Who is Authentic
4-H is all about youth working in partnership with caring adults and your leader knows that youth-adult partnerships are an opportunity for members and leaders to authentically collaborate. Your leader values your contributions and this helps build a culture of accomplishment and confidence within your club.
Nominate Your Leader Who Believes in Building Strengths
Your leader recognizes that the key to positive youth development is about recognizing a person’s strengths, and helping them to grow these assets through hands-on learning opportunities. Your leader encourages you and your fellow 4-H’ers to identify your strengths, focus on the positive to find meaningful roles within your club to play and to challenge yourself.
Nominate Your Leader Who Rises to Any Occasion
Great 4-H leaders recognize that the best growth happens when youth take safe risks and challenge themselves to Learn To Do By Doing. Sometimes 4-H volunteer leaders are challenged to Learn To Do By Doing alongside members. Your volunteer leader rises to the occasion, and shows you how to reflect on the challenges and celebrate the successes in equal measure.
Nominate Your Leader who Loves to Have Fun!
Great volunteer leaders know that 4-H is about more than the mastery of skills and competition. It’s about making friends, new experiences and learning in a safe, fun and inclusive environment. If your leader is not afraid to try something new and promotes project meetings filled with laughter, then you should nominate them for the National Volunteer of the Year Award!
Know an awesome leader? Nominate them for National Volunteer Leader of the Year Award! The nomination period is open between September 15, 2017 and November 30, 2017. Visit 4-h-canada.ca/NVLYA for more details.
One of the biggest issues 4-H clubs are challenged with is that they often lack the funds to fully support their programs or activities. In 2016, Farm Credit Canada contributed $122,750 to support 253 clubs, districts and regions through the FCC 4-H Club Fund.
With this funding, more 4-H’ers across Canada were able to learn skills, recruit new members and make an impact in their community. Below are five different ways 4-H’ers used their FCC 4-H Club Fund. Applications for this year's FCC 4-H Club Fund are open until October 31, 2017.
To Learn New Skills
“Thanks to the FCC 4-H Club Fund, the Eastern Region Seasonal Decorations Project was a HUGE success. The funding was used to cover the cost of supplies and rental fees. We learned new skills like painting, woodworking, drilling and time management to build and create decorative items for Halloween, Christmas and other holidays!” Eastern Region (PE)
“Our club attended a horse show in Boissevain where members participated in judging, showmanship, grooming, horsemanship, barrels, and pole bending in their age division.” Archie 4-H Light Horse & Pony Club (MB)
To Start New Clubs and Recruit New Members
“We launched a new urban 4-H club in London, Ontario through the FCC 4-H Club Fund. Our first project was Adventures in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). This project helped recruit six new members and even earn us media coverage on Rogers TV. We worked with members to choose the subject of our second project that will be launching this summer (it focuses on sports). ” London 4-H Club (ON)
“We participated in the Brooks Pro Rodeo Parade through the FCC 4-H Club Fund. Our float focused on all the different projects that are available in our club. Members built an old grain elevator, painted it and then decorated the float with signs, flags and member pictures. During the float we handed out flyers, 4-H seed packets and small boxes of raisins.” Brooks & Area 4-H Beef Club (AB)
To Support Achievement Days, Public Speaking and Club Awards
“Being a very small and mostly young club, fundraising for basic expenses has been a challenge. We decided that our project could cover some necessary club expenses for public speaking and our achievement day such as honorariums for judges, year-end prizes and advertising.” Crystal Springs Light Horse (SK)
“The FCC 4-H Club helped cover the cost of ribbons and prizes for the Ormstown 4-H Club Achievement Day. We use achievement days to recruit new members and to share with parents what we do all year. We had a dairy conformation and showmanship competition, a judging competition and life skills classes in baking, flower arranging and crafts.” Ormstown 4-H Club (QC)
To Connect with Other 4-H Clubs
“Last summer, we used our FCC 4-H Club fund to host an exchange between Quebec and Alberta 4-H’ers. We explored the Calgary Stampede, ran a youth festival at the local Chamber of Commerce, toured Forest Lumina, visited a local monastery and helped clean at a local animal shelter for community service. We finished off our tour by helping our new friends compete in their local achievement day.” Kreative Kidz Multi (AB)
“We used the FCC 4-H Club Fund to support the Vancouver Island Regional 4-H Junior Camp. Over the three days, we participated in activities like archery, low ropes, crafts and water sports. The focus of the program was to provide members with a fun and safe environment that allowed them to meet new friends and connect with other 4-H members.” Vancouver Island Regional 4-H (BC)
To Contribute to their Communities
“The Landing 4-H Club used the FCC4-H Club Fund for several club activities that made for a terrific year for everyone. One activity was two bingo afternoons with senior citizens in a local senior care facility. 4-H members took on roles of bingo callers and helpers for seniors, some of whom have limited mobility and other challenges, and played bingo with them. Additionally, we purchased numerous small prizes for the seniors to win and snacks for social time! The funding let this club put the 4-H pledge into practice.” Landing 4-H Club (NS)
“We partnered with Westmount Public School to help plant a community 4-H garden. Members planned and designed all activities including garden boxes, planting and watering schedules, outreach activities, composting and food bank donations. Together, we received a Civic Award for our work!” Sudbury 4-H Club (ON)
This week we are celebrating all of our outstanding 4-H volunteer leaders across Canada as part of National Volunteer Week!
With over 7,400 volunteers across Canada, 4-H leaders are the heart of 4-H programming, supporting and guiding more than 24,500 4-H youth members nationwide. Everyday heroes like our volunteer leaders can and do change the world and with their help 4-H members are developing skills to become responsible, caring and contributing individuals, affecting positive change in the world around them.
Here are seven signs that you are one of our amazing 4-H volunteer leader affecting positive change in the community around you:
You love to connect with others
You are great at creating connections with youth, their families and community members, making everyone feel welcome! Being self-aware, listening and showing compassion for others are all traits of excellent 4-H volunteer leaders. You use this ability to create a safe, fun and inclusive environment for 4-H members, allowing youth to grow as responsible, caring and contribution leaders themselves.
You’re authentic
4-H is all about youth working in partnership with caring adults. You know that youth-adult partnerships are an opportunity for members and leaders to authentically collaborate, and that genuinely valuing their contributions builds trust and adds to their sense of accomplishment and confidence.
You’re motivated by passion
Sharing your knowledge and passion with youth is the best way to inspire and help them get excited about the projects they are completing, the skills they are learning and may even shape the path they choose for their future.
You help youth grow by sharing your expertise and experiences though programming in sustainable agriculture, science and technology, community service, the environment and healthy living… or all the above!
You believe in building on strengths
We all know that the key to positive youth development is about recognizing a person’s strengths, and helping them to grow these assets through hands-on learning opportunities.
You are great at helping youth identify their own strengths and at encouraging them to find opportunities to cultivate these skills and use them to benefit their clubs and communities. As a leader you focus on the positive and find meaningful roles for all 4-H club members to play, offering plenty of ways for youth to challenge themselves and feel a sense of accomplishment.
You demonstrate decision making skills
Decision making is an incredible skill that 4-H youth learn and it stays with them for life. By modelling this skill and working in partnership with club members you give them the opportunity to make important decisions about the running of your 4-H club. You lead your members in the weighing of different club needs or activities, consultations and collaborations, and in making decisions that they feel proud and certain of.
You rise to any occasion
Great 4-H leaders recognize that the best growth happens when youth take safe risks and challenge themselves to Learn To Do By Doing. Sometimes 4-H volunteer leaders are challenged to Learn To Do By Doing alongside members. You rise to the occasion, and show you members how to reflect on the challenges and celebrate the successes in equal measure.
You love to have fun!
Great volunteer leaders know that 4-H is about more than the mastery of skills and competition. It’s about making friends, having new experiences, and learning in a safe, fun and inclusive environment. If you’re a leader who is not afraid to try something new and who promotes project meetings filled with laughter, then you are most definitely a 4-H volunteer leader.
To all our 4-H volunteer leaders, we thank you for your enthusiasm and dedication to the 4-H movement in Canada. Together, we are encouraging youth to develop new skills and to make a positive change in the world around them.
Dans le cadre de la Semaine nationale de l’action bénévole, nous célébrons cette semaine tous nos remarquables animateurs bénévoles des 4-H du Canada!
Comptant pour plus de 7 400 bénévoles à travers le Canada et soutenant et guidant plus de 24 500 jeunes membres des 4-H à l’échelle du pays, les animateurs des 4-H représentent le cœur des programmes des 4-H. Tous les jours, des héros comme nos animateurs bénévoles tentent de changer le monde et y parviennent. Grâce à leur aide, les membres des 4-H développent des compétences qui feront d’eux des citoyennes et des citoyens responsables, attentionnés et collaborateurs, qui apportent un changement positif dans le monde qui les entoure.
Voici sept signes qui démontrent que vous figurez parmi nos formidables animateurs bénévoles des 4-H qui apportent un changement positif dans la communauté qui les entoure :
Vous aimez échanger avec les autres
Vous excellez dans l’art d’établir des liens avec les jeunes, leur famille et les membres de votre communauté, et vous faites en sorte que chacun se sente bienvenu! Se montrer consciencieux, savoir écouter et démontrer de la compassion envers les autres sont tous des traits qui caractérisent d’exceptionnels animateurs bénévoles des 4-H. Vous utilisez ces capacités pour offrir un environnement sécuritaire, amusant et inclusif aux membres des 4-H, tout en donnant l’occasion aux jeunes de devenir eux-mêmes des leaders responsables, attentionnés et collaboratifs.
Vous êtes authentique
L’établissement de partenariats entre des jeunes et des adultes bienveillants constitue le fondement des 4-H. Vous êtes conscient(e) que les partenariats entre les jeunes et les adultes offrent des occasions de collaboration authentique entre les membres et les animateurs, et qu’apprécier les contributions des jeunes à leur juste valeur renforce leur confiance et leur donne un sentiment d’accomplissement.
Vous êtes passionné(e)
Partager vos connaissances et votre passion avec les jeunes constitue le meilleur moyen de les inspirer et de les aider à se sentir emballés par les projets qu’ils réalisent et les compétences qu’ils acquièrent. De telles actions peuvent même paver la voie de leur avenir.
Vous favorisez le développement des jeunes en partageant votre expertise et vos expériences grâce à des programmes axés sur l’agriculture durable, les sciences et la technologie, le service communautaire, l’environnement ou les modes de vie sains… ou toutes ces réponses!
Vous croyez en la valorisation des forces
Nous savons tous que la clé du succès du développement positif des jeunes est de reconnaître les forces de ces derniers, tout en les aidant à développer ces atouts en leur offrant des occasions d’apprentissage pratique.
Vous excellez dans l’art d’aider les jeunes à cibler leurs propres forces, et les encouragez à trouver des occasions de développer ces compétences au profit de leur club et de leur communauté. En tant qu’animateur, vous vous concentrez sur le positif et assignez des rôles significatifs à tous les membres de votre club 4-H, tout en leur offrant une multitude de façons de se dépasser et de ressentir un sentiment d’accomplissement.
Vous démontrez des habiletés de prise de décisions
La prise de décisions est une compétence formidable que les jeunes des 4-H acquièrent pour toute la vie. En modélisant cette compétence et en travaillant en partenariat avec les membres de votre club, vous leur donnez l’occasion de prendre des décisions importantes sur le fonctionnement de votre club 4-H. Vous dirigez vos membres dans l’évaluation des besoins, des activités, des consultations et des collaborations du club, et les amenez à prendre une décision dont ils seront fiers et certains.
Vous saisissez toutes les occasions qui s’offrent à vous
Les bons animateurs des 4-H reconnaissent que les jeunes se développent mieux lorsqu’ils prennent des risques sécuritaires et se dépassent en apprenant tout en travaillant. Il peut arriver que des animateurs bénévoles des 4-H soient mis au défi d’apprendre en travaillant aux côtés des membres de leur club. Vous saisissez ces occasions, et montrez à vos membres comment considérer les défis et célébrer les réussites dans la même mesure.
Vous aimez vous amuser!
Les bons animateurs des 4-H savent que les 4-H signifient bien plus que la maîtrise de compétences ou la compétition. Il s’agit surtout de tisser des liens d’amitié, de vivre de nouvelles expériences et d’apprendre de nouvelles choses dans un environnement sécuritaire, amusant et inclusif. Si vous êtes un leader qui n’a pas peur d’essayer quelque chose de nouveau et qui encourage la tenue de réunions de projet amusantes, vous êtes alors sans aucun doute un animateur bénévole 4-H.
Très chers animateurs bénévoles des 4-H, nous vous remercions pour votre enthousiasme et votre dévouement envers le mouvement des 4-H du Canada. Ensemble, nous encourageons les jeunes à développer de nouvelles compétences et à apporter un changement positif dans le monde qui les entoure.
Plusieurs décennies de dévouement au service des 4-H du Canada et son engagement envers le développement des jeunes : voilà quelques raisons justifiant pourquoi Wayne Macdonald a été choisi à titre de lauréat national du Prix de l’animateur bénévole 2015 des 4-H du Canada. Elaine Jeffs, membre des 4-H de l’Ontario, a rencontré le responsable du Club 4-H Clever Clovers de Sudbury afin de connaître pourquoi il lui était important de s’engager auprès des 4-H du Canada. Afin de présenter une candidature au Prix annuel de l’animateur bénévole de 2016 des 4-H du Canada, cliquer ici.
Quelle a été ta première expérience avec les 4-H et qu’est-ce qui t’a motivé à t’engager dans le programme?
En 1988, peu de temps après avoir épousé Paulette, je l’ai aidée à établir un club des 4-H à Arnprior, en Ontario. Ancienne membre du club des 4-H du comté de Renfrew, il était tout naturel qu’elle veuille partager l’expérience des 4-H au sein de notre communauté.
As-tu eu des mentors qui ont soutenu ton parcours tout au long du programme?
J’ai eu plusieurs mentors tout au long du programme, et j’ai noué des liens formidables avec plusieurs d’entre eux, notamment Rob Black, Lyndon Stewart et Evelyn Chambers.
Le club 4-H « Clever Clovers » est unique en son genre. En quoi se distingue-t-il des nombreux autres clubs 4-H des environs?
Notre club des 4-H se trouve en milieu urbain; notre philosophie consiste à offrir des projets emballants aux jeunes dans tous les domaines d’activités des 4-H. Il s’agit notamment d’activités d’initiation à la procédure parlementaire, des activités en lien avec les célébrations dans le cadre du Mois des 4-H, d’une rencontre annuelle avec le maire pour discuter des 4-H et hisser le drapeau des 4-H.
Qu’est-ce que tu aimes le plus à propos du programme des 4-H?
Lorsqu’une personne se joint à la grande famille des 4-H, je trouve formidable à quel point les gens et les expériences ont un effet tellement positif sur sa vie.
Comment entrevois-tu l’avenir du programme des 4-H dans ta région?
J’aimerais bien voir le programme des 4-H renforcé en milieu scolaire aussi bien qu’en milieu urbain, tout en ne perdant pas ses racines et ses connaissances issues du secteur agricole. Les fondements solides du programme édifiés au cours de plus de 100 années d’existence témoignent quant à moi de la valeur cruciale de ce programme dans le développement des jeunes dans l’ensemble du Canada.
Quelles stratégies pourraient être mises à profit par d’autres clubs 4-H afin de promouvoir l’esprit des 4-H dans leur collectivité?
Une des meilleures stratégies employées par notre club 4-H est l’inclusion des familles 4-H, le respect envers les bénévoles et le soutien des animateurs.
Les jeunes sont la raison d’être du programme des 4-H et nous appliquons tous ensemble notre philosophie consistant à « apprendre en travaillant ». Les membres participent activement au programme dès le départ : aucune question n’est mauvaise; aucune idée n’est mauvaise et il y a toujours une autre façon de faire les choses. Nous sommes toujours ébahis de voir comment les jeunes réussissent collectivement à trouver ces façons de faire et de créer leur propre esprit d’équipe; les jeunes évoluent dans un milieu sécuritaire et convivial, où ils peuvent simplement être eux-mêmes.
Decades of dedication to 4-H in Canada, and a commitment to positive youth development, were just some of the reasons why Wayne Macdonald was selected to be 4-H Canada’s 2015 National Volunteer Leader of the Year. Ontario 4-H member, Elaine Jeffs, sat down with the Sudbury-based Clever Clovers 4-H Club leader to ask him about the importance of being involved with 4-H Canada. To nominate your local volunteer leader for the 2016 National Volunteer Leader of the Year, click here.
What was your first experience with 4-H and what made you want to get involved in the program?
Shortly after Paulette and I married, I helped her start a 4-H club in Arnprior, Ontario in 1988. As a 4-H alumna from Renfrew County it was natural for her to want to share the 4-H experience in our community.
Have you had any mentors that have supported you along the way?
I have had many mentors along the way and have built some amazing relationships, notably Rob Black, Lyndon Stewart and Evelyn Chambers.
The "Clever Clovers" 4-H club is very unique; please describe how it is different than many of the 4-H clubs in your area.
We have an urban 4-H club and our philosophy is to offer projects in every key area of 4-H available to youth. These areas include parliamentary procedure, 4-H Month celebrations and meeting with the mayor annually to discuss 4-H and to raise the 4-H flag.
What is your favourite thing about the 4-H program?
When a person joins the 4-H family, it is amazing how the people and the experiences have such a positive effect in their lives.
What do you think the future of 4-H looks like in your area?
I would love to see the 4-H program strengthened in schools and urban areas without losing the agricultural roots and knowledge. The strong foundation that has been built over 100 years demonstrates to me that this program is a vital part of the development of the youth across Canada.
What strategies can other 4-H associations use to increase the spirit of 4-H in their area?
One of the best strategies our 4-H association uses is to be inclusive of the 4-H families, respect volunteers and support leaders.
The youth are the 4-H program and we all ‘Learn To Do By Doing’ together. The members are involved right from the beginning; no question is wrong, no idea is wrong and there is always another way. To our amazement, the group finds the ways and they create their own spirit; they are in a safe, supportive environment and they can ‘just be themselves’!
In late September, 2016, 4-H members in British Columbia had not one but three opportunities to engage with the Royal family during their visit to Canada. On Sunday, September 25, 2016, two ambassadors attended the Prime Minister’s reception for Young Inspired and Inspiring Canadians in Vancouver. On Tuesday, Sept 27, 2016, the Royals attended an event at Mission Hill Winery in West Kelowna where they experienced a taste of BC agriculture. Local 4-H’ers were present with a local chef who teaches on cooking skills and nutrition. On Thursday, Sept 29, 2016, the Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Judith Guichon, hosted a garden party for the Royals with a focus on their children. Local 4-H’ers were present with their animal projects for the royal children to meet. The following is our 4-H British Columbia Ambassador, Hallie Bryant’s experience of this special meeting.
Any 4-H member will tell you that 4-H has opened doors for them…Most notably, for me, the doors to Buckingham palace! On September 25, 2016, I was invited to attend a reception hosted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in honour of the royal visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, or as they are known here in Canada, Will and Kate.
As a 4-H ambassador, I am often asked to represent 4-H at important functions but never in a million years would I have thought I would be introduced to royalty!
The purpose of the event was to bring together inspiring youth leaders from across BC It began with a panel discussion hosted by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The panel discussed how we, as youth, can work to advance Canada over the next fifty years. Speakers focused youth engagement, environmental protection, indigenous reconciliation and diversity. I was most inspired by a Paralympic athlete, an advocate for Syrian refugees and an indigenous youth leader.
The event culminated with the reception, where Prime Minister Trudeau and Prince William walked around the room, greeting youth and discussing their accomplishments.
They came to talk to me first and my heart skipped a beat when Prince William asked what organization I was there to represent.
I think most 4-H members understand the struggle of how to adequately explain our complex program to someone who has never heard of it before, but thankfully I had received special training as an ambassador!
As I explained to him the multitude of projects you can take in 4-H, he stopped me to ask whether there was a tractor project and told me about Prince George’s fascination with tractors.
I let him know that the 4-H program would love to have the prince as a member, once he’s old enough to be a cloverbud, of course!
Prime Minister Trudeau had kind things to say about 4-H as well. He told Prince William that 4-H is such a great program because it teaches youth in urban and rural communities where their food comes from.
Once it was all over, I felt encouraged that our politicians and heads of state care about what initiatives their youth are involved in.
Did the lessons I’ve learned in 4-H help prepare me to meet the Prime Minister of Canada and British royalty? I don’t think you can ever feel fully prepared for such an experience but my public speaking skills and overall passion for the program gave me the confidence to promote 4-H to some of the world’s most influential people.
À la fin de septembre 2016, les membres 4-H de la Colombie-Britannique n’ont pas bénéficié d’une, mais de trois occasions de rencontrer la famille royale lors de leur visite au Canada. Le dimanche 25 septembre 2016, deux ambassadeurs ont assisté à la réception du premier ministre donnée pour les jeunes Canadiens inspirés et inspirants à Vancouver. Le mardi 27 septembre 2016, la famille royale a assisté à un événement à l’établissement vinicole Mission Hill Winery dans l’ouest de Kelowna où ils ont fait l’expérience et goûté aux produits agricoles de la C.-B. Les membres 4-H locaux étaient présents , accompagnés d’un chef local qui enseigne la cuisine et la nutrition. Le jeudi 29 septembre 2016, la lieutenante-gouverneure, l’honorable Judith Guichon, a organisé une réception en plein air pour la famille royale mettant l’accent sur leurs enfants. Les membres 4-H de la région étaient sur place pour exhiber leurs projets d’animaux aux enfants royaux. Voici l’expérience de Hallie Bryant, notre ambassadrice des 4-H de la Colombie-Britannique, concernant cette rencontre spéciale.
Tout membre 4-H vous dira que les 4-H leur ont offert plusieurs portes… Plus particulièrement, pour moi, les portes du palais de Buckingham! Le 25 septembre 2016, j’ai été invitée à assister à une réception donnée par le premier ministre Justin Trudeau en l’honneur de la visite royale du Duc et de la Duchesse de Cambridge, ou comme ils sont connus ici au Canada, Will et Kate.
En tant qu’ambassadrice des 4-H, on me demande souvent de représenter les 4-H à des réceptions importantes, mais jamais je n’aurais cru que je serais présentée à la famille royale!
L’événement avait pour but de réunir de jeunes leaders inspirants de toute la Colombie-Britannique. Le tout a commencé par une discussion en groupe dirigée par l’honorable Mélanie Joly, ministre du Patrimoine canadien.
Le groupe a discuté de la façon dont nous, en tant que jeunes, pouvons nous efforcer de promouvoir le Canada au cours des cinquante prochaines années. Les conférenciers ont abordé principalement l’engagement des jeunes, la protection de l’environnement, la réconciliation autochtone et la diversité. J’ai été surtout inspirée par un athlète paralympique, défenseur des réfugiés syriens et jeune leader autochtone.
L’événement a été couronné par une réception, où le premier ministre Trudeau et le prince William ont déambulé dans la pièce, en saluant les jeunes et discutant de leurs réalisations.
Ils sont venus m’aborder en premier et mon cœur a fait un bond lorsque le prince William a demandé quelle organisation je représentais à cet événement.
Je crois que la plupart des membres 4-H comprennent la difficulté d’expliquer adéquatement notre programme complexe à quelqu’un qui n’en a jamais entendu parler auparavant, mais heureusement j’avais reçu une formation spéciale à titre d’ambassadrice!
Alors que je lui expliquais la multitude de projets que l’on peut entreprendre dans les 4-H, il m’a arrêtée pour savoir s’il y avait un projet sur les tracteurs et m’a raconté la fascination du prince George pour les tracteurs.
Je lui ai fait savoir que le programme des 4-H adorerait avoir le prince comme membre, une fois qu’il serait assez grand pour être un membre des Cloverbuds, bien sûr!
Le premier ministre Trudeau avait également de bons mots à dire au sujet des 4-H. Il a dit au prince William que les 4-H sont un excellent programme parce que celui-ci permet d’enseigner aux jeunes dans les communautés urbaines et rurales d’où provient leur nourriture.
Une fois la réception terminée, je me suis sentie réconfortée du fait que nos politiciens et chefs d’État se souciaient des initiatives auxquelles participaient leurs jeunes.
Les leçons que j’ai apprises dans les 4-H m’ont-elles aidée à me préparer à rencontrer le premier ministre du Canada et la famille royale britannique? Je ne crois pas que l’on puisse être entièrement préparé à vivre une telle expérience, mais mes aptitudes en art oratoire et ma passion générale pour le programme m’ont donné la confiance de promouvoir les 4-H auprès de certaines gens les plus influents au monde.
Forward
Professionalism: Representing an entire province of 4-H members meant I had to be professional in all aspects of my life because who knew when I would bump into a 4-H supporter, alumni or fellow member.
“Thanks to the FCC 4-H Club Fund, the Eastern Region Seasonal Decorations Project was a HUGE success. The funding was used to cover the cost of supplies and rental fees. We learned new skills like painting, woodworking, drilling and time management to build and create decorative items for Halloween, Christmas and other holidays!” Eastern Region (PE)
“Our club attended a horse show in Boissevain where members participated in judging, showmanship, grooming, horsemanship, barrels, and pole bending in their age division.” Archie 4-H Light Horse & Pony Club (MB)
“We launched a new urban 4-H club in London, Ontario through the FCC 4-H Club Fund. Our first project was Adventures in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). This project helped recruit six new members and even earn us media coverage on Rogers TV. We worked with members to choose the subject of our second project that will be launching this summer (it focuses on sports). ” London 4-H Club (ON)
“We participated in the Brooks Pro Rodeo Parade through the FCC 4-H Club Fund. Our float focused on all the different projects that are available in our club. Members built an old grain elevator, painted it and then decorated the float with signs, flags and member pictures. During the float we handed out flyers, 4-H seed packets and small boxes of raisins.” Brooks & Area 4-H Beef Club (AB)
“Being a very small and mostly young club, fundraising for basic expenses has been a challenge. We decided that our project could cover some necessary club expenses for public speaking and our achievement day such as honorariums for judges, year-end prizes and advertising.” Crystal Springs Light Horse (SK)
“The FCC 4-H Club helped cover the cost of ribbons and prizes for the Ormstown 4-H Club Achievement Day. We use achievement days to recruit new members and to share with parents what we do all year. We had a dairy conformation and showmanship competition, a judging competition and life skills classes in baking, flower arranging and crafts.” Ormstown 4-H Club (QC)
“Last summer, we used our FCC 4-H Club fund to host an exchange between Quebec and Alberta 4-H’ers. We explored the Calgary Stampede, ran a youth festival at the local Chamber of Commerce, toured Forest Lumina, visited a local monastery and helped clean at a local animal shelter for community service. We finished off our tour by helping our new friends compete in their local achievement day.” Kreative Kidz Multi (AB)
“We used the FCC 4-H Club Fund to support the Vancouver Island Regional 4-H Junior Camp. Over the three days, we participated in activities like archery, low ropes, crafts and water sports. The focus of the program was to provide members with a fun and safe environment that allowed them to meet new friends and connect with other 4-H members.” Vancouver Island Regional 4-H (BC)
“The Landing 4-H Club used the FCC4-H Club Fund for several club activities that made for a terrific year for everyone. One activity was two bingo afternoons with senior citizens in a local senior care facility. 4-H members took on roles of bingo callers and helpers for seniors, some of whom have limited mobility and other challenges, and played bingo with them. Additionally, we purchased numerous small prizes for the seniors to win and snacks for social time! The funding let this club put the 4-H pledge into practice.” Landing 4-H Club (NS)
“We partnered with Westmount Public School to help plant a community 4-H garden. Members planned and designed all activities including garden boxes, planting and watering schedules, outreach activities, composting and food bank donations. Together, we received a Civic Award for our work!” Sudbury 4-H Club (ON)
You love to connect with others
You love to have fun!
