Living the Clover: How the 4-H Pledge Shapes Tomorrow’s Leaders.

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast, Jessica Jackson, 4-H Agent at the Polk County Center, takes you on a journey into ‘Living the Clover: How the 4-H Pledge Shapes Tomorrow’s Leaders.’ From head to heart, hands to health, we’ll uncover how this simple pledge inspires youth to grow, give back, and thrive—not just in 4-H, but in their communities and beyond.

Transcript

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Greetings everyone, and thank you for joining me on the Extension Connection Podcast. I'm your co-host Jessica Jackson, and today we're diving into living the clover, how the four H pledge shapes tomorrow's leaders. When I was in college, my dream was always to come back home and inspire the youth. The way my teachers and professors inspired me to chase agriculture. Now as a four H agent, I've realized something even bigger. Four H isn't about agriculture, it's about life. It's about building problem solvers, leaders and creative thinkers who will carry these skills into adulthood. And I've seen it firsthand here in Polk County. Take one student who started with just a little curiosity about rabbits. What began, as I think I like to learn about this, has grown into so much more. Now they've built a rabbitry, developed a business plan, and stepped into the show ring, and even taken the stage for public speaking. That's not just growth, that's transformation. It doesn't stop with livestock. I've had students line up when learning skills like water bath, canning, something that isn't taught nearly as often anymore. Their eagerness shows me that next generation isn't just learning, they're preserving traditions and finding pride in them. But maybe my favorite part is when older four ars turn around and pour into the younger ones teaching clover buds about goats, rabbits, or whatever their passion might be. They're not just learning. They're living the clover, they're influencing their siblings mentoring the younger four Hs, and even making an impact in their community. Those are the light bulb moments I live for. That's when the four H pledge becomes more than the words. It becomes action, growth, and a legacy being built right here in Polk County. Now, as I've mentioned before, I didn't grow up in four H. My mom actually didn't even know about the program at the time because if she had, I guaranteed she would've signed me up for every class possible. But I was involved in FFA and their model always stuck with me learning to do. Do and to learn earning to live, live and to serve. That motto carried me through my teenage years into young adulthood and even into my career today. I even used it as a headline for one of my first ever public speaking events at the Eiffel Banquet, and later during my interview as a, to serve as a castles ambassador at Clemson University. I think mottos like these, whether it's the FFA motto or the four H pledge. Really speak volumes. They aren't just words we say at the beginning of a meeting or a contest. They're values that shape us, guide us, and stick with us as we grow into who we're meant to be. And that brings me to the four H pledge. I think it's such a powerful reminder of what we're all working towards, not just in four H, but in life. Let's take a little trip back in time. Because the four H pledge we know today has a pretty cool history behind it. Picture this, it's 1927 at the very first National four H camp in Washington, dc. That's where the pledge has officially was officially adopted, thanks to the work of Otis Hall, a state four H leader in Kansas. He was the one who first wrote the pledge. And it was so well received that the leaders across the country agreed it was the perfect fit for four H. Here's how it all came together. The Executive committee of the Land Grant College Association asked Dr. RA Pearson, president of Iowa State College and Dr. AC true from the Federal Extension Service to draft a pledge. But in the end it was Otis Hall's World Words that really captured the spirit of four H. And so in 1927. The pledge, we still say today was born. Here's a fun fact. The pledge stayed the same for nearly 50 years. Then in 1973, the words and my world were added to the very end. That small change gave the pledge a bigger vision, reminding four age that their impact stretches beyond just their club community and country, and truly reaches the entire world. And that wasn't the only thing to come out. Of 1927, that same year leaders also adopted the four H motto to make the best better. It was originally proposed by Ms. Carrie Harrison, a botanist in the Bureau of Plant Industry. And it's the one of these timeless phases that still motivates four H today. Oh, here's another little gem for the archives. The four H Creed was actually developed even earlier in 1918 in Wyoming. It later became a national standard in another layer of inspiration for the youth in the program. So when we stand together and recite the four H pledge to hear the motto, we're not just repeating words, we're connecting. Over a century of history, tradition, and leaderships that continues to shape your youth. Today, the pledge goes, I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world. Let's break it down for a moment. Head to clearer thinking. This is all about learning how to make good decisions, solve problems, and stay curious. In four H, youth are encouraged to think critically, whether they're working on a STEM project, preparing an animal for a show, or presenting at a competition. Clear thinking gives them confidence when they step into leadership roles, heart to greater loyalty. This is where relationships and compassions come in though through four H kids learn loyalty in their clubs, their friends, their families, and their communities. They see the impact for caring for others and giving back, which builds character that lasts a lifetime, hands to larger service. If there's one thing four H does well, it shows youth how powerful it is to serve from community service project to mentoring younger members. Four Hs. Learn that their hands can build, create, and help others in meaningful ways, health to better living. This reminds us that living well physically, mentally, and emotionally is just as important as learning and service. Whether it's choosing healthier snacks, staying active, or building resilience. Four H encourages youth to take care of themselves so they can give the their best to others. When you put it all together, the four H pledge isn't just something to say it's a roadmap for developing strong leaders. Leaders who think clearly. Care deeply, serve fully and live healthy, and that's exactly what we need for the future of our communities and beyond. The four H Pledge isn't just a set of words we recite at the start of a meeting. It's a promise, a reminder, a roadmap for life. When young people commit their head to clear thinking, their heart to greater loyalty, their hands to larger service, and their health to better living, they're building habits that they will carry. Them far beyond their four H years. It teaches responsibility, compassion, and leadership in ways that books alone can't. And when you add those final words for my club, my community, my country, and my world, you see just how big the vision is. The pledge challenges youth to look beyond themselves, to step up and make a difference. Wherever they are. That's the true impact of four H. Not just creating strong leaders for today, but shaping thoughtful resilience and service mining citizens for tomorrow. Thanks so much for joining me today, four H Family. It's always inspiring to see how you're living the clover every day. Rather it's in your projects, your friendships, or the way you give back to your community. That's what makes four H so special. I can't wait to see what amazing things you accomplished this year. Don't forget to sign up for fall classes. We've got some awesome opportunities coming your way to help you grow your head, heart, hands, and health. And don't forget next week we'll be joined by our livestock agent, Cassie LA Masters, for a conversation you definitely don't want to miss in. Until next time, keep living the clover. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep making those four H memories.