Every 4-H alumnus has a story. It could be how they learned to win graciously. Or, even lose graciously. How they helped their community; how they were empowered by those around them. While their individual stories may vary, what all 4-H alumni share is the life skills they gained from the nation’s largest youth organization, an organization still empowering youth with life skills today.
October 2 kicked off National 4-H Week, and 4-H is asking its alumni to share their stories online through the 4-H website or through the social media hashtag #4HGrown. Whether you showed animals, gardened, sewed or baked, 4-H wants to hear how you grew within the organization.
“We have a network of successful alumni who are leaders in their organizations and communities, and we want to hear from them,” says Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. “4-H taught our alumni compassion, respect and the value of hard work. Now, we want them to share their stories with future 4-H’ers and help pass along that tradition to today’s young leaders.”
Alumni interested in sharing their stories can do so in several different ways. They should first visit www.4-H.org/share to share their story. Alumni can also share their photos and stories via social media channels using the hashtag #4HGrown.
“4-H is the organization it is today because of our alumni,” Sirangelo adds. “We love hearing the stories they have from their experiences in 4-H; we hope that they’ll share those experiences with others and help spread the word that 4-H helps to grow true leaders.”
Sharing alumni stories is just one way to celebrate during National 4-H week. In communities, nationwide, current 4-H members and volunteers are also showcasing what 4-H is today and the life skills the organization continues to deliver to tomorrow’s leaders. Alumni are encouraged to participate in their local club, community and state activities as well.
Visit texas4-h.tamu.edu to learn more about the Texas 4-H program.