Three new words have been added to the 4-H pledge. It will now be recited as follows:
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.
The idea of adding “and my world” was proposed by 4-H youth at the 2017 Global 4-H Network Summit, which brought together more than seven million members from over 70 countries. In 2018 4-H Manitoba presented a resolution to amend the pledge at the 4-H Canada AGM.
“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,” says 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.”
The amendment was announced during the organization’s virtual annual general meeting, and came into effect July 11.
“4-H has taken me to local fairs, provincial camps, national conferences and on the Going Global Exchanges program,” says 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.”