Page Contents
- Using the 4-H Name
- Referring to the NC 4-H Program
Using the 4-H Name
The 4-H Name is federally protected under 18 U.S.C. 707 and may only be used in authorized, approved contexts that support the mission and values of the 4-H program. This protection applies specifically to the name “4-H,” the emblem, and any colorable imitation, and ensures that “4-H” is only used in ways that align with the mission, values, and guidelines of the program. Unauthorized use, or any use that implies endorsement or affiliation without approval, is strictly prohibited.
Disclaimer: Use of the 4-H Name and Emblem is restricted to official, authorized 4-H programs and communications only. Always ensure proper authorization before use. See Procedures, Guidelines, Authorizations, Consents & Waivers for the 4-H Name and Emblem Usage Application Form. Contact Dr. Shannon McCollum for guidance.
Writing the 4-H Name
The official 4-H Name must always appear in its correct form and should never be stylized or abbreviated in ways that alter its meaning. It should always be written with the numeral “4” separated from a capital “H” by a hyphen — not a dash, slash, or space.
Correct: 4-H
Incorrect: 4-h, 4H, 4 H, Four H, 4–H, 4/H
When writing or designing materials, always ensure “4-H” appears clearly and consistently. The hyphen connects the numeral and letter as a single name, symbolizing unity among the four Hs — Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
Exceptions
The only exceptions where “4-H” may appear without a hyphen are in technical contexts where formatting constraints or platform conventions apply: Outside of these exceptions, the hyphen in “4-H” must always be used.
- The hyphen may be omitted in hashtags
- E.g., #4HBeyondReady, #NC4H, #4HGrowsHere
- The hyphen may also be omitted in URL slugs
- E.g., nc4h.org, nc4hcurriculum.org, facebook.com/northcarolina4h
Referring to 4-H Members
Youth who participate in the program may be referred to as 4-H members or 4-H’ers. Both terms are acceptable, and both represent the young people who take part in 4-H clubs, programs, camps, and events. “4-H members” is the most accessible term for general audiences, while “4-H’ers” is widely used within the organization and in youth development settings.
When using the term 4-H’er, the apostrophe is required. It preserves the correct structure of the 4-H Name, keeps the term readable, and is a necessary element of proper 4-H terminology.
Correct forms include:
- 4-H’er (singular)
- “Each 4-H’er presented their project during the workshop.”
- 4-H’ers (plural)
- “More than 400 4-H’ers attended the statewide conference.”
- 4-H’er’s (singular possessive)
- “A 4-H’er’s project record should reflect growth throughout the year.”
- 4-H’ers’ (plural possessive)
- "The 4-H’ers’ exhibits filled the entire display hall.”
Incorrect forms to avoid: 4-Her/4-Hers, 4H’er/4H'ers
When writing for broad audiences, both “4-H members” and “4-H’ers” can be used; however, always ensure the term is written in its correct and complete form.
Referring to the NC 4-H Program
Use North Carolina 4-H on first reference when describing the statewide program, especially when full clarity is helpful for the audience. After the initial mention, it is acceptable to shorten the name to NC 4-H, provided the context remains clear.
In some situations—such as headlines, graphics, or communication where the audience already understands the reference—NC 4-H may be used on first mention when appropriate, like for the title of this section. When using the abbreviation, do not use periods between the N and the C.
Examples:
- First reference: “North Carolina 4-H is the state’s largest youth development organization.”
- Subsequent reference: “NC 4-H offers programs in every county.”
“NC 4-H” should always maintain the hyphen between the "4" and the "H" (outside of exceptions mentioned in the previous section). Do not use periods between the "N" and the "C".
Referring to District 4-H Programs
North Carolina 4-H is organized into the five N.C. Cooperative Extension districts, and district names should always match the official Extension district names.
When referring to specific district-level 4-H programs, always begin with the district name followed by “4-H.” Use the full district name on first reference, and abbreviations only when the audience understands the context.
Examples:
- West District 4-H (WD 4-H)
- North Central District 4-H (NCD 4-H)
- South Central District 4-H (SCD 4-H)
- Northeast District 4-H (NED 4-H)
- Southeast District 4-H (SED 4-H)
NC 4-H may also be placed before a district name if additional clarity is needed (Example: NC 4-H West District). As with the statewide program, the hyphen in "4-H" must always remain, and these abbreviations should not include periods.
Prefixing State and District Program Names
When referring to formal programs, councils, or associations, state-level groups should use the North Carolina 4-H or NC 4-H prefix, and district-level groups should use the appropriate District 4-H prefix.
Examples of state-level groups:
North Carolina 4-H Council
Acceptable variations:
- NC 4-H Council
- State 4-H Council
- When context is already clear: State Council
North Carolina 4-H Council State Officers
Acceptable variations:
- NC 4-H Council State Officers
- NC 4-H State Officers
- State 4-H Council Officers
- State 4-H Officers
- 4-H State Officers
- When context is already clear: State Officers
These terms may also appear with “Officer team” in place of “Officers”
(Example: State 4-H Officer team.)
North Carolina 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Association
Acceptable variations:
- NC 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Association
- NC4-HVLA
- State 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Association
- State 4-H VLA
The abbreviation NC4-HVLA should always appear without spaces between any letters.
North Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals
Acceptable variations:
- NCAE4-HYDP
- NC Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals
- State Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals
The abbreviation NCAE4-HYDP should always appear without spaces between any letters.
Examples of district-level groups:
Note: West District 4-H is used here as an example; the same naming structure applies to all districts.
District 4-H Officers (within the NC 4-H Council)
Acceptable variations:
- West District 4-H Officers
- West District 4-H Council Officers
- WD 4-H Officers
- WD 4-H Council Officers
- After district has been established: District 4-H Officers
- When context is already clear: District Officers
These terms may also appear with “Officer team” in place of “Officers”
(Example: West District 4-H Officer team.)
District 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Association
Acceptable variations:
- West District 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Association
- West District 4-H VLA
- WD 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Association
- WD4-HVLA
- NC 4-H West District Volunteer Leaders' Association
- After district has been established:
- District 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Association
- District 4-H VLA
- When context is already clear: District VLA
All district abbreviations, including WD4-HVLA should always appear without spaces between any letters.
District Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals
Acceptable variations:
- West District Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals
- WDAE4-HYDP
- West District AE4-HYDP
- NC West District AE4-HYDP
- After district has been established:
- District Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals
- District AE4-HYDP
All district abbreviations, including WDAE4-HYDP should always appear without spaces between any letters.