4-H is built on a set of shared values and traditions that guide the experiences of youth, volunteers, and communities. These elements reflect what 4-H stands for and how young people grow through the program.
4-H Mission
4-H creates opportunities for young people to build positive relationships and develop the skills needed to become responsible, productive citizens.
Through North Carolina Cooperative Extension, 4-H is delivered locally in every county and is:
- Community-based and locally driven
- Focused on group learning and family involvement
- Led by volunteers and supported by trained professionals
4-H uses a “learn by doing” approach, combining hands-on experiences with research-based knowledge from land-grant universities to help youth develop life skills that last a lifetime.
The Four H’s
The four H’s represent the core values developed through 4-H:
- Head: clearer thinking, decision making, and problem solving
- Heart: loyalty, relationships, and emotional awareness
- Hands: service, teamwork, and practical skills
- Health: personal well-being and making healthy choices
4-H Pledge / Promesa 4-H
English
“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.”
Español
"Prometo usar mi mente para pensar con más claridad,
mi corazón para ser más leal,
mis manos para ser más servicial,
mi salud para cuidarme más,
por mi club, mi comunidad, mi país y mi mundo."
4-H Creed
I believe in 4-H Club work for the opportunity it gives me to become a useful citizen.
I believe in the training of my HEAD for the power it will give me to think, to plan, and to reason.
I believe in the training of my HEART for the nobleness it will give me to become kind, sympathetic, and true.
I believe in the training of my HANDS for the ability it will give me to be helpful, skillful, and useful.
I believe in the training of my HEALTH for the strength it will give me to enjoy life, to resist disease, and to work efficiently.
I believe in my country, my state, and my community, and in my responsibility for their development.
In all these things I believe, and I am willing to dedicate my efforts to their fulfillment.
4-H Motto and Slogan
- Motto: To Make the Best Better
- Slogan: Learn by Doing
These phrases reflect the focus of 4-H on continuous improvement and hands-on learning.
Messaging and Brand
4-H is guided by a clear message about what the program stands for and how it is communicated across the state.
To learn more about how 4-H shares its story, including key messaging and brand language, explore the 4-H Brand Platform.
