Why Do You Volunteer with 4-H? |
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(Susan's Story continued)
Because I was so fortunate to have those examples of leadership in my life, I feel very strongly that it is my joy and obligation to pass those life skills on to the youth of today.
This year I am starting my 40th year as a volunteer 4-H leader in Pierce County. Leading a large club of 50 to 60 members each year takes a tremendous amount of my time just in organizing the paperwork, setting up the infrastructure of volunteer project leaders, telephone committees, e-mail addresses, etc. The joy comes with teaching beginning eight and nine-year olds in the Adventures in Family Living project not only how to measure ingredients to bake, or how to sew a straight seam on the sewing machine; but to see the light in their eyes as they realize that they are able make decisions about which is the best knife to use to slice an apple, etc. When they catch on to the lingo of giving oral reasons for their placements in a judging contest, it’s an electrifying experience as they compete with each other at the club level.
As members progress on to the intermediate and senior levels of 4-H, it’s especially rewarding to watch the older ones serve as role models for the younger ones as they teach modeling skills and polish up a fashion show to present to the public, or show younger members how to show their cat at a project meeting, or help navigate new families through the use of the 4-H record book. The friendships that are formed through member involvement at meetings, community service project, and participation in fairs keeps the members (and me) motivated to continue each year.
I’ve always said that the project (whether it’s an animal, a garment, or a craft) is the avenue through which 4-H develops exemplary young men and women. As a volunteer 4-H leader, I’m excited to be a part of that process!
( ...asked at Teen Conference in Pullman, June 2009)
I like that 4-H helps students gain knowledge and provides ideas about what possibilities there are for their future. It’s important that youth know about the many opportunities available to them. It’s great that the teens can be on a college campus and go to so many different types of workshops.
-- Freda Gandy, Spokane County
I’m a teacher and like working with youth. I want to see kids become successful and overcome challenges. I help empower them versus doing things for them by identifying their strengths and focusing on those. But, I also let them face challenges because they feel better when they can overcome them using their skills and strengths. -- John Gabelein, Island County
I love what the 4-H program does for the kids. In the club environment they are part of a team, learn leadership skills, and have public speaking opportunities they might not get in school. I like being an adult they can come and talk with. I encourage youth to do the best they can regardless of the outcome. -- Jim Johnson, Pierce County
The best part of 4-H is the life skills it teaches. I see so many youth who are very ambitious and cultivate skills at a young age. Often the kids have an idea about what they want to do when they get older based on the skills and experiences they are having now in 4-H. I enjoy being with the youth, watching them grow, and being an adult they can talk with. -- Susan Janicki, Skagit County