(file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

4-H Canada

4-H Pledge Goes Global

Jul 12, 2019 | 4:20 PM

4-H members across Canada will use an updated pledge that includes the words “…and my world” at the end.

The idea to update the 4-H pledge began at the 2017 Global 4-H Network Summit by 4-H youth members who met with other youth from around the world and realized they belonged to a global community.

There are more than seven million youth involved in 4-H in over 70 countries. After the meeting, 4-H youth proposed the addition to the pledge so their fellow members across the country could pledge the same promise as their counterparts around the world.

4-H Canada CEO Shannon Benner said 4-H Manitoba presented a resolution to amend the pledge at the 2018 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,” Benner said in a news release. ‘‘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.”

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Brenner said, starting immediately, 4-H clubs, their leaders and members in Canada will begin to use the updated pledge.

4-H Canada Youth Advisory Committee member Cassidy Barnert said the changes reflect the international scope of the organization.

“4-H has taken me to local fairs, provincial camps, national conferences and on the Going Global Exchanges program,” Barnert said. “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.”

The updated 4-H pledge now reads:

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.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF