October 11, 2001

4-H Centennial Initiative Co-sponsored by North Dakota Congressional Delegation

A conversation involving more than 100,000 youth and adults in every county in America is being initiated by 4-H to launch its second century in youth development. Called a "National Conversation on Youth Development in the 21^st Century" the program is designed to identify needs and bring forward the best ideas in youth development.

The program is co-sponsored nationally by U.S. Senators Kent Conrad, Byron Dorgan and Congressman Earl Pomeroy. "As our nation now faces a more tenuous future, I can not say enough about the importance of engaging our youth in discussing the issues of our time," says Congressman Pomeroy. I am a proud co-sponsor of legislation that provided funding for the Youth Development Conversations program and am happy to see this initiative become a reality."

North Dakota has 38,680 4-H members and 5,495 volunteers. Serving as honorary co-chairs for the program in North Dakota are Gov. John Hoeven and North Dakota State University President Joe Chapman.

Youth, parents, teachers, clergy and government leaders will hold two to four hour conversations about the steps that can be taken to impact youth development. The county conversations will occur during October and November, while a statewide event is planned for Jan. 12. Eventually, the conversations will be presented to President George W. Bush, his cabinet and Congress.

The National Conversations program centers around the year 2002 which marks the 100^th anniversary of 4-H. "The occasion of a centennial is a significant milestone for any organization and I am proud of the century of service 4-H has given to our nation," Pomeroy says. "As the pledge states, 4-H does indeed teach youth to think more clearly, to value loyalty, to engage in service and to follow a healthy lifestyle so that they may become better citizens."

House Resolution 1388 authorizes a grant of $5 million to the National 4-H Council. The bill was signed into law on July 10, 2001. The grant will be provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will cover 50 percent of the cost of conducting a program of meetings, seminars, and listening sessions regarding strategies for Youth Development. A development program is underway to raise private and philanthropic funds to pay for the other 50 percent of the program costs.

The "Power of Youth Pledge" program is another initiative moving forward during 4-H’s centennial year. With the program, youth and adults are pledging greater community service as a way to help fellow Americans.

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Source: Sharon Anderson, (701) 231-8944, sanderso@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, Richard.Mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu

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