Mission, Vision, Slogan, Motto, and Pledge

4-H is the youth development education program of Virginia Cooperative Extension. 4-H is rich with learning experiences where young people partner with caring adults and volunteers in a fellowship unlike any other program available to youth today.  Through 4-H, young people are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities that emphasize 4-H's "learning by doing" philosophy of youth development.

4-H Mission

The mission of 4-H is to assist youth, and adults working with those youth, to gain additional knowledge, life skills, and attitudes that will further their development as self-directing, contributing, and productive members of society.

4-H Motto and Pledge

The 4-H motto: "To Make the Best Better."

The 4-H Club pledge:

"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."

When reciting the pledge, members raise their right hand to their forehead when they say, "my head to clearer thinking." They lower their hand to their hearts as they say, "my heart to greater loyalty." At the line, "my hands to larger service," they extend their hands in front of them, palms upward. At the last line, they stand at attention with their hands at their sides.

4-H Symbol

The 4-H emblem is federally protected under Section 18 US Code 707 and belongs to the Congress of the United States. The official emblem is green with white H's -- the 4-H colors. The white symbolizes purity. The green represents nature's most common color and is emblematic of youth, life, and growth.

Official emblems can be downloaded from National 4-H Headquarters. You must have authorization from your local 4-H program to use these graphics.