[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 7, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H2145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             4-H IS PREMIER YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Duncan). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as a young person growing up, I 
had the good fortune to be a member of a 4-H club, and I rise today to 
recognize the centennial of 4-H clubs as one of our premier youth 
development organizations. Indeed, 4-H accomplishments over the past 
100 years have helped developing youth to become productive citizens 
and are a catalyst for positive change, to meet the needs of a diverse 
and changing society.
  Through the tireless efforts of 4-H over the past 100 years, and its 
sponsorship of numerous programs dedicated to developing our youth, the 
world is a better place. I applaud 4-H's history, and herald its 
future.
  In the last 100 years, millions of 4-H members have raised their hand 
to recite the 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 the world.''
  These words have been a blueprint for success. Millions of members 
have also lived by the 4-H motto: ``To make the best better.'' Although 
the 4-H pledge and motto have remained basically the same over the 
decades, the 4-H movement has constantly sought diversity, both in its 
programs and participants.
  Over the last 100 years: In 1902, A.B. Graham, superintendent of 
schools in Clark County, Ohio, organized a boys' and girls' 
agricultural club in Springfield Township.
  1903 saw the development of corn clubs.
  Pig clubs were later introduced, as were canning clubs.
  Federal-State-county programs began to develop, and the Smith-Lever 
Act of 1914 established the Cooperative Extension Service, of which 4-H 
is a component.
  During the 1920s and 1930s, 4-H expanded to Europe. World War II saw 
active participation of 4-H in the war effort. ``Food for Freedom'' was 
the slogan, and 4-H'ers were responsible for increased agriculture 
production.
  Following World War II, international exchange programs were 
furthered in Europe, as well as Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
  The decades of the 1960s and 1970s saw increased emphasis on 
participation by minorities and disadvantaged youth. In 1966, a 
national workshop was held in Chicago to expand 4-H for disadvantaged 
youth in both rural and urban areas.
  In the 1980s and 1990s, 4-H focused heavily on Youth at Risk, 
highlighting school-age child care and education, community 
programming, and development of literacy and technological literacy.
  4-H programs now span the gamut, touching on critical areas of our 
world: the environment; health, wellness and safety; workforce 
preparation; youth decision-making; biotechnology in agriculture; and 
community building.
  I have been struck by the impact of these programs over the years and 
want to commend the University of Illinois and its agricultural 
extension programs. Not only are their 4-H clubs actively involved in 
rural communities, but its urban programming has been significant and 
productive.
  Yes, indeed, 4-H'ers have indeed helped to improve the quality of 
life and to make a better world. So we proudly say when we pledge: ``I 
pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my 
hands for useful service, for better living, for myself, my club, my 
country and for the world.'' Congratulations to a great movement, the 
4-H Club.

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