By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Ryan McGeeney 501-671-2120
Oct. 2, 2017
Arkansas 4-H kicks off National 4-H Week
Fast Facts:
· October is National 4-H Month
· Members encouraged to reach out and recruit peers
· 4-H focuses on leadership skills
(254 words)
(Newsrooms: With file art at https://flic.kr/p/QUkfvU)
LITTLE ROCK – With fall weather finally working its way through the Mid South, and the new school year well underway, Arkansas 4-H, along with 4-H organizations across the country, is celebrating its legacy of forging future leaders through learned responsibility, challenges and engagement during National 4-H Week, Oct. 1-7.
“We really focus on leadership in 4-H,” said Angie Freel, Interim Associate Department Head for 4-H and Youth Development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “It’s the members themselves — the kids — who do the real work of 4-H. They’re the ones who ‘make the best better.’”
“True Leaders” is the theme of this year’s National 4-H Week, which is part of the larger National 4-H month. Freel said October is a natural fit for the annual outreach efforts, because it coincides with the start of the 4-H program calendar, when 4-H officers are elected and leadership teams are formed.
Arkansas 4-H is encouraging local and county-level 4-H organizations throughout the state to engage their communities through a number of suggested activities, including adopting service projects throughout October, a “healthy living day,” making promotional videos for social media and more.
4-H organizations interested in participating in National 4-H Week can learn more about how to maximize their efforts by visiting https://4-h.org/professionals/marketing-resources/4-h-week-toolkit/. Individuals and organizations can also share their 4-H Week activities through social media at www.facebook.com/arkansas4h and on Twitter at @Arkansas4H, using the hashtags #4H, #TrueLeaders and #4HGrown.
To learn about Arkansas 4-H, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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