Michigan youth are civically engaged as volunteers, decision makers and community leaders.

Campaign Priority: 4-H Leadership and Civic Engagement
Campaign Goal: $500,000

With innovative ideas, exuberant energy and the ability to look beyond preconceived obstacles, youth have the capacity to change the world. Many, however, lack the skills and confidence to put these assets into motion. Michigan 4-H gives young people the experiences and training they need to feel ready and capable to lead.

From the club experience to statewide youth councils, youth have the chance to serve in a leadership role. Those experiences and various leadership trainings provide youth with skills to last a lifetime and empower them to stand up today as true leaders in their families, schools and communities.

In the past year:

• 27 youth provided youth voice were statewide champions for 4-H as members of the Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council in 2017.
• 32 youth were trained as teen leaders and then each delivered programming to 1,200 kids as part of the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience.
• 35 youth learned how to become advocates for themselves and 4-H through the 4-H Teen Spokesperson training; 94 percent of those surveyed indicated that they feel confident in standing up for things that are important to them.

Francie and Kayla’s Story

Two former Michigan 4-H’ers have received the prestigious Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, an honor bestowed on individuals who fight for food security for all. Francine Barchett and Kayla Zhu credit Michigan 4-H for helping to ignite their passion for addressing global issues and preparing them as true leaders who plan to make a difference in the world.

“My internship was one of the highlights of my life,” Barchett said. “My highlight [of the internship] was spending one week collecting data in a village that lacked basic amenities like running water and cars. That is where the realities of food insecurity and open defecation came to life and I realized that my actions can make a meaningful impact.”