National 4-H Week
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What is now known as National 4-H Week began as an outgrowth of World War II. Following Pearl Harbor, it was decided to postpone holding the National 4-H Camp in Washington, D.C., until the cessation of hostilities. During the war years, the Federal Extension Service initiated National 4-H Mobilization Week which was observed annually in the spring during 1942, 1943, and 1944 as a means of focusing the attention of 4-H members on what they might do for national defense.
The following year, 1945, and each year since, the special week has been observed as National 4-H Week. After the war, when National 4-H Mobilization Week became National 4-H Week, the purpose of the special week centered on (1) acquainting the public with the new, enlarged 4-H program, and the many ways young people may take part, (2) encourage more youth to join 4-H, (3) urge more men and women to volunteer as 4-H leaders, (4) recognize parents' contribution to 4-H and strengthen their cooperation, and (5) report the year's 4-H accomplishments and plan for the year ahead.
Results of this first National 4-H Week in 1945 indicated it had been a very effective means on the part of leaders and members alike, of reviewing the year's work, setting goals for the ensuing year, and focusing the attention of the public on 4-H and its values in the development of young people and to the general community and national welfare.
In the early years, like National 4-H Mobilization Week, National 4-H Week was held in the spring. Beginning in 1968, National 4-H Week was moved to the first full week of October, beginning with the first Sunday of October.
While plans for celebrating the annual National 4-H Week went into place at every level – national, state, county and local – the staffs at the national level put a great deal of time and thought into the observance. Information staffs of the National 4-H Service Committee, National 4-H Foundation and Extension Service, USDA traditionally joined forced in carrying out these plans. There was an annual National 4-H Week theme, National 4-H posters, radio and television public service announcements, 4-H Report to the Nation team visits and an annual National 4-H Week promotion kit. These kits were distributed to state 4-H staffs, extension editors and to every county extension office nationwide. The kits usually contained a wide assortment of promotional items including media related materials, a letter from the President of the United States, national 4-H statistics, clip art, exhibit plans and usually an "idea exchange" of how to gain more publicity for your local 4-H program.
In recent years, National 4-H Council has offered an electronic Promotional Toolkit relating to promotion for National 4-H Week.
While National 4-H Week served many purposes, promotion and visibility was easily at the top of the list. National 4-H Week was a time to let people know about 4-H and a time for recruitment of new members and leaders.
For a history on National 4-H Week visit the National 4-H History website section on National 4-H History. Go to:
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