Common Myths:
Myth: All 4-H kids live on farms.
Truth: 4-H is everywhere. 4-H started out 100 years ago as an organization for kids who lived in the country, but that was a long time ago. Now 4-H is in big cities, in small towns and suburbs and in rural areas. 4-H clubs meet in community centers, members’ homes, Extension offices, afterschool program sites — just about anywhere.
Myth: 4-H is not cool
Truth: There are lots of great projects and opportunities, you get to meet new friends and try things you haven’t done in school or in other youth clubs. 4-H allows you to travel and meet new people
Myth: 4-Her’s never amount to anything
Truth: 4-H influences people’s lives in many ways. Many of the top entertainers, athletes, business individuals and educators got their first start in 4-H. Here is a list of just a few famous 4-H alumni:
Business Men & Women: Norman Brown – President and CEO of W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Zoe Coulson – Vice President of Campbell Soup Company, James Glass – Executive Vice President of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Karol Nickell – Vice President and Editor in Chief of Better Homes & Gardens Mag, Harold Poling – CEO Ford Motor Company, Orville Redenbacher, founder of Orville Redenbacker Popcorn, Nancy Zieman – CEO of Nancy’s Notions
Politicians: Al Gore – Former Vice President, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Pat Nixon, and Rosalynn Carter – U.S. First Ladies, Among many Congressmen, Senators, and Governors
Sports & Entertainment: Bret Bielama – University of Wisconsin Football Couch, Reggie White – NFL Green Bay Packers Football Player, Archie Manning – Former NFL MVP, Jim Davis – Creator of Garfield Comics, Johnny Carson – former Talk Show Host, David Letterman – Talk Show Host, Roy Rogers – Actor
Education Influences: Drew Faust – President of Harvard University, Dr Howard Lamar – President Emeritus Yale University, James Martin – President of Auburn University, Dr David Wilson – former Chancellor of University of Wisconsin Colleges and UW-Extension
NASA Astronauts: Bonnie Dunbar, Ellison Onizuka, Jerry Ross, Alan Shepard, Donald Williams, and Peggy Witson
Country Music Stars: Luke Bryan, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, John Denver, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Jennifer Nettles, and Dolly PartonMyth: 4-H is too much like school.
Myth: 4-H is too much like school
Truth: No way! 4-H is hands on learning, it provides a place to be with your friends, socialize, have fun! The 4-H philosophy is “Learning by doing.”
Bonus Truth #1: Recent research shows that 4-H alumni are more likely to be involved on school boards, PTA groups and in other areas than are alumni of other organizations
Bonus Truth #2: While 4-H prides itself on developing future leaders (some of whom may be farmers) it also gives people the skills they need to be anything they want to be— business leaders, accountants, lawyers, doctors, athletes, entertainers, teachers, politicians—the list is only limited by your imagination
