Florida 4-H Program Handbook
SECTION 1: Symbols and Traditions of 4-H:
The emblem is a four-leaf clover with an H in each leaf. The letters in the emblem stand for Head, Heart, Hands and Health-the foundations of all 4-H programs. The 4-H clover, pledge, motto and other symbols and traditions have helped identify 4-H for many years.
4-H Emblem
The 4-H emblem is a green four-leafed clover with a white "H" on each clover leaf. The use of the name and emblem gives individual members a sense of belonging to an organization that reaches beyond their immediate area.
When 4-H symbols are used to publicize events or represent activities as official 4-H functions, their use must conform to certain regulations. For regulations regarding the use of 4-H colors, symbols, and emblem please see the 4-H Programming Policies, Guidelines and Procedures Section.
4-H Colors
The 4-H colors are the green and white of the 4-H clover. The white background of 4-H flags and banners symbolize purity. The green of the 4-H emblem represents nature's most common color and it represents youth, life, and growth.
4-H Motto
To make the best better
The intent of the motto is to inspire young people to continue to learn and grow, to make their best efforts better through participating in educational experiences.
4-H Slogan
Learn by doing
The basic educational philosophy of 4-H is expressed in the slogan. The learn by doing emphasis helps to ensure that projects are concrete learning experiences with a "real life" focus.
4-H Pledge
The 4-H Pledge summarizes what 4-H is all about. 4-H has as its goal the four-fold development of youth: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
I pledge . . .
My HEAD to clearer thinking,
My HEART to greater loyalty,
My HANDS to larger service,
My HEALTH to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
The pledge was adopted by the
delegates to the 1927 National
4-H Club Camp in Washington,
DC. State club leaders voted for
and adopted the pledge for
universal use. The phrase "and my
world" was added at a later date.
The saying of the pledge has
prominent place in 4-H activities
at regular 4-H meetings,
achievement days, and other
events.
Members stand when saying the pledge. The following actions accompany the recitation of the pledge:
| Words | Accompanying Actions |
| My head to clearer thinking | Raise right hand to forehead |
| My heart to greater loyalty | Move the right hand over heart |
| My hands to larger service | Put arms at side, extending forearms with palms outward |
| My health to better living ... | Arms at side
(through completion of pledge) |
The pledge symbolizes the aim and desired
results of 4-H for each individual. 4-H engages youth
in all aspects of learning and development as a whole
person.
HEAD-Cognitive development: learning to think and make decisions, problem solving, understanding the "why," gaining new and valuable knowledge.
HEART- Emotional and social development: developing acceptance, appreciation and welfare of others, accepting responsibilities of citizenship, developing values and attitudes by which to live, working with others.
HANDS - Skills development: ability to do, skill in doing and the habit of learning new skills, improving skills already known, developing pride and respect for work.
HEALTH - Physical development:
understanding and appreciating a growing and
changing body; practicing healthful living, protecting
your own well-being and that of others, making
constructive use of leisure time as well as mental
health.
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4-H Creed
I believe in 4-H club work for the opportunity it gives me to become a useful citizen.
I believe in the training of my Head for the power it will give me to think, plan, and reason.
I believe in the training of my Heart for the nobleness it will give me to be kind, sympathetic, and true.
I believe in the training of my Hands for the ability it will give me to be helpful, skillful, and useful.
I believe in the training of my Health for the strength it will give me to enjoy life, resist disease, and work efficiently.
I believe in my country, my state, my community, and in my responsibility for their development.
In all these things I believe, and I am willing to dedicate my efforts to their fulfillment.
