Share the Experience: Testimonials

You Have a Lifetime of Experience

Each of us has lived a unique life -- traveling different roads, seeing different things. We’ve experienced the world in our own way, giving each of us a unique blend of perspective, knowledge, skills and talents. We’ve learned many of life’s lessons on our own, and some we’ve been taught by others. Just think how much the next generation could benefit from your lifetime of experience.

Sharing Your Experiences Can Enrich a Young Life

Kids can get only so much from textbooks. They need to explore new things and develop "real life" skills in order to gain self-esteem. These are the key ingredients for becoming happy, productive citizens. But, even though they are eager to learn, today’s kids all too often don’t have the opportunity to benefit from the diverse experiences of adults. Kids are our future leaders; their minds are open and they appreciate the guidance and advice that comes only with experience -- your experience.

Take a moment to see what these accomplished people have to say about 4-H volunteers.

"I joined 4-H as a sixth-grader, participated in their competitions, and went to their camps. It left a lasting impression on me. 4-H remains vitally important in getting young people interested in agriculture and agricultural support occupations. We have a shortage of volunteers today, and I’d encourage everyone to consider helping."

Charles H. Bronson
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture

"I joined 4-H when I entered the fourth grade. After that, 4-H was a large, important part of my life growing up. We were very involved in all the activities that were offered, doing all the projects that we could. I did all this under the watchful eyes of our 4-H volunteer, who was the County Extension Agent back then. He was more important than any male influence in my life other than my father. 4-H instilled in us values that transferred well into my adult life. Essentially, it taught me how I wanted to live. It was invaluable."

Allen Boyd
United States Congressman

"My experiences in 4-H were especially memorable thanks to the many volunteers that I interacted with. Together, we worked to learn and gain different perspectives from each other. Through them I learned valuable lessons on responsibility, working with adults, and leadership."

Rhea Chiles
Former First Lady, Founder of the Lawton Chiles Foundation

"Florida 4-H was perhaps one of the earliest influences in my life. It taught me at an early age to exercise my head, heart, hands and health for the betterment of myself and the world around me. I will always be thankful for the foundation it provided my life, and for the exceptional volunteers who made it all possible."

Bob Graham
United States Senator

"Growing up in 4-H, I remember the adults who helped me learn and grow as a person. They worked so hard all the time, and yet they still had time for me. Their investment of time told me that I was important to them and it made the difference for me. Volunteering to work with young people is one of the most rewarding things that anyone can do. I invite you to partner alongside us and become a 4-H volunteer.

You can never see the look of gratitude on a young person’s face or feel the moment of triumph in a challenge overcome, if you don’t volunteer. You will never know the difference you can make if you don’t try."

Damon Miller
Assistant Dean, State 4-H Youth Development Program

"My 4-H volunteers were some of the best teachers I had growing up. The dedicated souls who labored in the show rings, drove us across the state and gave us so much shaped my life in a positive way and instilled a commitment to service in us all. Now, more than ever, young people need caring, responsible role models to mod them and prepare them for society, the workforce and their own future role as parents."

Adam Putnam
United States Congressman

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