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A Message from the President
It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since my last letter. There have been so many changes happening in the world around us – locally, nationally, and internationally. It is amazing how global our world has become and how each part affects the rest. However, it is also important to have consistency in our lives as well. Delaware 4-H is one of these constants. The 4-H Family is alive and well in Delaware. Whenever I attend a 4-H event, the people who have formed the backbone of our program are always there. And there are also young, enthusiastic faces that are a part of a new generation of 4-Hers that will carry on old traditions while forming brand new ones. Thankfully, the future of 4-H looks very bright indeed!
In April 2009, the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University published the results of the first five years of the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development. Some of the results that they have been obtained from this study won’t be surprising to the 4-H Family, but they showcase some of the things that 4-H brings to our community and world. Here are a few highlights from the study:
- Children who participated in 4-H for at least one year by eighth grade were 3.5 times more likely to contribute to their families, themselves, and their communities.
- Eighth graders who participated in 4-H programs at least twice per month had greater confidence and higher grades and were 1.6 times more likely to plan to go to college.
- Eighth graders who participated in 4-H programs at least twice per month also scored higher on civic identity and engagement measures and had a greater ability to express opinions on community issues, help neighbors, and bond with adults and teachers.
I would like to relate a true story about an experience that I had last year at the State Fair. This story exemplifies why 4-H is so different than any other organization that I have ever been involved in. (I have changed the names of the 4-Hers who were involved.) A young man, Bob, who has some developmental issues, approached me at the fair and inquired if I had seen another 4-Her, Bill, in my travels that day. I told Bob that I had not seen Bill in a while, but I would be sure to let him know that Bob was looking for him. Bob then explained that he had Bill’s cell phone number and he would call him. Within just a few minutes, Bill came through the barn and gave his friend a big hug and proceeded to accompany Bob for the rest of his visit to the Fair. I personally know both of these boys; they come from completely different worlds, and in most settings Bob would be shunned by others - not in our world. These types of friendships are what makes 4-H so special.
This year was a very emotional time for the Foundation. We lost two of the greatest supporters of Delaware 4-H and the Foundation, Marion MacDonald and Joy Sparks. Marion made sure that the Foundation continued to benefit from her even after she passed. The Foundation Board designated the contribution from Marion’s estate and contributions that were made in her memory to be added to the Spirit Endowment that was started just for this purpose.
Through the generosity of Joy’s many friends, family and her husband, Don, two National 4-H Congress Endowments were funded. National 4-H Congress was very special to Joy and she was instrumental in the organization of Congress for many years; she would be very pleased. Congress attendees for many years will benefit from Joy’s tireless commitment to Congress. She is sorely missed by all.
The Lloyd Alexander Family made a commitment this year to fund a State 4-H Camp Counselor Endowment. This family is dedicated to the ideals of our program and they wanted to do their part to make sure that it is continued well into the future. The DuPont Crop Protection Division established three endowments in 2009. They have funded two National Congress Endowments and one National Conference Endowment. The DuPont Company is involved in a large way in the National 4-H Council and now they are involved in the Delaware 4-H program directly.
Lastly, as other charitable organizations have struggled in the current economy, the Foundation has been able to hold our own. It is through the generosity of not only the above people and organizations, but from the continued support of the entire Delaware 4-H Family— you. The Delaware 4-H Foundation is poised as always to provide the financial resources needed to make sure that 4-Her’s of Delaware participate in the activities and events necessary to continue to mold them into our future leaders. For that we owe you our gratitude. Thank you for helping to “Make the Best Better.”
Sincerely,
Denis Shaffer, President of the Delaware 4-H Foundation
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