My Speeches

National 4-H Month

Posted on Nov 06, 2008

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Battle River-Wainwright.

National 4-H Month

Mr. Griffiths: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize
and wish you all a happy and green, regardless of what shade of
green you’re wearing, 4-H Month and to celebrate Show Your 4-H
Colours Day, which is today. Today I’m proudly wearing green, as
are many of my other colleagues who are also proud members of 4H,
to show our support of this celebration that lasts the month of
November.The number one youth organization in our province is 4-H. By
practising the motto of Learn To Do by Doing, 4-H is helping to
create the leaders of tomorrow.
Since its beginning in Olds in 1917, Alberta’s 4-H program has
had a rich and long history of shaping the lives of youth and adults.
Mr. Speaker, from my own experience as a young 4-H member and
the activities I see in my constituency, I’m sure that 4-H has touched
the lives of all of us in one way or another.
While 4-H is a member-run program, it depends on family support
and engages volunteer leadership from other adults in the community,
demonstrating byexample that giving back to one’s community
is a rewarding experience. 4-H recognizes the importance of giving
members the opportunity to take part in activities that meet their
interests, increase their knowledge, and develop their life skills,
which sets them up for future success.
With its roots in agriculture members today continue to acquire a
well-rounded understanding of the agricultural industry through
production oftheiragriculture products. But, Mr. Speaker, members
also learn about running a business, preparing food, computer skills,
performing arts, photography, veterinary science, debating, and
much more.
When they’re involved in a project or taking part in a summer
camp, our younger citizens build lifelong friendships with people
from all over the province and through these opportunities develop
leadership skills, enhanced confidence, and professional demeanor,
which help them throughout their careers and beyond. I know that
it did wonders for me, Mr. Speaker.
Our youth want to be involved, accepted, valued, and heard. In 4H,
Mr. Speaker, those people run the show. In honour of National 4-H Month I wish to acknowledge the
outstanding work of Alberta’s 4-H clubs, thank the volunteers,
applaud our young people, and encourage all Albertans to go green
and celebrate 4-H.