Recognizing the importance that youth groups play in shaping tomorrow's leaders, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) has joined Senators Conrad Burns (R-MT), Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) in establishing the Senate 4-H Caucus. With more than 7 million school-age participants, 4-H is the largest non-school youth organization in the country. Senator Harkin and his colleagues appreciate the role 4-H plays in promoting leadership among rural, urban and suburban youth from every state and seek to give 4-H a stronger voice in Congress.
"We have a responsibility to provide every child the best opportunity to succeed, and 4-H is a tremendous example of the right way to go about it," Harkin said. "From the farm to the city, school-age kids across the country are benefiting from the life skills 4-H teaches. I am honored to join with my colleagues to form a coalition that will give a voice to the needs of this valuable program in Congress."
More than a century ago, the first "head, hearts, hands and health," or 4-H, clubs were formed to promote the importance of agriculture. While agriculture and rural values remain a large part of 4-H, the organization now includes young people from all backgrounds and types of communities. Through after-school programs, bilingual projects, technology clubs, partnerships with the military and many other innovative approaches, 4-H remains contemporary and relevant to children, their families and their neighborhoods.
The Senate 4-H Caucus will not only serve as an advocate for 4-H, but will support the 4-H Youth in Governance Initiative. This important initiative helps provide greater access to and understanding of the democratic process. Senate support for this grassroots effort is an important opportunity to encourage and mentor tomorrow's leaders.
"The value of organizations such as 4-H cannot be overstated," Harkin said. "I hope that many other senators will join with Senators Burns, Dorgan, Bayh, Conrad and me to support this worthwhile group and actively work to provide young Americans the tools they need to succeed."
The group of five senators is circulating what is known as a "Dear Colleague" letter asking other senators to join the Senate 4-H Caucus.