4-H Pledge, Emblems and Symbols

4-H Pledge

Otis Hall, State Leader of Kansas, was responsible for the original wording of the 4-H pledge, officially adopted by the State 4-H Leaders at the first National 4-H camp in 1927. The pledge remained unchanged until 1973, when it was revised to include "and my world."

I pledge my head to clearer thinking;

my heart to greater loyalty;

my hands to larger service; and

my health to better living,

for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

In repeating the pledge, members raise their right hand to their forehead when they say "my HEAD to clearer thinking". They lower their right hand to their heart as they say "my HEART to greater loyalty". At the line "my HANDS to larger service" they extend both hands palms upward, and at the last line, they stand with their hands at their sides.

4-H Emblem

In 1907 or 1908, the first emblem used nationally was designed by O. H. Benson as a three-leaf clover. It stood for head, heart, and hands. In 1911, Benson suggested that the fourth H should be hustle, and the 4-H design was adopted.

Later O. B. Martin suggested that health replace hustle. The 4-H emblem has stood for head, heart, hands, and health ever since. * Protected under 18 U.S.C. 707.

The national 4-H emblem is a green four leaf clover with a white letter "H" on each leaf. The four "H's" stand for head, heart, hands, and health.

The 4-H Colors - The 4-H colors are green and white

4-H Motto - "To Make the Best Better"

4-H Philosophy - "To Learn By Doing"

4-H Membership - 10 million members worldwide

The white background of the 4-H flag symbolizes purity; the green 4-H emblem is nature's most common color in the great outdoors and is the color of springtime, life and youth.

More information about 4-H can be found on the Wisconsin State 4-H web site.

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