I love 4-H because of so many big and little things but one that stands out to me is that every single adult volunteer unanimously claims their reason for being involved is, “ I do it for the kids.” Those six words mean so much more and we see it in the actions of the adult volunteers year-round. This typically comes up when someone acknowledges a sacrifice or choice of priorities the volunteer chooses to make.
“I do it for the kids” really means that I’ll send 44 reminder texts, an email, two Facebook posts, and give you a handout to remind you about the next meeting and upcoming dates and deadlines. “I do it for the kids” really means I’ll get on level with your first-year member and answer 1,055 questions to calm their nerves and I’ll show up at their project judging/show to be one more person they can glance at for that boost of confidence. “I do it for the kids” means I will show up at your house and listen to the 12-year-old member excitedly ramble on and on about their project’s details and how proud they are of a seemingly simple accomplishment.
“I do it for the kids” means I’ll use my personal finances to buy booth decorating supplies, or a piece of show equipment, or a round of ice cream sundaes as snacks for a meeting, or bid on a child’s project who doesn’t have any buyer’s. “I do it for the kids” means calling a member after a meeting to thank them for demonstrating leadership by leading the American pledge, suggesting an idea, doing a demonstration on how to polish your boots, or helping a new club member feel welcome. “I do it for the kids” means staying up all hours of the night figuring out pen assignments, show bills, and sale orders. “I do it for the kids” means cheering behind the scenes or ever-so loudly ringside for the kids and families that they have invested in since first a Cloverbud at age 5.
And you know what, most parents are making similar sacrifices and choices; and they too are “doing it for the kids.” Why is it that people are so willing to invest in kids through 4-H? Perhaps it is because they see them learning about themselves, others, and a project area. Perhaps it is because adults see courage, compassion, resiliency, tenacity, initiative, and personal pride springing up in our kids. Perhaps it is because they realize it takes a village to raise a child and they want to be sure the village is a good one. Perhaps it is because our community works hard to bring head, heart, hands, and health to live in balance and they want their kids in on that message. The reasons are endless and unique, but it’s all wrapped up in “doing it for the kids.”
Which brings me to this very weird year. Full of disappointment, frustration, change, confusion, and disagreement. Right and wrong are not crystal clear. Attitudes and actions that reflect the values of independence versus collectivism are in tension in some ways more than ever. But some things have not changed. We still have the age-old 4-H truth of being “in it for the kids.” Therefore, hard choices have been made that have impacted all project areas and our cherished fair. For our general project and food and consumer science project areas we focused on the quality of an interview experience with advisors we trust. For livestock members, we are supporting the Senior Fair Board decision to limit attendance and host a show that is JUST “for the kids” and those in their innermost circle.
To pull this off, we need everyone who is offered a wristband and accepts their opportunity to attend the Ross County Jr. Fair Livestock show to keep “I do it for the kids” at the forefront of their minds. This year, that looks like properly complying with guidelines so that everyone can follow their passion and show off their hard work. This means social distancing, wearing a mask (if health conditions allow), and staying out of barns and show arenas except when necessary. We need to put personal beliefs, grudges, and discomforts aside and act like the volunteers and families we know and love that regularly demonstrate sacrifice and choices to prioritize the kids. As the 4-H Educator in the best county in the state, I want to loudly show the world what “I do it for the kids” looks like.
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August 01, 2020 at 09:48PM
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OSU Extension: 'I do it for the kids' - Chillicothe Gazette
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