News Release

for: Week of December 10, 2001

by: Vickie B. Mullins

Extension 4-H Agent

Santa Rosa County

Bob Dole, Tom Foley to Chair 4-H Centennial Initiative

Milton, Florida—Bob Dole and Tom Foley, two of the nation’s most respected leaders, are leading an effort to engage more than 100,000 youth and adults in a project intended to set the nation’s agenda for youth development.

Former Presidential Candidate and Senate Majority Leader Dole and former Speaker of the House and Ambassador to Japan Foley have agreed to serve as honorary co-chairs of the 4-H Centennial Initiative Committee, according to Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and CEO of the National 4-H Council.

The 4-H Centennial Initiative Committee is charged with overseeing the 4-H national centennial efforts. The centennial of the 4-H movement is in 2002. $10 million is being raised to fund the “National Conversation on Youth Development in the 21^st Century.”

“From my days as a young boy growing up in Kansas, through my years in the United States Senate, America’s 4-H has served as our nation’s most significant youth development organization,” Senator Dole said. “Their commitment to service continues with this National Conversation for Youth Development in the 21^st Century. I am proud to serve as honorary co-chair of this important initiative.”

“From Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, to Speaker of the House of Representatives, to our nation’s ambassador to Japan, I have had the honor of witnessing young people all over the world,” Speaker Foley said. “It is from these experiences that I know the value and strength of 4-H. This organization, so committed to inclusion, built on respect for and participation of the youth, is an essential tool in preparing today’s young leaders. I am honored to join with Senator Dole in celebrating its past, while preparing its future.”

As a result of the National Conversation, 4-H will capture the best ideas and programs and present them in a report to the President of the United States, his cabinet, and Congress. Moving ahead, 4-H intends to engage the nation in positive youth development programs, addressing youth problems, building youth skills, generating civic involvement, and creating better communities.

4-H is one of the nation’s most diverse organizations, including people from all economic, racial, social, political, and geographic categories. Young people are given the opportunity to engage in activities that hold their personal interest, while being guided by adult volunteers. Youth development professionals, employed by the nationwide Cooperative Extension System, provide direction and program leadership in each county.

Originally focused on agricultural projects, 4-H has followed the needs and interests of young people into urban and suburban communities. The participation of young people in developing and governing 4-H has been a key to its continuing success. Like other leading modern organizations, 4-H draws strength from its participants by sharing decision-making responsibilities at levels ranging from local clubs to national programs.

More the 6.8 million youth are involved in 4-H programs annually. 4-H is part of the Cooperative Extension System, which conducts programs in all 3,067 counties of the United States, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and five territories. The Cooperative Extension System is a partnership between the United Sates Department of Agriculture, state land-grant universities, and local county governments.

4-H programs and activities in Santa Rosa County are open to boys and girls ages 5 to 18 regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex or handicap. For more information about 4-H contact Vickie B. Mullins, Santa Rosa County 4-H Coordinator, at 623-3868 or 939-1259, Ext. 1360 (for south county residents).