March 2009 Archives

Today's youth are an investment in America's future. They are both today's leaders and tomorrow's hope. Youth, like adults, must deal with pressures of stress, blended families, peer pressure, unemployment, and other societal issues. The better prepared they become as decisionmakers with high respect for self and others, the less potential there will be for tension and conflict in building a stronger national and world community.

4-H youth development is based on providing youth with 4 essential elements for positive development--Mastery, Generosity, Independence and Belonging.  Well-designed 4-H programs help youth develop in all four of these areas so that they can make the transition from adolescence to adulthood and become positive, contributing members of their community and our nation.

When Hillary Clinton was confirmed as the new Secretary of State, the first country she decided to visit was Japan.  When Pres. Barack Obama hosted his first foreign dignitary at the White House, it was the Prime Minister of Japan.

Apparently, the new U.S. administration recognizes the key role that Japan plays in our current and future relations.  In the same way, Japan is a key player in internationl 4-H exchange programs.  Since the 1940's 4-H had enjoyed a vibrant exchange program with three Japanese youth organizations--LABO, LEX and Utrek.  Today, 4-H is still one of their most important partners, hosting nearly 700 young people each summer in a number of states.  In addition, many state 4-H programs also send 4-H members to Japan for a cultural exchange each summer.

Arizona 4-H used to be very involved in international 4-H exchange programs.  Now more than ever, it is important that we learn about the rest of the world and that they learn about us.  4-H has expanded its exchange programs to now include Norway, Costa Rica, Australia, and Finland.  And we are committed to expanding these exchange opportunities to new countries.

I hope that Arizona 4-H will re-join the international exchange program in 2010.  But we need host families and a program coordinator who can oversee the program.  If you have ideas or suggestions, please let me know.