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. White symbolizes purity and high ideals.
4-H Emblem: The first 4-H emblem was a three-leaf clover, introduced sometime between 1907 and 1908. The three "H’s" represented head, heart and hands. In 1911, at a meeting
of club leaders in Washington, a fourth "H" representing health was added and the current 4-H four-leaf clover emblem was approved. More information on clover logo usage is available.
4-H Pledge: The pledge (above) was worded by Otis Hall, Kansas State 4-H leader. It was approved at the first National 4-H Club Camp in 1927 in Washington, D.C. The words "my world" were added to the pledge in 1973. Their addition is the only change ever made to the 4-H pledge. HEAD stands for clearer thinking and decision-making, knowledge that is useful throughout life, thinking as a team, and finding better ways of doing things or looking at issues. HEART stands for greater loyalty, strong personal values, positive self-concept, and concern for others and their problems, not just our own. HANDS stands for larger service, workforce preparedness, useful skills, science and technology literacy, and having fun by exploring the world around us. HEALTH stands for better living, healthy lifestyles, and good choices.
4-H Prayer: "Help me, O Lord, to live so that the world may be a little better because Thou didst make me."
