4-H Emblem, Motto, Slogan, and Pledge
The green four-leaf clover with a white ‘H’ on each leaf was officially adopted as the 4-H emblem in 1911, and patented in 1924. The 4-H emblem symbolizes the interactive nature of effective learning and development.
The Four Hs
HEAD: Problem solving: ability to sort out complex problems.
HEART: Emotional development: developing good attitudes toward work and learning; developing acceptance and appreciation of other people.
HANDS: Skills development: ability to do, skill in doing and habit of doing.
HEALTH: Physical development: understanding and appreciating physical growth and change
The 4-H name and emblem are protected by federal statute (Title 18 USC 707) and may be used only in accordance with statute requirements.
To Make the Best Better
The motto as proposed by Carrie Harrison, a botanist with the U.S. Bureau of Plant Industry, was officially adopted in 1927, the same year the 4-H Pledge was introduced.
Learn by Doing
The slogan reflects the 4-H educational philosophy.
The 4-H Pledge
The 4-H pledge, written by Otis Hall of the Kansas State College of Agriculture, was officially adopted at the first National 4-H Camp in June 1927. The pledge was changed in 1973 to include “my world.”
I pledge…
My head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
My health to better living
for my club, my community,
my country and my world.
More background information is available from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).