Jill Bramble’s Post

In small rural towns across America, communities are gathering for the holiday weekend. Growing up in a small town was special, and while we did not have a lot, we had enough. I was reminded of how deeply 4-H impacted me growing up in a small rural town on Maryland's Eastern Shore when I recently visited my hometown 4-H program in Chestertown, MD. Every moment is special, every activity engaging, and every young person a budding example of the future leaders of Maryland. In Kent County, 4-H'ers can choose from 80 different program areas to ignite their passion or be the onramp to their purpose or career. I had the pleasure of joining University of Maryland Cooperative Extension leader Elizabeth Hill who was creating sparks for Galena Elementary School students during their career day. On the Eastern Shore, this type of education and engagement is critical not only to the natural ecosystem of the Chesapeake and the surrounding watershed but also to prepare the future stewards of the region's economy and workforce. Kent County 4-H will always be home. It is where my love for 4-H blossomed when I was a young girl, and I am elated and honored to learn from the program leaders and young people who continually give back to the Eastern Shore community in big and small ways.

As we approach the 4th of July, a time to celebrate our nation's independence and the values of democracy, it's fitting to reflect on the vibrant sea of green that has filled Washington, DC over the past two weeks. Thousands of passionate 4-H'ers from across our great country gathered for Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)! 🍀 This longstanding tradition brings together young leaders to enhance their leadership and communication skills through exploring our nation's rich history, democracy, and constitutional education. I am so inspired by the amazing young people who took part in engaging workshops, explored our national monuments and museums, and even had the chance to meet with their congressional representatives. Both weeks of CWF offered these bright minds the opportunity to deepen their understanding of their roles as active citizens and advocates. As we celebrate Independence Day, let's also celebrate these young leaders who are the future of our democracy. Their commitment to learning and leading reminds us all of the importance of active citizenship and the enduring strength of our democratic values.

Ignite by 4-H was a blast this year, and we can't wait to do it all over again in 2025! Mark your calendars for March 12-16 in Washington D.C. and get ready for an inspiring summit full of fun, learning, and growth. 🍀 #Igniteby4H

4-H believes in the power of youth voice. Not at some point in the future, but today. Our partners at USDA recognize the importance of young leaders and recently engaged 4-H Board Member Aidan S. as the moderator at the @USDA's Harvesting Hope event this week. Aidan led a compelling fireside chat between Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Ph.D., chief scientist at USDA, and Saharah Moon Chapotin, executive director of the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR). Thank you to both of these experts for sharing their insights.    The discussion centered around the USDA-FFAR Joint Innovation Challenge, a key initiative supporting early-career scientists and fostering new talent and innovation in agriculture. Aidan's insightful questions and thoughtful engagement highlighted his dedication and passion for advancing agricultural research. Aidan's leadership and ability to drive meaningful conversations is truly inspiring. His contributions reflect the bright future of 4-H and our commitment to nurturing the pipeline of young leaders who make a difference in their communities, the workforce, and beyond.

The life and vision of 4-H beam through incredible alumnae like Deja Hatchett. Her authenticity to herself and her Kentucky community has resulted in a more inclusive 4-H in the Bluegrass State and across our country.    As a Young Alumni Advisory Committee member, Deja has taught 4-H’ers and National 4-H Council leadership, including me, about the importance of exploring and understanding your identity and finding the supporting spaces that celebrate it. This is 4-H and I'm very grateful to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service leaders, including Laura Stephenson and Rachel Guidugli who create opportunities for all youth.

Preserving history matters so that we can build bridges to the future. The 4-H History Preservation Committee is a volunteer group of former national 4-H leaders and changemakers who continue to provide generous mentorship to many current leaders, including me. Our collaboration aims to weave together 4-H's enduring impact on youth and communities across the nation. From its humble beginnings to its present-day achievements, this project and subsequent book will celebrate the rich tapestry of 4-H history and its profound significance in shaping the lives of young people.   This project wouldn’t be possible without the creative minds, leadership, and dedication of this Committee. Stay tuned for updates as we work towards the 2025 publication!   Betty Gottler, Bill Svendsgaard, Bo Ryles, Bonita Williams, Ph.D., Chad Proudfoot, Deborah Reyome, Eleanor Wilson, Eliza Hernandez, Gary Deverman, Gwen El Sawi, Jan Scholl Kennedy, Jane Jopling, Rutledge Jim, Kendra Wells, Leah Wooddall, Linda Horn, Linda Jo Turner, Nancy Valentine, Oakley G. Perry, Rick Moses, Ron Drum, Sue Benedetti, and Tom Tate.

Over the last two weeks, I have met with the most incredible leaders in agriculture—from the state of California to all across North America. Learning from their experiences and wisdom while witnessing their drive and passion fills me with pride to be at the same table as these visionary men and women serving America's youth.   Last week, thanks to UCANR Cooperative Extension leaders Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty and Glenda Humiston, I had the privilege of exploring University of California, Davis while learning about California's innovative 4-H programs. From sustainable agriculture initiatives to STEM education projects, young Californians are leading the charge toward a brighter future. With these two women to guide them, 4-H'ers in California will become informed, empowered leaders ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with creativity and resilience.   I was then off to Denver, where I met with fellow members of the North American Agricultural Advisory Network (NAAN) Steering Committee, which represents esteemed agriculture leaders from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. One of the NAAN's key pillars resonates deeply with the work of the National 4-H Council: building the next generation of agriculture leaders. Our work will support the future of #ag leadership, which should be ready, diverse, and supported to take on the challenges of tomorrow.   I am honored to be on the frontlines of the incredible work of these two #ag powerhouse groups.

At the heart of every initiative, decision, and stride forward at National 4-H Council lies our commitment to uplifting the voices and perspectives of budding leaders. This promise makes me thrilled to spotlight Trustee Aidan S.! As a member of the Young Alumni Advisory Committee (YAAC), Aidan not only supports Council through public appearances and speaking engagements, but he also proudly represents the voices of 4-H’ers on the Board of Trustees, ensuring that the perspectives of alumni are heard and valued at the highest levels. Hailing from the great state of Oklahoma, Aidan's journey with 4-H began as a spark ignited by his interest in STEM. After joining Oklahoma State University Natural Resources Extension’s local 4-H Robotics Club at the age of 12, he recognized a stark gap in access to STEM programs for minority youth. Determined to bridge this divide, Aidan took action. Through his leadership, he orchestrated over 60 events and co-founded three FIRST LEGO League robotics teams, introducing countless kids to the wonders of STEM. But Aidan didn't stop there. Recognizing the crucial need for funding in STEM programs, he devised a strategic business plan that secured over $7,000 to support 4-H STEM clubs in Oklahoma City. His dedication and commitment to his community earned him a 4-H Youth in Action Award in 2021. Currently pursuing a BA in Political Science and Public Policy at The George Washington University, Aidan continues honing his skills as a changemaker and advocate. Within the last two years, he has served as a Legislative Fellow and Executive Assistant for Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, completed an internship with Comcast in Federal Government and Legislative Affairs, and served as a policy intern for Leader Hon. Hakeem Jeffries. Aidan Spencer exemplifies the ingenuity and spirit of the next generation of leaders – fearless, relentless, and driven by a vision of a better tomorrow. It's an honor to know him and witness his journey unfold. Keep soaring, Aidan!

To me, the work of our team at National 4-H Council and our incredible partners should always be celebrated, and this week was no exception. National 4-H Council and Nationwide’s Lead the Change campaign was honored to receive the Silver Halo Award for Best Civic Engagement Initiative presented by Engage for Good. Kudos to Jake Worcester, Noelle Shaw, and Ali Watkins for representing 4-H at the conference!   A huge thank you to some of the key leaders and sharp minds behind this work and the 4-H’ers and Extension leaders who made this campaign a reality. They dedicated countless hours to creating projects that focused on finding solutions to specific issues facing their communities. They engaged with industry leaders to gain valuable experience and exposure and refine their projects to make the biggest impact. They are visionaries whose work undoubtedly deserves this recognition.    In the same breath, I thank the team at Nationwide and our Trustee, Mark Berven, for their support in making this campaign possible.