For more than a century, 4-H has supported leadership and personal development for young people to help them achieve their fullest potential. We live our motto every day: “To make the best better.” To do this, we must ensure equity for both our staff and the youth we serve. With your participation, we will create the organizational changes needed to eliminate racism and inequality that exist in our programs.
In the words of the late Representative John Lewis, “When you see something that is not right, not just, not fair, you have a moral obligation to say something. To do something. Our children and their children will ask us, ‘What did you do? What did you say?'" To this end, we offer our hearts, hands, head and health in the service of eliminating structural racism from every aspect of our organization. We invite you to join us in this process of self-reflection and transformation.
We are honored to continue to play a role in the growth of the 4-H program for youth development through programs, relationships, and community partnerships that promote racial justice and equity. We stand with both National 4-H Council and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones in their commitment to addressing racism and social injustice.
IL 4-H Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Mission Statement
“Our mission in Illinois 4-H is to champion diversity, advance equity, promote inclusion, and ensure accessibility. We strive to empower the community and partners, regardless of background or abilities, to thrive, learn and contribute to positive change.”
Objectives
Increase Diversity and Inclusion:
- Ensure representation and participation across all levels of Illinois 4-H.
Enhance Access and Equity:
- Remove barriers to participation for marginalized and historically underserved communities.
Strengthen Community Partnerships:
- Collaborate with local organizations to support DEIA initiatives.
Promote Continuous Improvement:
- Regularly reassess and adjust strategies based on feedback and outcomes.
Support Youth Leadership in DEIA:
- Encourage and support youth-led DEIA projects and initiatives.
- Provide training and resources for youth leaders to become advocates for diversity and inclusion within their communities.
Through our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, we aim to empower every young person in 4-H to reach their full potential, develop leadership skills, and contribute positively to their communities. Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive 4-H program that reflects the rich tapestry of our society.