4-H is the youth outreach program of the Cooperative Extension System. In Michigan, 4-H Youth Development is part of Michigan State University Extension. The official 4-H emblem is a four-leafed clover with an “H” on each leaf. The 4-H name and emblem are intended to represent the ideals of the program, with the focus on head, heart, hands and health.

Today, the 4-H clover is one of the best- known and most valued organizational images and reflects more than a century of 4-H achievement. This emblem belongs to the 4-H Youth Development Program, under the authority of USDA. It is the second most recognized symbol in the world, right after the Red Cross! Anyone wishing to use this 4-H name and emblem must obtain permission ahead of time.

4-H clubs and groups are authorized to use the 4-H name and emblem when they are “chartered” or enrolled by the county MSU Extension office and Michigan 4-H Youth Development. This means that properly enrolled 4-H clubs or groups can use the name and emblem as a part of the club name, in fund-raising activities and in promotional materials.

You can download the official 4-H emblem and versions for print or use on club Web sites at http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov. Each of the download files contains both black-and-white and two- and three-color versions of the 4-H emblem. Check them out if you’re planning new club shirts or jackets, have a 4-H club Web page or are looking for some good graphics to use in club displays or promotional materials.

Some counties have been providing new clubs with charter certificates for many years. Other counties have not used these certificates with new clubs. This year, USDA has reissued official 4-H charters to all groups using the 4-H name and emblem. This includes 4-H clubs and groups, as well as councils, boards and committees that operate at the state, regional and local level on behalf of 4-H. If your club already has a charter certificate, you can add the new one to your club files. If your club was not issued a certificate when it was formed, you will now have one! Each certificate has a space for you to record the date your club was formed. This is a good way to help keep track of some of the history of your 4-H club or group.

Charter certificates for all current Michigan 4-H clubs and groups were distributed to county MSU Extension offices in September 2004. Staff were encouraged to distribute them to clubs at re-enrollment meetings or as part of recognition programs this fall. Check with your county 4-H staff if your 4-H club or group has not yet received its charter certificate.

If you have questions about 4-H club charter certificates, appropriate uses of the 4-H name and emblem, or want more information on where or how it can be used, contact your county MSU Extension office or visit the National 4-H Web site at http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov.