Michigan 4-H Youth Development


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4-H Youth Development Michigan State University 160 Agriculture Hall East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 USA Phone: 517-432-7575 Fax: 517-355-6748 Email: msue4h@msu.edu Disclaimer & Indicia

Frequently Asked Questions About the Michigan 4-H Youth Participation Fee

Benefits

Is there a 4-H membership kit?
A membership kit of some kind was considered, but feedback from many families and volunteers indicates a preference to use participation fee dollars only for programming. A membership kit is no longer on the table at this time.

What does participation in 4-H give the recipients...what is the benefit?
How about confidence? Self-esteem? New skills? New friends? A strong sense of citizenship and community? Reinforcement of good values? Presentation and speaking skills? Exposure to numerous career options? New experiences? Caring mentors? Information on fitness and good nutrition? An understanding of responsibility? Encouragement to finish what you start? Recognition for success and hard work? Sounds like a bargain for $10, doesn’t it?

What are the benefits of having a participation fee?
The fee provides some substantial benefits, including:

A small but real pool of money to work with that 4-H can always count on
New educational materials, books, movies, on-line resources and more
Strengthens the commitment from 4-H participants and their families—gives them more of a stake in their 4-H participation and more of an incentive to be involved
Development of new programs that address current needs and anticipate future needs
New curriculum we won’t have to go out-of-state to get

How does this fee help 4-H deliver better programs for the public good?
MSU Extension has faced decreased funding for many years, resulting in staff cuts and very limited program development. Current curricula have gone without updating, and we have been unable to seriously look at programming needs throughout the state and create new programs to address those needs. Funds from the participation fee allows us to help today’s Michigan youth gain the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in tomorrow’s world, keeping 4-H relevant. It’s nice to be nostalgic, but without new program development, 4-H becomes obsolete.

Michigan 4-H Youth Participation Fee Information FAQ's :