U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has proclaimed October 2 - 8 as National 4-H Week! You can read and download the Proclamation on National 4-H Week, 2022 - United States Department of Agriculture. 4-H engages, enables and empowers more than 6 million young people every day, and this year’s annual 4-H Week is celebrating access and equity for all youths.
What is now known as National 4-H Week began as an outgrowth of World War II. Following Pearl Harbor, it was decided to postpone holding the National 4-H Camp in Washington, D.C. Soon after, 4-H leaders in Ohio announced their plans for a State 4-H Mobilization Week, focusing on what 4-H members could do for national defense. The idea was embraced by 4-H leaders nationwide and evolved into National 4-H Mobilization Week, which was observed in 1942, 1943 and 1944.
Beginning in 1945, and every year since, it has been known as National 4-H Week. Initially held in the spring, since 1968 it has been observed the first full week of October, beginning with the first Sunday. At its start, the purpose of National 4-H Week was to acquaint the public with the 4-H program, encourage more youth participation, urge more adults to volunteer as 4-H leaders, recognize and strengthen the parental support of 4-H efforts, report recent accomplishments and plan for the year ahead.
Each year, a national theme is selected, around which the week’s activities are focused. The 2022 theme is #Opportunity4All. NIFA is celebrating all week long with a variety of events and social media campaigns. Learn more about NIFA’s 4-H Week celebration.