4-H in Iberia Parish is a part of a local, state, national and international youth program. The program was established as a three-way partnership among the federal government (the U.S. Department of Agriculture), the state government through the land-grant university (Louisiana State University) and the local government, both Iberia Parish government and the Iberia Parish School Board. It is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States.

4-H is a FUN and exciting youth organization that offers hands-on learning or experiential learning as the foundation of the program. This occurs through project work, method demonstrations, contests, workshops, junior leader club activities, camps and service activities or service learning.

The national campaign of the program is “4-H is a community of young people…across America…who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.” It was selected as a consistent message from 4-H members across the country when asked to describe 4-H.

Membership is open to all youth in Iberia Parish who are 9 years of age before January 1 of the current year and who have not passed their 20th birthday on January 1.  The program is open to all people regardless of race, color, gender, age, handicap, religion or national origin. A monthly club meeting is held at each of approximately 30 schools in the parish. The 4-H agents conduct monthly educational programs in public, private and community clubs. Club members elect officers (president, vice president, secretary, reporter, treasurer and program leader) who, with the volunteer leaders’ assistance, plan educational activities, service projects or service-learning and conduct club meetings each month. Parents may contact their child’s school 4-H Club leader to assist in various roles and capacities. Volunteers are strongly encouraged to assist our school teachers in their roles as 4-H leaders.

4-H agents in our parish develop and execute educational programs and activities that provide youth the opportunity to develop such life skills as self-esteem, community and citizen responsibility, decision making, organization and social interaction. These characteristics allow youth the self confidence and communications skills to achieve the 4-H mission. Our mission is through non-formal, research-based, experiential education activities, 4-H participants gain knowledge and life skills enabling them to become positive, productive, capable and compassionate members of their communities.

Agents are assisted in this capacity by staff members of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter) through state and regional program specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service. The success of our local program is due to the tremendous success of our school teachers who serve as organizational leaders, parent volunteers and other volunteers who continue to share their time, talents and special touch with the youth in the program. Many of these serve in various capacities such as members of advisory leadership councils (ALC) and/or committees, project leaders, contest day judges, etc. Through these leadership roles, adults as well as youth volunteers serve as equal partners in the decision-making process.

Annual enrollment begins in September through October of each school year. Members complete an enrollment card by selecting at least one project and pay their annual membership dues. A variety of parish events that consist of contests and activities are conducted throughout the program year (September through August). These contests are open only to 4-H members. Project books are given out to each member in either October or November of each year. They provide a variety of activities in specific areas for the members to work on at home or with fellow members in the same area. We advise parents to lead by example in the areas of support through motivation, encouragement and guidance.

Monthly newsletters are given out along with contest rules at the club meetings. The newsletters can also be accessed at various sub-channels of our Web site. They include assignments for first-time members to complete their projects and announcements of workshops as well as a wide variety of educational activities. Many parents guide their children and have found these to be extremely educational.

When members have completed their project books, they can request additional books by calling our office. Record-book competition is another way to get members motivated to highlight their yearly accomplishments. Project books usually are due in late February of each year. These books are judged, and outstanding members are recognized for their accomplishments.

Parents may contact their child’s school 4-H Club leader at the school to assist in various capacities. Volunteers are strongly encouraged to assist our school teachers in their roles as 4-H leaders. The more volunteers who support and assist a club, the more individual time and attention can be spent in shaping the lives of the youth.

For more information on the Iberia Parish 4-H Club program, contact the Iberia Parish LSU AgCenter Extension office at (337) 369-4440.