Dear Reader...

Dear Reader,

Some of you may know that I was selected out of hundreds of 4-H young alumni across the nation to serve on the National 4-H Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). I am honored to serve with this group of dynamic college students and young professionals who have all experienced the life-changing impact of 4-H!

Now, we get to pay it forward. This April, we are launching our first digital fundraising campaign – inviting our friends and family to “raise your hands” and help us bring the life-changing 4-H experience to more youth around the nation.

4-H made a huge difference in my life! I am a personal example of what it means for kids to be engaged in tangible hands-on activities and to be given meaningful leadership opportunities.

But too many young people today don’t share my story. Kids today need hands-on learning experiences and meaningful leadership opportunities now more than ever. Only one in three young people says they have the skills they need to be prepared to lead. Half of all high school students report they are not prepared to lead in their life after high school – for college or career.

With all of the challenges facing our nation and our world, there are also many more opportunities for young people to be a part of the solution. Just imagine the potential if more youth were empowered with the skills, leadership and voice to speak out and act to improve our world. That doesn’t have to wait for tomorrow, it can begin today.

Please join me in giving more kids the experiences that will help them grow the skills they need for life today and career tomorrow. Just $20 or more will go a long way toward helping me reach my personal goal and helping us grow 4-H.

Please visit my fundraising page on CrowdRise to Raise Your Hand and support my campaign today!

With sincere thanks,

Emma