Helping youth share their 4-H story: A quick and impactful activity for volunteers
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Email4-H volunteers can play a key role in helping youth learn how to share their 4-H story.
Every 4-H member will eventually be asked, “what’s 4-H?” Whether it’s at a community event, a showcase, during the fair or in a casual conversation with a curious friend or adult, it’s important that youth feel confident answering. As a 4-H volunteer, you can help youth prepare by assisting them to develop a clear, personal and enthusiastic response—known as their 4-H elevator pitch.
Michigan State University Extension offers a simple activity you can use during 4-H meetings, activities or events to help youth prepare to share their 4-H story. This activity not only builds communication skills, but also deepens their personal connection to the 4-H experience.
The “4-H in Four” activity helps youth develop their own 30-second elevator speech by thinking about 4-H through four key prompts. To begin, explain that an elevator pitch is a short, personal, and enthusiastic explanation, something you could share in the time it takes to ride in an elevator.
Getting started: brainstorm the 4-H story
Guide youth through brainstorming responses to these four prompts:
- What is 4-H? (Explain 4-H in simple, clear terms.)
- What do you do in 4-H? (List projects, events and activities they’re involved in.)
- What does 4-H mean to you? (Reflect on personal growth, friendships and learning.)
- Why should someone join or support 4-H? (Share a reason to encourage others.)
Crafting and practicing the pitch
After brainstorming, have youth write one sentence for each of the four prompts. These sentences form their personalized “4-H in Four” elevator speech. Encourage them to keep it authentic, clear and energetic. Next, have them practice their pitch, either in pairs or small groups. Encourage good communication skills: make eye contact, smile and speak clearly.
Tips to support the activity
- For Cloverbuds (youth 5-7 years-old), allow them to draw pictures instead of writing. Then, help them turn their drawings into a spoken pitch.
- Have youth write their final pitch on a note card so they can practice and build confidence.
- Ask other volunteers to reflect on the prompts in advance so they can help spark ideas if youth need support.
- Make it fun! Consider a friendly contest with categories like “Most Enthusiastic,” “Most Informative” or “Most Memorable.”
- Record the speeches to share on social media or at club recruitment events.
This activity works well at club meetings, as a warm-up for public presentations or before community engagement events. Helping youth craft their message gives them the tools to be prepared to share their 4-H message with others, anytime it is needed.
