2013 Resource Guide - 4-H Ontario

A CENTURY OF 4 H
1913
1915
1913: 4-H is established in Canada
Legend has it the first 4-H club started in Roland, Manitoba in 1913.
1915: The birth of 4-H in Ontario
In Ontario, 4-H started as the “Boys’ and Girls’ Club” and was run by the Ministry of Agriculture. 4-H
was founded on the concept of teaching youth agricultural skills in a club atmosphere. In the first clubs,
members were guided through their project by a leader who supervised them and provided constructive
feedback—launching the concept of “Learn To Do By Doing”.
1952: 4-H in Canada gets its name & identity
In 1952 the 4-H logo and name were adopted by 4-H Canada to reflect the four H’s in the pledge: head,
heart, hands and health. During this time there was also a critical refocus of 4-H initiatives. A renewed
emphasis was placed on individual members and their development, rather than project outcomes.
1952
1988 & 1998: Formation of Ontario 4-H Council and Ontario 4-H Foundation
As recommended by the Ontario 4-H Leaders’ Committee in 1988, the Ontario 4-H Council was created
to develop and implement provincial 4-H policies, working with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food
& Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), who still ran 4-H Ontario. In 1998 the Ontario 4-H Foundation was started
as a charitable organization to ensure the financial security of 4-H Ontario activities. Foundation Trustees
volunteer to serve and share their expertise on fundraising, networking, financial management and assist
staff with sponsorship and donations.
2000: Major changes as 4-H Ontario goes “independent”
4-H Ontario became a fully independent, charitable organization, after OMAFRA handed all responsibility
to the Ontario 4-H Council. Staff was hired to handle operations, while policy work continued at Council.
1988
1998
2000
2005
2013
2015
2005: Improvements for a stronger 4-H Ontario
With the 90th anniversary of 4-H in Ontario came reflection on the organization’s governance model. To
ensure strong policy creation, voting processes were clarified. This new governance model allows the
organization to be overseen by volunteers. Interested 4-H volunteers step forward for election, with the
election winners sitting on the Ontario 4-H Council Board of Directors. The Board works with 4-H Ontario’s
Executive Director to develop the organization’s vision. The Executive Director leads the 4-H Ontario staff
in carrying out this vision on an operational level.
2013: Speaking of operations...how about some current statistics?
There are 19 4-H Ontario staff who serve the province, including 5800 members, 1800 volunteers and
thousands of alumni. 4-H Ontario staff are dedicated, passionate people who have made a choice to
work for a not-for-profit organization. They work at ensuring every member, volunteer and alumnus
has a positive experience based on the 4-H values. Government funding still constitutes about half of
what is needed to operate 4-H in Ontario. The other half is composed of membership fees, fundraising,
sponsorships and other initiatives led by staff and the Ontario 4-H Foundation.
2015: A milestone year for 4-H Ontario!
Hot on the heels of the 100th anniversary celebrations slated for 4-H Canada in 2013, 4-H Ontario will be
celebrating 100 years itself in 2015. Preparations are already underway, so stay tuned!
2013 4-H ONTARIO RESOURCE GUIDE 39