WHEREAS, the youth of Oklahoma and the nation represent the future, and their development is paramount to the well-being and prosperity of communities across the country; and

WHEREAS, for a quarter of a century, this annual celebration of 4–H Day at the Capitol has provided an opportunity for club members to share their 4–H stories with state leaders; and

WHEREAS, 4–H is the youth development component of Oklahoma State University Extension geared toward young people ages 5 to 19; and

WHEREAS, for nearly 120 years, 4–H has helped thousands of club members develop life skills such as leadership, decision-making, time management, and civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, programming in 4–H is changing continually to meet the needs of today's youth; and

WHEREAS, the Oklahoma 4–H Youth Development Program reinforces the learn-by-doing philosophy through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities; and

WHEREAS, 4–H reaches more than 175,850 participants each year through membership, project clubs, and school enrichment; and

WHEREAS, OSU Extension and Langston University 4–H'ers participate in STEM, civic engagement, healthy living, leisure sciences, natural resources, and agriculture programs; and

WHEREAS, dedicated and committed volunteers, mentors, and supporters play a pivotal role in the success of the organization; and

WHEREAS, youth who participate in 4–H are four times more likely to make contributions to their communities; and

WHEREAS, there are nearly 1,200 adult volunteer leaders who serve as mentors and provide leadership while fostering positive adult/youth partnerships; and

WHEREAS, there are more than 400 youth volunteers who develop life skills by serving as mentors/role models and provide leadership to club members; and

WHEREAS, 4–H provides programming beyond traditional agricultural projects, including food and nutrition, horticulture, photography, robotics, community development, companion animals, and more; and

WHEREAS, youth participating in 4–H are encouraged to share with state leaders how 4–H is making communities better through project work and service-learning activities; and

WHEREAS, adult volunteer leaders and club members combined annually contribute more than 100,000 volunteer hours to the betterment of Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, 4–H members continue to work together and follow the motto “To Make the Best Better” in all that they do; and

WHEREAS, the annual 4–H Day at the Capitol provides an opportunity to share with state leaders the positive impact they have on their communities, counties, and state.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 59TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate declares April 17, 2024, as the 25th annual 4–H Day at the Capitol.

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate celebrates youth who have made an impact on the community and who are stepping up to the challenges of a complex and changing world.

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate praises the positive impact Oklahoma 4–H has on our youth, our communities, and our state.