4-H members Emily Cox of Indiana and Jared Pickens of Tennessee spend a lot of time on the Internet. In fact, the Pew Internet Survey shows that 93 percent of American youth ages 10-18 are actively online. Emily, Jared and other members of the 4-H Youth Development Program recognized that it was tough to find valuable information about their clubs, camps and programsin one place on the Web. So, they along with a dozen other 4-H members around the country formed the 4HUSA Web Crew and decided to create a oneof-a-kind interactive community Web site, 4HUSA.ORG. The Web site is by, for and about the more than seven million young people involved in the youth development program in all 50 states. It is a “one-stop”site for everything 4-H. Visitors have access to nearly 1,000 of the organization’s Web sites, arranged by state. News headlines by state and a comprehensive calendar of events inform visitors of the latest 4-H happenings. Visitors can share stories about how the youth group has touched the lives of young people. Registered members(it’s free) also can upload personal 4-H photo albums to share, post their thoughts, questions and ideasvia the interactive message board and create their own online journals known as “blogs.” “Now, because of 4HUSA.ORG, we can see what’s happening in states and what other kids are doing,” says Emily, age 14 and the d 4% Al The 4HUSA Web Crew youngest memberof the Web Crew. The Web Crew’s workreflects a significant part of the 4-H experience—the partnership of youth and adults in learn-by-doingactivities. The youth built the site through a series of conference calls, hundreds of instant messenger chats and a face-to-face meeting. They were instrumental in every stage of the process, from initial brainstorming sessions to final approval. “This site is the largest, most extensive 4-H Website to date, and it contains features for youth by youth, current news headlines and information about local clubs,” said Jared, age 17. With the site launched, the Web Crew’s work has just begun. They are responsible for updating content and promoting the site and are planning future interactive features, including personalized e-mail and games. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. Join Emily, Jared and the rest of the Web Crew online at www.4husa.org.
