I was one of several leaders from various community organizations that had gathered to spearhead this project, as its main purpose will be to promote the events each group hosts throughout the year.
I am not a native of this town. It is where my husband grew up and where we chose to start our future together. Even though I’ve lived here for more than a decade, this was a new experience and a room of people I had yet to meet.
Some people prefer to head in the other direction instead of walking into a room full of strangers, but one of the most significant skills I have gained in my role as an editor is to attend a conference, workshop or farm visit where I have never been before and be comfortable enough to say “Hello” and start asking questions.
Just as I didn’t know the others in the room, they didn’t know me. We covered a lot of different topics in the meeting, including ordinances, insurance, grants, fundraising, processes and function.
The discussion encompassed many of my past experiences in one way or another and, as I headed home after the meeting, I couldn’t help but wonder how I arrived at that point. My ultimate answer: It all started when I joined 4-H.
Now, I certainly didn’t join 4-H when I was 8 years old because I thought it would help me develop leadership skills. I joined because my older sister and brother were members and because it looked like fun.
Yet, after meeting after meeting of reciting the 4-H pledge and the section that reads, “My hands to larger service,” as well as offering to help with service projects at the club level, the importance of service became ingrained in my being. It is a large part of who I am today and what drove me to volunteer for a variety of experiences throughout my life.
In a couple of weeks, I will take my 8-year-old daughter to her first 4-H meeting and watch as this century-old youth development program starts to make an imprint on her life, too.
Granted, she really just wants to be in 4-H so she can show a calf at the fair, which is a great opportunity itself, but like every 4-H alumnus, I know she’ll pick up a few other skills along the way.
I hope she will also grow to love service, as it is apparent the world can always use more volunteers – in schools, in churches, in communities, etc.
Everyone is so busy these days with work, family and life it can be hard to find the time to volunteer for an organization or cause. I realize there isn’t always a lot of spare time in the life of a farmer, and to some farm owners the thought of “being in charge of something else” when they already have a lot to watch over each day is not appealing.
However, not every group is looking for leaders or lifelong commitments. Many times an extra set of hands or an additional thought is all that is needed to help bring success to a single event or an organization.
I believe when each person can bring a little bit of talent to the table and work together, it grows to be something bigger than any of us could do alone. In the end, it makes this world a better place for everyone.
This month, I encourage you to try a new or different service activity in your area. In sharing your abilities, you might be surprised what it does to your future self as well. So, say these words with my child and me and pledge your “hands to larger service.” 
-
Karen Lee
- Editor
- Progressive Dairyman
- Email Karen Lee
