The Ohio County 4-H Council has identified development and implementation of leadership skills as a priority for positive youth development.    4-H Clubs provide experiential learning as a primary teaching approach that promotes the Essential Elements of Youth Development. Membership in a 4-H club provide opportunities for youth to learn and apply life skills such as leadership, citizenship, service learning, public speaking and fosters youth-adult partnerships that encourage active involvement and participation in our community.

4-H provides hands-on, youth-led experiences, where youth learn by doing, grow from failure, express their ideas and use their influence to drive positive outcomes. Adult volunteers provide guidance, invite questions, and share learning experiences.  In Ohio County, there are 42 school  4-H clubs and 6 community 4-H Clubs organized comprising more than 900 youth.  Over three hundred youth serve as elected officers in these 4-H clubs.   Ohio County youth who participate in 4-H Leadership development opportunities are exposed to a variety of opportunities for personal  leadership development.

4-H Leadership activities help youth:

• Communication skills are enhanced by sharing, reflecting and discussion (100% of the club presidents and vice-presidents were able to preside over a 4-H club meeting utilizing a meeting agenda.)
• 4-H Youth developed confidence in their leadership potential and their own sense of identity, over 70% of club members said they felt more comfortable in their abilities when faced with a leadership role.
• 4-H Club members understand the importance of diversity and inclusion, while improving their ability to relate to others.  4-H club members presented a program on cultural diversity to expand their knowledge of other cultures. (100%).
• 4-H Youth learn effective decision-making skills and methods and experience problem-solving situations (100% of the 4-H Clubs utilized Parliamentary procedure in meetings.)
        The 4-H Leadership curriculum builds important assets in youth and provide critical elements of positive youth development, allowing youth to exhibit positive behaviors. Strong leadership and decision making skills are essential in helping shape a 4-H member into a responsible  caring adult. 4-H empowers young people to be true leaders, who have confidence; know how to work well with others; can endure challenges; solve problems, and will stick with a task or project until it is completed   End result - Youth who are empowered with the life skills to lead for a lifetime.