Two Ohio 4-H alumni have been selected to serve on the National 4-H Council’s Young Alumni Advisory Committee. The committee is comprised of eleven young 4-H alumni, who work to support National 4-H Council, and advise their board of trustees. Nathan Grine from Henry County and Noor Alshafie from Franklin County began their terms in July.
This is the start of Noor’s second term, after completing a three-year term. Being part of this committee was important to Noor as she transitioned from 4-H member to 4-H alum. She wanted to continue her service because she believes 4-H can be a solid foundation for youth development in every community. “Few other organizations are devoted to transforming the lives of young people,” said Noor, “and I’ve seen the power that 4-H can have first-hand by lifting up individuals to a potential they may have not yet realized was within them.”
Nathan and Noor both feel it is important to continue conversations and advocacy regarding 4-H becoming a more equitable and inclusive program. “It gives me great excitement to work alongside my peers as we spark necessary conversation around how 4-H can become a more equitable and inclusive program; a program for tomorrow’s youth," said Nathan. “The betterment of this program will in turn adequately prepare our youth to be the future leaders we need.”
Noor and Nathan both believe 4-H alumni can play an important role in the 4-H community. “Alumni may have aged out of the program and gone on to do incredible things, but they can still support the program. The organization which taught them responsibility, compassion, and the value of hard work can use their talents. Without alumni giving their time, there will be youth missing out on the opportunity to grow into true leaders,” said Noor.
Nathan offers this advice for other young 4-H alumni who want to stay involved, “Give back. Think about how you were able to grow because of 4-H, and then harness that affinity and give back to this transformative program in a way that best suits you. It might mean volunteering as an advisor with a local 4-H club, using your expertise to help with a training or making a monetary gift to fund scholarships to help 4-H members seek further opportunities.”
Ohio 4-H congratulates Noor and Nathan as they begin their service to the National 4-H Council Young Alumni Advisory Committee!