I have been blessed, along with my wife Vanette, to have worked and grown with people involved with premier youth development programs: The American Youth Foundation (AYF), St. Louis; University of Florida (U of F) 4-H, Gainesville, Florida; and North Carolina State University (NCSU) 4-H , Raleigh, North Carolina
The American Youth Foundation, founded in 1924, was supported by William H. Danforth, the founder of Ralston Purina Company and author of I DARE YOU. This book was awarded to high school seniors for outstanding leadership. Many “I Dare You Award” winners were 4-H-ers. Subsequently there was a close relationship between 4-H and the leadership development programs of The AYF.
Vanette and I began our AYF involvement in 1966. We continue to support AYF/4-H collaboration through the Vanette and Thearon McKinney American Youth Foundation North Carolina 4-H Scholarship, awarded annually to help North Carolina 4-H-ers attend the AYF National Leadership Conference.
In Florida 4-H, I had responsibility for the camping program offered through its five regional, residential facilities. The programs depended on a highly motivated cadre of 4-H volunteers.
Upon arriving to North Carolina 4-H, in 1977, I focused on doubling the 4-H volunteer involvement by establishing 4-H volunteer associations. In 1981, the Constitution of the North Carolina 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Association was ratified. Later, my focus was to develop a systematic approach to marketing 4-H. As a result, “North Carolina 4-H: Growing Together” was created. The Department of 4-H Youth Development was one of NCSU’s top grant acquisition units. One grant, Peers Empowering Peers (PEP), was Alcohol and Drug Defense, federally funded in collaboration with several state agencies.
While serving as Associate State 4-H Leader and Department Head, I enjoyed guiding “We Are 4-H: The Centennial Celebration of North Carolina 4-H”.
And so I continue to work and grow, together with many others, through 4-H.
