Linda Porter Has Set *THE* Example for Us All

When it comes to making a lasting impact on the 4-H movement in Canada, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone more dedicated than New Brunswick’s Linda Porter. Linda has made a lasting positive impact on countless 4-H youth, leaders, and the organization itself. Her journey through 4-H started the same as so many others. She first became a volunteer leader in 1987 when her children became active members in the program. From that simple family connection, she became more involved, took on more volunteer duties, and in 1997, she accepted the role of Executive Director for 4-H New Brunswick. Linda ran the organization for 24 years, retiring in December 2020, but her focus never wavered from 4-H’s main goal. “4-H is a positive youth development organization,” Linda said. “I like the focus on fun and the learning opportunities 4-H provides for skills development.” According to local 4-H lore, Linda is a Jack-of-all-trades when it came to leading events, programs, and volunteer engagement for 4-H New Brunswick. “She volunteered her weekends to do camps and get involved at the club level,” said Andrea Callahan, President of New Brunswick 4-H Council. She’d have 70 to 80 kids and many volunteers, and still have it all down to a science.” Ask anyone and the story of Linda remains the same. Always positive, organized, direct, kind, thoughtful, and inclusive. “She is a great organizer, but she also encompassed the 4-H motto – she wanted the kids to do the work,” added Andrea. Beyond helping the youth members, which has always been her primary focus, Linda is also proud of her work in helping to keep 4-H programs running strong in New Brunswick through some financially challenging years. “It’s an ever-changing world and kids always need new and different skills,” Linda explained. “I find that 4-H adapts to the times. To me, 4-H has always had the best out-of-school program for youth.” Linda was also an integral voice in the refresh of the 4-H brand in Canada in 2015, which remains the standard to this day. In addition,

she’s worked with many volunteers, staff, leaders, and members over the years, and each one remains influenced by her in one way or another. Ally McConchie, first a 4-H youth member, then leader, and now the new Executive Director of 4-H New Brunswick, has worked with Linda at every level and has many fond memories of their time together. Ally learned from Linda’s example to encourage people to do their best, to get involved, to learn more, and to help others. “Linda has taught me so much about being a better leader and mentor for the youth members by allowing me to plan games and activities for the kids at our provincial show and members’ camp,” said Ally. Even in retirement, Linda walks the walk and backs it up with talk. Her Linda Porter (centre), has been making an local recreation department recently enlisted her help with a summer impact on the 4-H community since 1987. camp for youth and encouraging young people to get involved. She is now a volunteer leader with 4-H in Canada. “I have stayed connected, and my grandchildren have joined the local club,” Linda said with a smile. Linda’s continued engagement with New Brunswick youth comes as no surprise to those who know her. “Linda is very much a 'behind the scenes’ person and doesn’t like to take credit for the work she has done, even though she deserves all the credit for how well the 4-H program in New Brunswick operated,” said Ally. Throughout her years with 4-H, one thing was her main focus: the kids. Those who know Linda would go one step farther and say, “They became her kids,” said Andrea. Linda Porter – on behalf of all 4-H’ers from coast-to-coast: Thank you for your years of selfless dedication, energy, and commitment to 4-H in New Brunswick and across Canada. Your contributions will be felt for generations to come. Thanks for your ongoing service and for setting the example of what a life-long 4-H member can accomplish.

“It’s an ever-changing world and kids always need new and different skills. I find that 4-H adapts to the times. To me, 4-H has always had the best outof-school program for youth.”

– Linda Porter