EXECUTIVE LETTER

Making Strides

2022-2023 was a year of achievement, resilience, and growth for 4-H Canada. Over the past year we saw the 4-H movement emerge from the restrictions created to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. This year we saw a return to in-person events and programming, along with a slow rise in membership numbers, and a renewed sense of optimism that is a testament to the unwavering dedication and commitment of the entire 4-H community.

One of the outstanding achievements of this past year is the distribution of a record-high amount of $1.152 million in funds to provincial 4-H organizations in the 2022-2023 fiscal year. This significant increase, tripling the previous year from $325,000 brought us to a record-high level that demonstrates our strategic commitment to increase funding to provinces to support and strengthen the vital work being done at the provincial level. These funds will empower our provincial partners to expand their programs, reach more youth, and create even greater impact in their respective communities.

Additionally, ongoing dialogue and collaboration have paved the way for advancements in inclusivity and accessibility within 4-H Canada. Our Provincial Leader Action Committee (PLAC) and senior leadership collaborated on a coast-to-coast consultation that will serve as a foundation for developing a comprehensive roadmap to eliminating barriers to inclusive and accessible participation in 4-H Canada. To further this discussion, PLAC successfully hosted two town halls centered around capacity building and inclusion, which have provided invaluable opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and best practice discussions. By engaging in dialogue and actively listening to the diverse voices within our community, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where every person can thrive and contribute.

Through our diverse range of programming, we continue to shape the lives of young Canadians, empowering them with essential life skills, fostering leadership qualities, and instilling a sense of purpose that will guide them into a bright and successful future.

As a critical part of the growth component of our 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, 4-H Canada’s Research and Data Committee commissioned Leger to conduct research to gather insights from 4-H alumni of all ages about their experience as part of the 4-H movement in Canada, and how those experiences have impacted their lives and careers, as well as to assess how well known the organization is by the population at large.

As expected, the results showed that 4-H alumni value their participation. The vast majority – 95 per cent - say their experience in our movement helped them master important skills such as public speaking, leadership, teamwork, sense of responsibility, decision-making, record-keeping, and a strong sense of self. The survey also showed that 90 per cent of alumni said they would recommend 4-H. While we have long known the movement has a positive impact on youth, with this research, we now have the data to declare that 4-H provides youth with the guidance, resources, and opportunities to prepare them for various paths of life!

While we are firmly focused on building a strong future for the 4-H movement in Canada, let’s not forget to take the time to celebrate the accomplishments from this past year. We take great pride in congratulating our provincial partners for their continued dedication and resilience. Their commitment and openness to continuous improvement demonstrates their passion for positively impacting the lives of youth across Canada. Together, we have fostered an environment that embraces innovation and adaptation, ensuring that young Canadians can continue to benefit from the transformative experiences offered by 4-H.

While we have accomplished so much this past year, we know with the commitment of our partners, donors, and stakeholders, we will continue to grow membership numbers. Through our proven positive youth development model, and hands-on programming, we are committed to providing youth opportunities to develop life skills such as confidence, independence, and resilience to carry them through their academic and professional careers, as they become tomorrow’s leaders. We invite you to explore the pages of this annual report, which illustrates some of the remarkable progress and achievements of 4-H in Canada.