A call for change in Rio Blanco County’s 4-H program
Dear Editor,
Our Rio Blanco County 4-H program has experienced a shift in atmosphere, and it is becoming increasingly clear that many of our youth feel discouraged and unsupported. Seasoned 4-H participants are expressing frustration, with one saying, “It’s not fun anymore,” while another shared, “Every time we want to try something new, we get shut down by the office.” This raises a fundamental question: At what point did 4-H become more about politics and procedures and less about empowering youth to strive for their dreams?
In recent years, our local program has lost many passionate young people, and more are hanging on by a thread, hoping for change. These youth are not just looking for an outlet to showcase their talents and hard work; they are yearning for an environment where they can grow as leaders, develop responsibility, and explore new ideas. Instead, they find themselves in a system that seems more concerned with bureaucracy than with the dreams of the next generation.
We need to ask ourselves: What happened to the core values of 4-H? The program was originally designed to foster creativity, leadership, and a sense of responsibility among youth. It was meant to be a space for experimentation, skill-building, and personal growth. But as more and more kids feel alienated by rigid policies and a lack of encouragement, we risk losing the spirit of fun and innovation that once made 4-H such a rewarding experience.
It’s time to refocus on the heart of the program: the youth of Rio Blanco County. We must ensure that our local 4-H office supports their aspirations, encourages new ideas, and provides a space where they can thrive. Let’s bring the “fun” back into 4-H, so it can once again be a place where our youth can dream big, take risks, and proudly share their accomplishments with the world.
It’s time to make 4-H great again. It’s time to make 4-H fun again.
Sincerely,
Rachel Rust
Meeker
