The pledge of a small community
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (325345)
Rockingham, Australia
December 14, 2017 5:44pm CST
I asked PaintsOnSlate (#PainsOnSlate) the other day what 4H stood for. She mentioned the organisation in her post http://www.mylot.com/post/3135166/our-tree-is-up-but-not-decorated-yet. In Australia we have a similar organisation which was once called Junior Farmers but is now called Rural Youth.
The 4 H’s are the head, heart, hands, and health. And the pledge was: I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service, and my HEALTH to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
The pledge reminded me of one I saw in the tiny country hall of Yabberup, Western Australia, not far from us. Hanging on a royal blue banner and written in gold lettering were the words:
For the wrong that needs resistance
For the cause that needs assistance
For the future in the distance
And the good that we can do
I thought that was a pretty good pledge too for a small community. I think the banner would have been made around the turn of last century. To me, it doesn't seem quite complete but I still like it.
The photo is of Yabberup Hall.
26 people like this
25 responses
@thislittlepennyearns (58103)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
14 Dec 17
We also have the FFA here, but that is future farmers of America..
5 people like this
@moffittjc (118365)
• Gainesville, Florida
15 Dec 17
We have a very active 4H Club and an active FFA here in north central Florida. Also, the FFA has a beautiful piece of property in the middle of nowhere in central Florida. The closest civilization to it is Haines City which is probably 20 minutes away. The secluded location is amazing, and it's located on a gorgeous lake.
1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (58103)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
15 Dec 17
@moffittjc my neighbors sons all do FFA
2 people like this
@moffittjc (118365)
• Gainesville, Florida
15 Dec 17
It's funny, I never knew what 4H stood for, and of course I never thought to look it up! But now I don't have to, because you defined it for me in your post!
4 people like this
@moffittjc (118365)
• Gainesville, Florida
19 Dec 17
@JudyEv And that is a very accurate statement!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325345)
• Rockingham, Australia
15 Dec 17
@moffittjc That's something I've always said! That Jeff Moffitt is SOOOOO lazy! 
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325345)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Dec 17
@moffittjc Can I uncross my fingers now? 
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
18 Dec 17
@JudyEv I think so too! We should always have the attitude of wanting to become better.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
15 Dec 17
I think though that service is the theme here and one that everyone can benefit from.
3 people like this
@Hate2Iron (15730)
• Canada
15 Dec 17
I have heard of 4H, but I'm not sure that we have any in Manitoba... Ontario, I think so!!
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325345)
• Rockingham, Australia
15 Dec 17
There are at least some in Canada - at least I think so.
@Tampa_girl7 (48890)
• United States
15 Dec 17
I've known a few people who were in the 4H
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (94295)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
15 Dec 17
I am glad to know that they are some great organizations that care for people in this world that assist people in need.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325345)
• Rockingham, Australia
15 Dec 17
There is always someone that needs help, isn't there?
@JudyEv (325345)
• Rockingham, Australia
15 Dec 17
The census says there are 392 residents. I think of them would have a couple of acres of land so it isn't really what you'd call a town. The hall is on a main road and the houses are all one the same side of the road. Over the disused railway line which runs parallel to the highway are farms and bush.
@misunderstood_zombie (8142)
• United States
15 Dec 17
I wish everyone could live by these rules. What a world we would live in.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325345)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Dec 17
It would be a great improvement if people could stick to these rules.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
24 Dec 17
Very nice saying and very powerful. 4-H around here is very important for those who live in the smaller country communities to help teach a child responsibility and give them a chance to be more themselves.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325345)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Dec 17
These types of organisations are very character-building I think.
@sueznewz2 (10409)
• Alicante, Spain
21 Dec 17
they are both very positive ideals... and if we all did our bit... a lived it.. what a different world we would see...
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26192)
• Singapore
24 Dec 17
@JudyEv I have met the few for whom even religion is business!
And for some it is form over substance!
I am not one to visit places of worship but believe in contributing so that they are kept going.
My faith is more of living it every moment and the beauty is we know the right way.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is a good guide - siva
1 person likes this
