CHS : Foundation partners with 4-H to create positive community change

The CHS Foundation has committed $1 million to the National 4-H Council to support the 4-H True Leaders in Equity and What I Wish People Knew (WIWPK) programs. 4-H True Leaders in Equity Institute (TLEI) will train up to 100 youth and adults to serve as equity leaders in their communities and the WIWPK program will empower 4-H youth in sharing their stories and passion for diversity, equity and inclusion.

The grant builds on the CHS Foundation's mission to develop ag leaders for life, while complementing CHS inclusion and diversity efforts.

"Inclusion is a core value at CHS. We want to remove barriers and create an environment in agriculture where everyone feels welcomed, respected and empowered to succeed," says Erin Olson, CHS senior director, talent management. "4-H has a unique ability to reach and empower youth from rural, suburban and urban areas. We look forward to hearing their stories and seeing the impact they can make through the True Leaders in Equity program, which is an important part of our goal of balancing immediate actions with ongoing education and long-term change."

The CHS Foundation is the lead sponsor of 4-H TLEI, an annual in-depth summit that equips 4-H youth to create change in their communities. In 2022, the institute will take place July 11-15 in Bethesda, Md. The event includes keynote speakers and workshops that equip and empower youth to address diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging issues. This training and leadership opportunity paves the way for participants to work together to conceive, plan and implement a project that tackles an equity-related challenge in their local community. Working with local community partners and the Cooperative Extension System, TLEI participants use their voices to create system change, preparing them to be equity leaders no matter where they are.

Support from the CHS Foundation will also be used to help empower teens to share their personal lived experiences through the What I Wish People Knew program. Using digital formats, teens will have safe spaces to have real conversations and connect with others who may have similar experiences and want to use their voices to affect change.

To read the full press release, click here.

Related: CHS Foundation donates $225,000 to COVID-19 relief for students