4.1 Nebraska 4-H Mission Statement: 
4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults.
4.2 4-H Vision:
A world in which youth and adults learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change.
4.3 4-H Educational Philosophy:
The phrase “Learning by Doing” sums up the educational philosophy of the 4-H program. Young people learn best when they are involved in their learning.
4.4 4-H Pledge:
The pledge tells what 4-H is about. The 4-H goal is the four-fold development of youth: Head, Heart, Hands and Health. The pledge was adopted by the delegates of the 1927 National 4-H Club Camp in Washington, D.C. State club leaders voted for and adopted the pledge for universal use. The phrase “and my world” was added in 1973. The saying of the pledge has a prominent place in 4-H activities, at regular 4-H meetings, achievement days and other club events.
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.
4.5 4-H Motto:
The motto “To Make the Best Better” is intended to inspire young people to continue to learn and grow, to make their best efforts better through participating in educational experiences.
4.6 4-H Colors:
The 4-H colors are green and white. Green, nature’s most prominent color, symbolizes growth. The white symbolizes purity and high ideals.
4.7 4-H Name and Emblem:
4.7.1 Official Emblem:
The official 4-H Emblem is a clover with four leaves and an “H” on each leaf. The clover’s stem must point to the right as you look at the image. The 4-H Emblem is not a plain four-leaf clover. The 18 USC 707 notice is part of the Emblem.
4.7.2 4-H Name and Emblem Regulations:
The 4-H Name and Emblem are protected under federal statute Title 18, U.S. Code 707. This provides the 4-H Name and Emblem with the level of protection afforded other Federal marks, such as the Seal of the President of the United States. Congress has delegated to the Secretary of Agriculture responsibility for the proper use of the 4-H Name and Emblem. The Secretary, in turn, has delegated responsibility to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and, within NIFA, responsibility resides in the 4-H National Headquarters.
It is critical that Extension staff know and understand the policy for use of the 4-H Name and Emblem.
4.7.3 Use the Whole Emblem:
The 4-H Emblem should always appear as a whole and complete image.
- Do not remove any leaves. Do not superimpose another image over the top of one of the leaves. Other images should be moved and appear completely separate from the 4-H Emblem.
- Don’t “cut off” a leaf by running it off the edge of the paper in print media or other designs.
- Don’t place text or other images over or on top of the 4-H Emblem.
- The 4-H Emblem should not appear screened under words or graphics. No photo, drawing, symbol, word or other figure or object may be placed on or obscure the 4-H Emblem. This includes on web pages, where it should not appear as a “watermark” behind other information.
Appropriate Uses of the Emblem
Inappropriate Uses of the Emblem
4.7.4 4-H Emblem Colors:
The official and preferred color of the 4-H Emblem is 100 percent PMS 347 green. The clover can also be white, black, or metallic gold. The H’s on the clover can be white, metallic gold on a green clover, green on a white clover or black. The clover can be outlined in green (for white clover) or white (for green clover) to add prominence to the image and make the emblem stand out from the background. The 4-H Emblem should never be screened, shaded, gradated or appear in a multicolored hue.
One-color printing requires either PMS 347 green or black. For commercial applications, the “18 USC 707” notice should be the same color as the clover leaves. Black is the only acceptable alternative to green for one-color printing and should be used only when cost prohibits green ink or color photocopies.
Two-color printing. Only PMS 347 green may be used for the leaves and “18 USC 707” notice. The H’s will be reversed out of the PMS 347 to be white or the color of the paper on which the emblem is printed. The H’s may also be printed in metallic gold (PMS 873) on a green background.
Four-color printing. In four-color process printing, PMS colors are approximated using a particular combination of the standard four-color process printing inks. The four-color process percentages required to match 4-H’s PMS 347 green are: cyan 100%, magenta 0%, yellow 90%, and black 0%. There is no CMYK equivalent to PMS 873.
Video and Computer Screen Colors (Electronic Media). The colors transmitted by electronic media are created using precise combinations of RGB (red, green, blue). The correct RGB values for the 4-H green are: R=51, G=153, B=102. No other colors are acceptable.
For exceptions to the guidance provided regarding color, especially in non-print or corollary materials, please contact 4-H National Headquarters.
4.7.5 Using the 4-H Name:
The official 4-H Name includes 4-H, 4-H Youth Development, or 4-H Youth Development Program. When using the term “4-H,” it must conform as follows:
- Numeral “4” separated from a capital “H” with a hyphen (not a dash, slash or space).
- Do not replace 4-H with “Four-H.”
- Do not use the 4-H Emblem in place of the word “4-H” in a title or text.
- Avoid separation of any of the elements of the 4-H Name at the end of sentences.
4.7.6 Application to Use the 4-H Name and Emblem:
Primary consideration for granting authorization to use the 4-H Name and Emblem is for educational and character-building purposes of the 4-H program and can be used only as authorized by the statute.
4-H clubs receive official authorization to use the 4-H name and emblem when they become a chartered 4-H club. Commercial vendors, private organizations or any other entity may receive authorization from the local Extension office or the State 4-H Office.
It is required that local 4-H clubs work closely with Extension staff when designing t-shirts or other items that will bear the 4-H Name and Emblem. Extension staff should confirm that the 4-H Name and Emblem is being used according to regulation.
Legend
Policy: not negotiable 
Guidelines: strongly recommended 
Procedure: recommended implementation steps