Youth ages 15-19 are invited to apply for the 4-H Helping with Rainbow Hands Club to help create a friendly, positive environment for Michigan youth and communities.  The 4-H Helping with Rainbow Hands Club is the brainchild of two Michigan 4-H teens who attended the 2020 National 4-H True Leaders in Equity Institute and were inspired to create positive change in their 4-H community and currently consists of about 10 members from across the state.

Applications are being accepted for the teen leadership team that will serve as members for this state-level club. These leaders will develop leadership skills and help to create opportunities for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies to come together in fun, positive, and supportive ways. While this group is being established through Michigan 4-H, youth do NOT need to be 4-H’ers to apply; this opportunity is open to all teens interested in supporting the inclusion and participation of LGBTQIA+ youth and allies in Michigan 4-H. Upon acceptance, all youth must register in 4-H, through the 4-H Online database.

Teen leaders meet once per month via Zoom. Teens should plan on committing about three hours of their time each month. This teen leadership team is just the beginning; additional opportunities will be available for youth who wish to serve on regional or local Alliance leadership teams, as well as join and participate as members.

If you have questions, please contact Brian Wibby, 4-H Extension Educator, at wibby@msu.edu.