Why is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion important to Youth Development?

The 4-H System’s Access, Equity and Belonging Committee (AEBC) diligently provides resources to support this DEI eFieldbook. The purpose of the AEBC is to support the 4-H System to reach its National 4-H Grows: A Promise to America’s Kids Vision.

In 2025, 4-H will reflect the population demographics, vulnerable populations, diverse needs and social conditions of the country. This vision has the elements of inclusion, caring adults, serving at minimum 1 in 5 youth, and the volunteers and staff reflect the diversity of the population. This Committee aims to increase the capacity of 4-H and the Cooperative Extension System to meet this opportunity and to create a more inclusive organizational culture.
— Access, Equity, and Belonging Committee

AEBC Champion Groups

The Access, Equity and Belonging Committee is composed of the following Champion Groups:

• Incarcerated Youth
• Immigrant and Refugee Youth
• LGBTQ + Youth / Community
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Youth Experiencing Homelessness
• Youth in Foster Care
• Youth with Disabilities
• Youth Living in Poverty
• Racial and Ethnic Youth:
  • African American Youth
  • Asian / Pacific Islander Youth 
  • Latino Advisory Committee
  • Native American Youth

AEBC Chairs