First Animated 4-H Public Service Spots

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In the fall of 1984 National 4-H Council and 4-H, Extension Service, USDA, produced a package of new TV public service ads, "4-H For Youth For America." The spots featured a new open and close – an animated symbolic map of the United States and a 4-H clover on top of it. The five 30-second television spots in the package focused on careers, community service, computers, food and fitness, and conservation. Additionally, radio spots were produced that had the same subject matter focus as the television spots. A musical jingle, "4-H For Youth For America," was also incorporated into the spots.

In addition, print public service ads featuring the same theme as the televison and radio promos, added broad visibility in many national and regional magazines.

A new set of spots produced for nationwide distribution in 1985 used the same "4-H For Youth For America" theme as in 1984, and the same animated opening and closing. The five spots focused on 4-H members, volunteers, and parents, all telling why the 4-H program has been a positive experience for them. The TV spots were distributed on 3/4" videotape. This year the radio public service announcements were distributed directly to counties via the 4-H Week promotion ideas kit.

The electronic public service package was produced with the help of the Michigan State 4-H Program and Ford Motor Company. Ford President Harold A. Poling, who serves as chairman of National 4-H Council's Board of Trustees, participated in recording both television and radio spots for the package and opened up the Dearborn Assembly Plant to provide a location for taping.