I found this mission statement on one of the 4H web sites.  It sounds so
much like what we do as breastfeeding supporters.  I especially liked
the part about "hands on" learning in light of the thread about teaching
breastfeeding and "hands on".  When I hear the words "member of
society", "family" and "home" I can't help but see them intertwined with
breastfeeding.

In light of the other posts on this organization, I am sure that 4H does
not have an organizational position which opposes breastfeeding
education. But perhaps they will take this incident as wake up call to
formulate a policy about breastfeeding. I don't know if this is the
mission statement for all of 4H or specific to this particular group.
If this is the national philosophy of 4H,  I have difficulty seeing how
an organization with the following mission statement would not support
having a specific breastfeeding education policy statement that would be
sent to all their groups.  Perhaps an official statement from the
national office of 4H supporting the promotion of breastfeeding as part
of what a youth needs to learn to become a contributing member of
society would be as important as a personal apology from the judge to
the presenter.

> PURPOSE: The mission of 4-H is to help young people become self-directing, productive and
> contributing members of society. The program emphasizes "hands on" learning as it centers around
> the youth's area of interest, home and family. This goal is accomplished with the help of parents,
> adult volunteer leaders and professional staff who organize educational experiences. Youth
> participate through organized 4-H clubs, special interest and project groups, 4-H school enrichment
> program, 4-H camp and other special activities.
>
  http://www.ca.uky.edu/counties/county/Hart/4hhome.html

Janet Vandenberg
RN, BScN
Ontario, Canada