ROCKWOOD, ONT. (March 31, 2022) – The Ontario 4-H Council is pleased to announce that Laurie Farquharson of Middlesex 4-H Association has been elected as the new President of the Ontario 4-H Council. Farquharson assumed the role of president on March 26, 2022 at the Ontario 4-H Council inaugural meeting. She was first elected to the Ontario 4-H Council in 2019 and will replace outgoing president, Cheryl Sullivan.
Farquharson has been a 4-H volunteer in the Middlesex 4-H Association for over 20 years and has worn many hats throughout this time from club leader to association executive, co-chair of multiple provincial committees and Director on the Ontario 4-H Council. She was a 4-H member in the North Simcoe 4-H Association and continued participating in clubs through university where she received a Bachelor of Applied Science degree.
“I believe that the two best parts of 4-H are the members and the [volunteers], and I would like to ensure each ‘Learn To Do By Doing’. My experiences in several organizations have had to do with initiating change and guiding organizations into the future while still ensuring we understand our roots. This has never been more important than right now in 4-H. We must never lose our roots and what this program is, but we must also look to growing our membership as we have much to teach to young people. We are working together with many provincial and local partners to ensure the longevity of the program for many years to come,” says Farquharson.
Not only has Farquharson dedicated her time to 4-H, but also to many other community initiatives such as the parent council and fundraisers, historical celebration committees and local sports teams. As a guidance counsellor she has learned that one of the most important skills one can have is the ability to listen and that all conversations lead to the best possible decisions, especially around a provincial board. She notes the importance of looking at the ‘big picture’ and working as a team.
“I am honoured to be president of such a great organization such as 4-H Ontario. The skills our youth learn through 4-H create resilient, innovative members of our community,” says Farquharson. “I look forward to reaching out to more youth to develop these skills to work in their communities, as well as all clubs getting back to in person opportunities. We have amazing volunteers and associations that keep this organization moving forward and I can’t wait to work with everyone in the next year.”
The Ontario 4-H Council Board of Directors develops the vision and governance policies for 4-H Ontario. Each of the 50-plus 4-H Ontario associations elect an Association Representative (AR) to speak and vote on behalf of their association at the provincial level. Ten directors are elected from and by the pool of ARs to form the Ontario 4-H Council Board of Directors. The Board of Directors have the responsibility of providing direction and vision for the 4-H Ontario program and are responsible for the management and direction of the Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for the management and direction of the 4-H Ontario staff, who manage daily operations of 4-H Ontario.
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About 4-H Ontario
4-H Ontario is a non-profit positive youth development organization that builds youth as leaders within their communities and assets to the world. With roots in rural Ontario, today it is open to youth of all backgrounds across the province. 4-H youth ages 6–21 and screened, engaged volunteer leaders come together to learn about selected topics through fun hands-on activities and mentorship. There are also provincial camps, conferences, competitions and national and international travel opportunities available to further develop skills in leadership, business, self-confidence and more. 4-H provides youth with a place they can be involved, accepted, valued and heard while developing valuable skills for leadership and life.
For more information please contact:
Laura Goulding, Manager, Communications, 4-H Ontario
519.803.5026, communications@4-hontario.ca