Four H stand for "Head, Heart, Hands and Health", which is derived from the organization's pledge "I pledge my head to clearer thinking, My heart to greater loyalty, My hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world." The group itself is network of youth organizations found across the country. The program was set up by the U.S. Department of Agriculture originally in rural areas to help young people become productive citizens by instructing them in useful skills (as in agriculture, animal husbandry, and carpentry), community service, and personal development.