Kansas State University

Keeping the Integrity of the 4-H Name and Emblem

Submitted by Sarah E. Maass

The 4-H Name and Emblem, specifically the four-leaf clover with an “H” in each leaf and the words “4-H,” are among the most recognized youth development symbols in the world. That recognition has been earned over more than a century of real work, real learning, and real impact by young people across Kansas and the nation. It is our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the meaning behind that emblem. This article is a reminder of the guidelines governing proper use of the 4-H name and emblem—and why those guidelines matter for every club, county, and family connected to Kansas 4-H.

The Basics:  What is Protected

The following are protected and may only be used in accordance with established guidelines:

• The 4-H name and the designation “4-H.”
• The four-leaf clover emblem with an “H” in each leaf.
• The 4-H motto: “To Make the Best Better.”

The 4-H Emblem: Graphic and Color Standards

The official 4-H Emblem is a green four-leaf clover with an "H" in each leaf and the stem pointing to the right. It may appear flat (2D) or with depth and shadow (3D). All users must be authorized and follow these standards:

Graphic Rules:

• Use the official emblem file in its entirety, no cropping or recreating it from scratch.
• Never flip or mirror the image; the stem must always point to the right.
• Resize proportionally, never distort or warp the dimensions.
• The emblem must never be used to imply 4-H endorsement of a product, service, or organization.

Color Rules:

• The 4-H Emblem should never be screened, shaded, watermarked, gradated, or appear in a multi-colored hue.
• The official green is PMS 347 (100%).

The one exception to the above descriptions of the H’s color is when only one-color printing is used. With one-color printing, the H’s can be reversed out to the color of the paper (or medium) on which the emblem is printed.

Printing and Digital Color Specs:

• One-color printing: PMS 347 green or black only (no other colors)
• Two-color printing: PMS 347 green only for leaves and the 18 U.S.C. 707 notice
• Four-color/CMYK: Cyan 100%, Magenta 0%, Yellow 90%, Black 0%
• Digital/Screen (RGB): R=51, G=153, B=102

Quick Decision Checklist:

• Official emblem file used in full, stem pointing right, not flipped or mirrored
• Dimensions are proportional — no warping or distortion
• Colors match approved specs for the printing or display method being used
• "H" colors match the approved combinations for the clover background color
• Emblem is not being used to imply endorsement

Spelling and Formatting the 4-H Name

The official 4-H Name includes 4-H, 4-H Youth Development, and 4-H Youth Development Program.

A few key rules to follow every time:

• Format it correctly. Always write it as the numeral "4," a hyphen (not a dash, slash, or space), and a capital "H," exactly: 4-H.
• Don't start a sentence with it if you can avoid it. Standard English usage discourages beginning a sentence with a numeral. Reword when possible; if rewording isn't feasible, 4-H may begin a sentence or headline, since it is a proper noun.
• Don't split the name across a line break. Avoid separating any element of "4-H" at the end of a line. Watch software programs that override your formatting; errors like this often don't appear until after printing or posting, so always proof a printed or live version before finalizing.
• The emblem is not a word. The 4-H clover emblem cannot be used in place of the word "4-H" in text or titles, and cannot substitute for an individual letter within a word.

Quick Decision Checklist

Before publishing or printing any 4-H material, confirm:

• "4-H" is written as numeral–hyphen–capital letter throughout
• The emblem is not being used as a text replacement
• All 4-H content is accurate and contextually appropriate

A Shared Responsibility

Unauthorized or careless use of the 4-H name and emblem undermines that trust, and can expose individuals, clubs, and counties to legal liability.  Every agent, volunteer, club leader, and family plays a role in upholding the standards that make the 4-H name worth protecting. When we use the 4-H name and emblem consistently and correctly, we reinforce the credibility of everything our members achieve. When we cut corners, we risk diminishing the very brand that opens doors for our members.

Thank you for your commitment to Kansas 4-H and for being good stewards of a 100 + year legacy. If you have questions about a specific situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the State 4-H Office.

Resources

• Kansas 4-H Policy Handbook (2025): www.kansas4-h.org/resources/policy-guide
• National 4-H Name and Emblem Use Guide (FY 2019): www.kansas4-h.org/resources/promotional-resources