How to Start 4H Citizenship Projects

We are all citizens of the world, and 4-H citizenship projects are a great way to teach the youth of tomorrow about the governmental systems of today. A 4-H citizenship project has a huge potential to change the community for the better. Here are guidelines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Determine how many 4-H members are interested in doing a citizenship project. Some clubs offer citizenship as a club activity and others offer citizenship projects to individual members.
2. Sign up members at the 4-H enrollment meeting. Junior leaders, or 4-H older members, may choose more advanced topics, and younger members may opt for simpler projects.
3. Gather the materials you need to lead this project. Check at the local 4-H extension office, and look online for information as well.
4. Spend time helping members work on their project. The citizenship project often takes a lot of time to complete properly.
5. Plan meetings with local governmental officials. This allows your group members to see the government in action. It also gives them a sample view of a government career.
6. Incorporate public speaking into the citizenship project. Find opportunities for your 4-H group to speak in front of small groups. An informed citizen must be able to communicate.
7. Prepare individual project displays for the local fair. Even though this is usually a group project, there is ample opportunity for individual work.
8. Encourage the members to turn in all their required end-of-the-year paperwork. That's part of being a good citizen as well. Also, encourage them to practice good citizenship throughout their everyday lives.