Stepping into 4-H Citizenship

In the 4-H pledge, we pledge our heads to clearer thinking… hearts to greater loyalty… hands to larger service and health to better living “for my club, my community, my country, and my world.” But what does that mean? In 4-H, we strive to “Make the Best Better” for ourselves and all our communities. In other words, to learn skills in citizenship. The 4-H citizenship projects provide youth multiple opportunities to interact with others, explore issues that are important to them, and gain understanding and tools to make a positive difference.

Come explore some of the opportunities in Seminole County 4-H about citizenship in this blog by Karen Henry, Shane Michael, & Chelsea Woodard, UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County, 4-H Agents.

What can youth learn in the 4-H citizenship project?

The 4-H citizenship project allows youth to:

Determine what issues are important to them (Head)
Show social responsibility, respect and response to the needs of others (Heart)

Gain skills to make change happen (Hands)
Apply what is being learned to be an active, responsible citizen (Hand & Health)
Explore relationships with others, including family, peers, states, nations and the world (Health)

There are many Citizenship opportunities for 4-H members to participate in each year through Seminole County 4-H and Florida 4-H.

4-H Day at the Capitol

Opportunities to connect to the 4-H Citizenship project abound. One of these is 4-H Day at the Capitol on March 25, 2021. While the event is taking place virtually this year, youth will still have the opportunity to explore how Florida state government works.

Florida 4-H Legislature

Additionally, Florida 4-H Legislature is a week-long event at the end of June that takes place in Tallahassee, Florida. Seniors 4-Hers (ages 14 to 18, as of September 1), explore how a bill becomes a law through a mock legislative session. Youth participate in committee work, debate on the House of Representatives and Senate floor, and signings by the Florida 4-H Governor.

4-H County Council

Youth can make a positive difference in their community through our 4-H County Council. The County Council is a group of 4-H members from across the county who meet once a month. The purpose of the council is to hear the voice of our 4-H members and clubs and work together to create opportunities for members. The council also plans and implements community service projects. Meetings are held every month, and open to all 4-H youth in Seminole County.

States 4-H International Exchange

The States 4-H International Exchange program offers opportunities for 4-H youth to learn more about the global community. The States 4-H International Exchange Program and the Florida 4-H Global Exchange program provides opportunities for 4-H youth to host an international exchange student for the summer or even an entire school year. It also allows for teens to travel abroad and participate in their own global exchange and live with a host family in other country for a summer. (https://www.states4hexchange.org/)

Interested in learning more? Join us at the Seminole County 4-H At-Large Club meeting on Wednesday, February 10th at 5:00 p.m. where we will be taking about 4-H Citizenship. Register at: https://at-large-4h-club.eventbrite.com.

Also, check out our University of Florida IFAS Extension Seminole County 4-H program website and follow us on Facebook or Instagram.