Make Plans for 4-H Civic Engagement Day

Make plans for 4-H Civic Engagement Day

Source: Mark Mains, UK extension specialist for 4-H youth development

Nationwide, 4-H agents and volunteers teach their members skills to become effective leaders. To further the movement of teaching youth to pledge their hands to larger service, the Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida 4-H programs have partnered to create the Tri-State Civic Engagement Day to challenge youth to serve others in their communities.

Civic engagement is the act of giving back to the community and demonstrating citizenship. The theme of the 2012 Civic Engagement Day is “Youth Against Poverty.” During Civic Engagement Day, 4-H’ers will focus on areas in their community where poverty hits the hardest: children and senior citizens. Nationwide, one in six elderly citizens lives below the poverty line, while one in four children goes to bed hungry. 4-H believes that it is the responsibility of America’s youth to realize the problems in their communities and to act. Youth are encouraged to be educated and then educate their peers, so they can capitalize on every opportunity to solve America’s problems. 4-H desires to inspire youth to make a change in the world around them.

The Tri-State Civic Engagement Day will take place Oct. 13 to end National 4-H Week, which begins Oct. 7. National 4-H Week celebrates youth development and recognizes the many participants and volunteers of 4-H clubs. Kentucky has more than 228,000 active youth and more than 22,000 volunteers.

To participate in Civic Engagement Day or to find out more information about National 4-H Week visit http://www.kentucky4h.org or the (YOUR COUNTY) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

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Celebrate National 4-H Week

Contact: Kim Foster, extension specialist for 4-H youth development

National 4-H Week is fast approaching. During the week of Oct. 7-13, 4-H members and volunteers across Kentucky will celebrate the many facets of 4-H with various events and activities.

The Kentucky 4-H program, the largest youth organization in the state, creates an environment for positive youth development. With more than 228,000 youth participants and 22,000 volunteers, the program gives many youth the opportunity to form a sense of belonging with their peers, who may share similar interests. 4-H members are encouraged to learn independence and generosity while working toward their goals. They are provided safe environments to work in, positive role models to look up to and numerous leadership opportunities. Kentucky 4-H helps guide youth in the life skills that they find interesting and is a rewarding experience for those involved.

During National 4-H Week from Oct. 7-13, join (COUNTY NAME) in the celebration by coming to the (EVENT NAME AND INFORMATION ABOUT WHERE AND WHEN IT TAKES PLACE).

(MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EVENT AND 4-H PROGRAM)

For more information about National 4-H Week, contact your (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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