Source: Chuck Stamper, extension special project coordinator

Community service is one of the hallmarks of Kentucky 4-H and is something 4-H’ers begin participating in early. It is even recited as part of the 4-H pledge, as youth pledge their hands to larger service. While the pandemic has changed how young people impact their communities, Kentucky 4-H’ers are still finding ways to help and fulfill local needs.  

In (COUNTY NAME), our youth have completed community service projects in (AGENTS: TALK ABOUT SOME OF YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICE EFFORTS HERE).

Across the state, 4-H’ers are meeting needs by completing community service projects offered by extension offices through grab-n-go bags. These bags contain a project youth can make on their own. Young people return the completed project to the 4-H youth development agent, who distributes them to community partners. Some extension offices are even offering virtual community service clubs that allow young people to complete the projects together. In other areas of the state, 4-H’ers are making videos to thank healthcare workers and school system employees. Others are collecting food and supplies for different community groups. These projects helped communities that have faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic and have connected both youth and community service recipients, even if it is from a distance.

In 4-H, we believe serving others is important, because it helps young people build a connection to and take pride in their community. This can increase their chances of developing into active, engaged adult citizens. By completing community service projects, 4-H’ers develop a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from meeting the needs of others. They also get to meet and work with like-minded peers and adult leaders to make a meaningful community impact.

To find out how young people can become more involved in their community, contact the contact the (COUNTY NAME) office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

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4-H