Learn, lead, and make a difference in your community through the 4-H citizenship project. As you learn more about your community and how to participate, you’ll learn about local government and the Texas legislative process. Advanced involvement may lead to learning and experiencing citizenship at the National level. Some 4-H members even decide to serve on community boards for parks or local groups like the Boys & Girls Club. Your leadership, communication, decision making skills will improve as you develop a sense of pride in your community.
This project is really what what you make it! You can choose to do a short or long project, but many 4-H members do citizenship activities throughout their 4-H career by participating in One Day 4-H, National 4-H Week, serving on local community government or with other community organizations, attending events like National 4-H Conference, and more. Make it what you want it to be! Talk to your club leader or your county agent about what you can do.
Resources
- Project Information Sheet
- Global Service Explore Guide
- Keys to the Courthouse Curriculum
- Patriotism through Preparedness Guide, Activities and Certificate
Events and Activities
Opportunities in this project area are endless, but here are a FEW state level events and activities in 4-H Citizenship.
National 4-H Week
National 4-H Week is a week-long celebration of 4-H. You can promote the organization and teach people in your community about 4-H. Clubs can host an open house or some members choose to do presentations about 4-H at their schools or on the local news. Visit your county commissioner to get a resolution recognizing National 4-H Week! Both National 4-H Council and Texas 4-H provide resources for the event and those are typically available in late August or early September on the National 4-H Week webpage.
One Day 4-H
One Day 4-H offers 4-H clubs the opportunity to give back to their community on one statewide day of service! Clean up a park, visit the local nursing home, start a food drive, and much more. Talk to your County Agent about participating in One Day 4-H. It is held annually in October. Learn more about the event or find resources on the One Day 4-H webpage.
4-H Day At The Capitol
This event is designed for all 4-H members to learn more about the state legislative process, see legislators in session, and visit with elected officials. 4-H Day At The Capitol takes place every other year on the odd numbered years. Visit the 4-H Day at the Capitol webpage for more information.
Texas 4-H Congress
As you learn more about local government, you may decide you really like it and want to make a difference in the state. At Texas 4-H Congress, members in grades 9th to 12th will visit the Texas State Capitol to write and submit laws, act as a member of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the press, or as a lobbyist. From these roles, the 4-H members determine the fate of each bill submitted over the four-day event. Texas 4-H Congress takes place every other year on the even numbered years. Visit the Texas 4-H Congress webpage for more information.
Commissioner Court Interpretation Days
Visit your local government to talk about the importance of 4-H in the community. They can declare special days honoring 4-H in your community! Reach out to your County Agent for more information.
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