Citizenship
Adult Opportunities in 4-H Citizenship Education
National 4-H Conference: Is designed for volunteers and senior youth to
look into their crystal ball and view collectively what the 4-H program
could be in the future. A volunteer is selected each year to attend the conference, along
with Virginia's delegation. This conference takes place in April of each year.
Your local extension agents have details, call him/her today.
Citizenship Washington Focus: Is a National Program for senior youth to explore the difference
in cultures, local communities, states, and the world. Youth are given the opportunity to discuss and
develop plans for 4-H and communities. Each year, an adult volunteer is nominated to attend
CWF, contact your local extension agent for details.
Citizenship Track at State 4-H Congress: Is an opportunity for volunteers to share their expertise at State 4-H
congress each year on issues relating to citizenship, presentation and judging contest. This
program takes place each June and your extension agent has a wealth of knowledge to share.
4-H Days at the State Capitol: Are designed to broaden the governmental knowing of youth and allow
them to become aware of how it affects their lives. Volunteers are welcome to lead,
and assist in this experience each February.
4-H Day at the Capitol Photos
National and Global Youth Service Day: Virginia 4-H has become a part of the National & Global Youth Service Day, the largest service event in the world. Millions of youth around the world will participate in the 18th annual Youth Service Day on April 21-23, 2006. Virginia 4-H programs in counties and cites across the Commonwealth will be organizing service activities for youth. Adult volunteers are needed to help youth organize, plan and deliver service events in their communities. Contact your local 4-H agent for more information on how you can be a part of this global effort! For more information go to our N&GYSD website.
Citizenship Curriculum Component Committee: Is an excellent chance for volunteers to help structure,
create and implement programs through the committee process. Visit with your extension
agent and ask how you may become a part of the committee.
4-H Project Leader: Is one who gives leadership to citizenship club(s), project(s), activity(ies),
and other civic endeavors. Your extension agent is available to you to become a project leader.
Community Service: Is a means by which one can make his/her surrounding better by giving a helping
hand to better society in which one lives. One may choose to be a community service
coordinator, planner, participant or any number of other functions that would enhance his/her community.
An extension agent near you needs your help; call today!
4-H World Citizenship Programs: Virginia 4-H offers the And My WorldÊ curriculum to help young people to learn to live in an increasingly global society. It is suitable for use in traditional clubs and school settings.
4-H International Exchanges
In addition, Virginia 4-H has international exchange programs that give young people hands-on international learning experiences by hosting or being hosted by, someone from another country. Young people who participate in international exchange programs:
- learn more about other countries and cultures
- develop an appreciation for social, economic, political and cultural contributions of all people
- understand how culture affects values, beliefs, and attitudes
- develop independent study interests,
- improve language skills
Virginia 4-H presently has 6 international exchange programs:
- The International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) program which exists in 25 countries on 6 continents for young people 16-26 years of age.
- 4-H / Japanese Summer Exchange program for young people 12 to 19 years of age. Each year Virginia families typically host over 20 Japanese delegates and several adult chaperones. VA 4-H members and 4-H Volunteer Leaders also may travel to Japan each summer and stay with a host family for 4-7 weeks.
- 4-H / Japanese High School Exchange is a year-long program for Japanese students to be hosted by VA 4-H family and attend high school.
- Future Leaders Exchange program (FLEX) for hosting high school students from the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union;
- Locally based exchange programs such as the Virginia 4-H/Costa Rica 4-S cultural and natural resources study exchange and most recently an exchange with youth from Russia.
4-H International Exchange Program Forms
