4-H Afterschool Youth Inspired to Give Back

— Written By Leah Joyner and last updated by Nancie Mandeville
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲
youth volunteers

Photo provided by 4-H.org

The 4-H program is known for fostering caring youth through community action. A portion of the 4-H Pledge even states “I pledge my hands to larger service.” Kids are exposed to the concerns they see in their communities in the 4-H Program and encouraged to make a change for the better.

This year, Union County 4-H established a partnership with Marshville Elementary School implementing an afterschool leadership 4-H club. During one of the sessions, I asked the kids how they thought we could help the community. The number one suggestion they had was to donate clothes and shoes to those in need. The next highest answer was picking up trash around the school. In doing this activity, they recognized a need at their school and in their neighborhoods and were quick to offer solutions on how to help. The students realized that other children may need their used clothes or shoes more than they do. They also understood that they were capable to actively go outside to make their school a cleaner place.

Their responses are a reminder when kids are given a voice, they have genuine ideas to care for their community. By instilling the value of giving back as children, they are more likely to continue their service as adults. By considering the needs of others, youth can become more innovative in their thinking about ways to solve problems.

When youth help together as a group, they build teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills. By giving back and serving their community, youth can gain a sense of compassion towards others and confidence in themselves. One of the new incentives in Union County 4-H is to inspire kids, but ultimately kids can inspire us as well.