4-H Citizenship Project

large group of 4-H youth posing for a photo with U.S. government officials inside a governmental chamber

When you see the American flag flying or say the Pledge of Allegiance at your club meeting, do you ever wonder what it means to be an American citizen? Within the citizenship project area, learn about the rights and responsibilities to a family, community, state, country, and the world. Explore how democracy works and how to participate in the democratic process to bring change. Even within the 4-H creed, youth believe there are opportunities through 4-H for them to become useful citizens.

Ages and Stages of Youth Development

Beginners

Beginners can get to know other club members and their hobbies. Develop a family tree identifying places relatives lived and traditions. Discover the history of your school or community. Take a tour of your city hall or county courthouse.

Juniors

Observe a community board meeting. After your observation, collect samples of by-laws and constitutions to compare them. Know the names of your local and state representatives and the committees they serve on.

Seniors

Interview a local/county official and learn the goals for your community. Share resources for youth and families in the community. Identify an important cause and determine how to make a difference. Apply for Citizenship Washington Focus.

4-H Programming Priorities

Leadership

Develop relations with local, state, and national officials. Youth take leadership roles in their 4-H club and apply that experience to other areas.

Health & Wellness

Youth can plan service projects for their community that promote health and wellness such as a food drive or an athletic activity, such as a 5K run.

Science

Connect with your natural world and gain scientific skills by gathering information about your community. NASA models citizenship and science.

Agriculture

Youth can take responsibility to lead a local petting zoo. Through this, they can better inform community members about livestock and agriculture practices.

Get Involved

two green conversation bubbles

Youth Voice

  • Illustrated talk about parliamentary procedure
  • Attend a government meeting
  • Study and speak about South Dakota government-related attractions
3 green outlines of hands

Community Service

  • Explore the history of your community
  • Host a civic official day for police officers, firefighters, or county officials
  • Educational seminars
green puzzle pieces

Career Connections

  • House of representatives or senator
  • Peace Corps or AmeriCorps VISTA
  • Law enforcement
  • Lawyer
  • Computer analyst

Exhibit Ideas

  • Collect news articles about an issue to be an informant
  • Create a poster encouraging people to vote
  • Explore and document career possibilities related to government
  • Illustrate a poster using words and pictures about South Dakota

Learning Resources

Related Topics

4-H Projects, 4-H Civic Engagement & Community Service Project

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The day included opportunities for 57 4-H attendees to engage in town hall sessions with legislators, view committee meetings, partake in a self-guided tour of the capitol building, and watch the general session of each chamber.

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South Dakota 4-H Legislature Wins National Award

February 15, 2022

For their efforts in creating the state’s first 4-H Legislature, the South Dakota 4-H Legislature Program committee received the Citizenship in 4-H Youth Development national award.