Community Service Programs
Community Service activities give youth an opportunity to do something that will help others or improve their community. Because young people need to recognize they are part of a community and can have an active role in that community 4-H members are strongly encouraged to participate in at least one community service activity each year. Such participation enables youth to:
* Better understand the community in which they live
* Take responsibility for their lives in the community
* Learn about social change and participation in a democracy
* Make a difference
* Improve their self-esteem and confidence
* Work cooperatively with others
* Improve their leadership skills
* Demonstrate that they have a positive role to play in their communities
There are many different types of service a club and/or members may do. Whether the club or individual members take on an extended, complicated service learning project or just do a short term activity the important thing is that members serve their communities in some way each year. What is essential is that the activity match the developmental stage of those involved, be of interest to those participating, and be of value to the community.
Community Service
> Volunteering done in the community without formal attachment to curriculum; focus is on service
> A project that allows young people to make a contribution or change within their community
> Youth learn more about and better understand the community in which they live and impact it has on their lives
> Youth know how to relate to communities in order to participate effectively in community activities, program, and organizations
> Youth develop knowledge and skills in leadership
> Youth develop and carry out a community project to improve the quality of their environment
Service Learning
> Focus is both the learning that occurs within the member and the service to the community
> Is a method by which members learn and develop through active participation in organized experiences that meet needs
> Structured time to reflect, talk and write about the actual service they are performing increases learning
> Improved problem-solving ability leadership and social abilities, self-confidence, have more enjoyment in the overall learning experience
> Are more likely to volunteer to serve the community in the future
> Retain subject matter longer