Citizenship means contributing to the world around you and giving service to others. Learn how to solve problems in your community and how to take action in a positive way. Be the change you wish to see in the world.
What can you do?
In the citizenship project, you can:
- Complete a service project and create a display of what you did and why you did it.
- Explore how the government works or the functions of various government agencies.
- Research your community, its history and how to be a good neighbor.
These are just some of the many ways you can participate in this project.
Project information
Get started with 4-H'ers in your area
- Contact your local 4-H office for more info.
Get started on your own
- Begin your project learning with the citizenship project resource guide.
- Reflect on your project and what you've learned using 4-H record keeping.
Ways to get more involved
- Find out the names of your local or state representatives. What committees do they serve on? How have they voted on issues you care about? Write a letter, call or visit your representative about this issue.
- Join an activist group devoted to an issue that you care about.
- Organize a voter registration drive at a community college, community center or high school. Or invite the League of Women Voters or a similar organization to do it with you.
- Map out the resources available to youth and families in your area. Are there gaps between needs and resources?
- Interview someone from your local chamber of commerce about business goals in your community.
Attend 4-H leadership events
4-H leadership events help you develop skills in civic engagement, leadership and teamwork while meeting other youth members across the region, state or country.
Project opportunities near you
Get in touch with your local 4-H office to learn about citizenship project events and activities in your area.
Interested in getting involved as a citizenship project volunteer?
Contact your local 4-H office or learn more about volunteering in 4-H.
Fair information
What does it mean to show at the fair?
For 4-H'ers, local and state showcase events (like the Minnesota State Fair) are not just fun events. They provide youth opportunities to exhibit the knowledge and skills they've gained throughout the year– and to continue their learning.
Contact your local 4-H office for citizenship project showcase opportunities near you.
Exhibit ideas and judging criteria
Get exhibit ideas and find out what the judge is looking for in the evaluation sheet.
Reviewed in 2023