Youth must understand our history, culture, and political systems in order to be participating citizens.  When adults do not understand the political environment, they are less likely to be engaged with decision-makers.  4-H teaches youth leadership, parliamentary procedure, and a history appreciation that provides youth opportunities to test the waters and dream of future inspirations.  

Green County 4-H engaged 340 youths with practical leadership skills that taught them basic parliamentary and meeting organization skills with seven-two of their direct peers serving in leadership roles in these youth-led clubs. The clubs were overseen by 22 adult volunteers who provided guidance and educational lessons like how to fold an American flag and the history of this national symbol. Every youth practiced and demonstrated communication skills including speaking in front of their peers about assigned topics.  Each youth learned proper record keeping to measure the success of a project they were involved with during the club meeting.  

All 340 youth reported feeling more confident in their ability to be involved in their community and in other school organizations.  One youth said, "I feel less scared now to speak in front of others" because of the 4-H club activities.  72% of the youth felt confident in their abilities to run for a future 4-H leadership position when the new club year started.  

Youth demonstrate how to conduct a meeting effectively engaging members in addition to the elected leadership positions during their monthly meetings.