Fairfield Community Refresh: Service-Learning Workshop 

In Nelson County, the 2023 Youth Development Needs Assessment identified “youth life skill training opportunities (e.g., leadership and communication skill building)” as the second-highest priority youth issue in the county (University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, 2023). Nelson County 4-H Agent Samantha Gabbard also stated that community service and youth-led service-learning initiatives were needed within local 4-H community clubs. With only one family registered with Nelson County 4-H residing in Fairfield, an initiative to teach youth how to organize service-learning projects while developing life skills and reaching the Fairfield community was crucial. In collaboration with the Fairfield local government, Samantha Gabbard, Nelson County 4-H Agent, Malena Alexander, Nelson County Nutrition Education Program Assistant, and Emily Pike, Nelson County 4-H summer intern, carried out a service-learning workshop. 

In this workshop, three youth participants learned how to plan and complete a service-learning project, explored the importance of leadership and community service, learned about 4-H and how to join, heard from historian Mary Ellen Marquess, collaborated with Fairfield Mayor Allan Marksbury, and completed a service-learning project of their own by refreshing the Fairfield City Hall and renovating the adjacent green space. The workshop directly engaged three youth (ages 9 to 18), two of whom were 4-H Teen Council leaders, and local community leaders. Outreach was promoted through flyers, social media, and public locations to engage Fairfield families and increase awareness of Nelson County 4-H. 

As a result of the workshop, youth gained knowledge of service learning, 4-H, and local civic history. They developed skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership. Participants reported a more positive outlook toward community service and expressed interest in future civic engagement. Physical improvements to Fairfield City Hall created a more welcoming public space and increased community pride. 4-H staff and city partners expressed commitment to supporting future youth-led service-learning efforts. By the end of the workshop, all participants could correctly define service learning and identify at least one local issue that could be addressed through a project. Two-thirds of the youth took part in service learning for the first time. Youth also reported improved ability to work with others, and all reported learning at least one historical fact about Fairfield. Notably, all youth were able to form positive working relationships with adults. Two-thirds rated their ability to work with adults as “good” or “excellent,” reflecting meaningful collaboration with community leaders. These outcomes collectively lay a strong foundation for Nelson County youth-driven service and community engagement. 

References  

University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. (2023). University of Kentucky Extension Statewide Community Needs Assessment. https://extension.ca.uky.edu/community-assessment"