The Russell County 4-H program offered a yearlong program on developing qualities of a good citizen based on feedback and needs identified by the Russell Co. 4-H  and County Extension Councils based on needs assessments conducted.  The local councils noted a need for youth to develop personal responsibility and gain respect for their country.  Using the Kentucky 4-H Citizenship curriculum, a program was developed to examine the qualities of good citizens and explore the traditions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the United States of America.  Citizenship education increases the likelihood of engagement in community education and community service as well as the understanding of the political process.  

The 4-H citizenship program was offered in collaboration with the Russell County School system to approximately 225 5^th grade youth (ages 10-12).  The youth worked together to establish a definition of a “citizen” and examined qualities of a good citizen.  The youth were asked to examine their values and set goals on how to become better citizens of their family, school, and community groups.  In subsequent activities, youth learned the proper way to honor the American flag and how to fold the American flag.  In the last activity of the program, the youth studied the symbols that represent the Commonwealth of Kentucky and learned about bluegrass music, Kentucky musical instruments, and clogging.  During the final activity, the youth were given a post-program evaluation to see if they had advanced their qualities of being a good citizen.  Over 80% of the youth answered that they had or improved the following qualities of a good citizen:

• Obeying rules
• Being trustworthy
• Being truthful
• Taking responsibility
• Having compassion for others
• Having the courage to make good decisions
• Refraining from hurting others
• Helping adults more at home and at school

More than 95% of the youth indicated they planned to respect the rules of the American Flag and that they learned the proper ceremonial fold of the flag.  Eighty-five percent (85%) of the youth said that they planned to vote in elections as an adult.  A quote from one of the youth said that being a good citizen to her meant “paying respect to everyone, following the duties of the laws, trying to make yourself a better person, encouraging the betterment of others, and just be a good human being.”