Success StoryCloverbud Citizenship



Cloverbud Citizenship

Author: Brittany Osborne

Planning Unit: McCracken County CES

Major Program: Civic Engagement

Plan of Work: McCracken County 4-H Communication and Arts Education

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

With civic distress in the United States during our 2020 Presidential Campaign, the need for more education around civic engagement was in high demand. Through the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service, 4-H met this demand in a local school. 

The U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncanthe states, "When it is done well, civic education equips students with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century – the ability to communicate effectively, to work collectively, to ask critical questions, and to appreciate diversity. 

Through the 4-H Cloverbud Club at Reidland Elementary School, 12 after-school students in the 3rd grade began receiving education tailored to their age group revolving around citizenship and leadership. This club began in September 2021 while students were a hybrid in-person and virtual. The county Agent used and tweaked the University of Kentucky's State 4-H Curriculum about "superhero citizens" for each 1 hour club meeting. 

McCracken County 4-H adhered to all current CDC guidelines, had individual items for every student and disinfected every item after.  In August, 12 students learned what it meant to be a "Superhero Citizen." Come September, schools went completely virtual, but we still found a way to reach all students. Plans were arranged for club day item pick up at the school and over Zoom, the 4-H Agent taught each student how to make a "pony bead" "bee" backpack keychain during our lesson. The bee they made serves as a reminder to "always 'bee' nice". They also received additional beads, thread and a keychain so they could make one for another person and give it to them to "always 'bee'" nice. 

The club has grown to 24 students, doubling the club's year beginning and tripling last year's club total. Students learned about their personalities, how to communicate with others, and conflict resolution management while incorporating the civic duty we have to be the best versions of ourselves. 






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