A group of 4-H members cleaning up the side of a building

It may take three years to complete a level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project. 

 

Projects to learn

At level 1 & 2 of navigating citizenship, students will learn

  • successful models of civic engagement to educate members about three specific areas: Montana Government, United States Federal Government and Montana Tribal Government.

  • how to get involved, who’s who and how each of us fits into the overall government process

  • how to become an active citizen 

At global citizenship, students will learn

  • to discover the world with this 4-H project
  • what it means to be a global citizen
  • to find out about other cultures and cultural exchange programs

Interstate Exchange/Hosting, students will learn

  • Interstate Exchanges give an opportunity to travel and learn about other states within the United States. You must either host a youth from another state or county or stay in another state or county with a youth. This project will allow you to taste other foods and participate in events and activities with 4-H’ers in other states. Learn about geography, meet other people, and have lots of fun traveling and sightseeing. The guide will lead you through the process, help think about traveling and safety and give great ideas to implement during travel. 

Independent study is for any youth looking for new challenges and opportunities in 4-H. This allows a member to explore topics that have not been investigated while remaining enrolled in a 4-H project. Members enrolling in the independent study phase of a project should

  • develop a detailed learning plan for their work
  • identify an area of interest within the project area
  • set goals and locate resources (people, publications, materials) to carry out a project plan
  • determine specific experiences needed to accomplish project goals,
  • set a realistic timeline for completion
  • carry out the project learning plan,
  • share experiences with others
  • evaluate outcomes and determine what could be improved.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

The individualized learning plan should be approved by a parent, 4-H adult volunteer leader or 4-H agent. For assistance in developing a personal learning contract, use Design Your Own project materials or other goal-setting materials. While independent study provides flexibility and creativity, it also requires serious planning, implementation and evaluation.

 

Materials you'll need

 

Non-Animal Record Books

A Project/Financial Journal is needed for each non-animal related project. Project journals need to contain the name of the project, the year these records were kept, and a leader/parent signature. All sections of the journal need to be completed. If nothing was done in an area or section of a record sheet, the word “none” or something similar should be written. 

Download record book sheet

 

Careers in Citizenship 

If you are wanting to explore careers in citizenship, below are some of the potential routes you can take. 4-H members interested in going to college can also visit the 4-H foundation website for scholarships in their county or reservation.