Have you ever wondered about the many cultural differences in the world? Study a country’s government, agriculture, housing, and industry while you explore cultures through food, clothing, music, and crafts.

Members will:

  • Gain self-awareness
  • Explore beliefs and views of others
  • Develop skills for engaging others who are different from themselves
  • Become inspired to continue their journey of cultural awareness

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Exploring 4-H

Exploring Diversity

Spark Activity: Pass the Potatoes, Please

Here in Illinois, we love French fries, baked potatoes and mashed potatoes. Is that how everyone eats their potatoes? Find out how people around the world prepare and eat potatoes. Russians eat potato latkes, but how do the Irish eat potatoes? Australians? Africans? In your hometown? Find out how people in at least eight countries prepare and eat potatoes. If possible, prepare one of these dishes and share it with your family, friends or your 4-H club.

4-H Project Levels and Goals
Beginner
  • Create a family tree
  • Share a family tradition and its origin with members of your project/club
  • Learn to say hello in 4 languages
  • Play a game from another country
  • Learn about different musical instruments used around the world
Intermediate
  • Track where everyday products are made and identify the countries on a world map
  • Participate in an international celebration in your area
  • Make a dish that represents another culture
  • Provide service to an international relief organization
  • Using reliable resources, identify important events happening around the world
Advanced
  • Research international careers and invite a speaker to share how one prepares for that career
  • Learn about various musical styles and dances from other countries
  • Organize an international event/ fashion show and display clothing from various cultures
  • Invite a Peace Corps volunteer to speak to your club
  • Invite someone who has immigrated to the U.S. to speak to your group
Put Your Project Into Action

Show Your Skills

  • 4-H open house 
  • Club demonstrations
  • County fair project exhibit

Service and Leadership

  • Complete a service project with an international organization
  • Study an issue that is worldwide and recognized by people in various countries
  • Befriend an exchange student in your school or community and find out about their country
  • Discover how the 4-H program around the world is meeting global needs
  • Become a part of the International 4-H Exchange program
  • Lead an activity with your club that helps them learn about another culture
  • Study another country’s political and governmental structures
  • Plan an international night for your county where clubs share food, games, dances and other information about a country they select

Entrepreneurship

  • 4-H enterprise gardens
  • Diversity consultant

Technology Connection

  • Google Arts & Culture is a non-profit initiative bringing cultural institutions and artists to you from around the world https://artsandculture.google.com
  • Pen pal (virtual or by mail)

Connecting with a Mentor

  • Local college’s Multicultural Department
  • Local Returned Peace Corps Volunteer groups

Events

  • Attend a local cultural event or international festival
  • 4-H International Fest

Project Manuals & Exhibit Requirements

Purchase manuals on the Shop Illinois 4-H Store. 

View exhibit requirements and scoresheets on the Illinois State Fair page.

Careers
man leading a group gathered around a conference table
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
  • Human Resources
  • International Policy Foreign Affairs Officer
  • Diplomat
Start a Conversation

Are you curious about other countries?

How do you connect to the larger world?

What is your cultural connection?

What is your family heritage?

What is your favorite cultural food?