
Global 4-H Civic Engagement

Connecting, learning, engaging, leading and impacting
4-H Civic Engagement involves working to make a positive difference in one’s community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. 4-H youth engage within communities on many scales--from local to global--making contributions that reinforce their sense of purpose and strengthening their sense of belonging with peers and community adults.
Key Focus Areas
Community engagement
- Youth voice
- Informed decision making
- Civic responsibility
- Global engagement
- Social justice
Service
- Community service
- Service learning
- Community youth development
Civic education
- Government principles, processes and structures
- History and cultural heritage
- Global context
- Personal roles and responsibilities
Personal development
- Leadership
- Character
- Mutual respect and understanding
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Intercultural competence and communication
- Civility
Illinois 4-H members and their families can participate in international programs sponsored by the 4-H International Programs Committee. Travel to a participating county to learn about a new culture during a 3- to 4-week homestay experience. 4-H families can also host a young person from a participating country. During a 3- to 4-week homestay, 4-H families open their homes and hearts to a young person and share our culture while learning about a different culture. Most host opportunities are schedules mid- to late-summer. Contact your local Extension office for additional information.

Open your home to the world. Hosting is an educational opportunity not just for the exchange student, but also for the host family, host school, and entire host community.

Peace Through Understanding is the theme of Global 4-H. Travel the world. Learn new languages. Meet new people. Appreciate new cultures. Summer exchange programs open up the world to young people.