NACAA

ENGAGING YOUTH, SERVING COMMUNITIES IN WHITE COUNTY

Abstract:

Creating youth and adult partnerships within communities is a challenge faced by many youth and adult organizations. The White County 4-H Teen Leaders were awarded a grant that allowed them to collaborate with adults in revitalizing a park in the heart of the Beebe community. The group was awarded the Engaging Youth, Serving Community grant. This innovative 4-H program was designed to develop leadership, citizenship and life skills in youth in rural communities. The main purpose of this project was to engage youth in decision making processes so that they can work in partnership with adults to improve their own lives and their communities. A leadership team was formed consisting of four 4-H youth between the ages of 14 and 19, a 4-H volunteer, and Amy Heck, CEA – 4-H. The leadership team coordinated the project. They identified a community in which there was a need. The need was revitalization of a city park in which there was no play structures. The youth hosted community forums, meetings with city leaders, and speaking engagements at local civic clubs to gain support from the community. As a result of the work conducted, youth/partnerships were created with city officials, leaders, businesses, and faith based groups. A play structure was purchased for the park. Since the youth leadership team initiated this project an entire city park has been created with additional plans for the future.