OSU Lane County Extensions Service
Phone: 541-729-4243
Email: elizabeth.gangwer@oregonstate.edu
Q: What are the main forms of community service found in 4-H?
A: Community Service in 4-H is a combination of Hands for Larger Service and Heart to Greater Loyalty, valuable pieces of the 4-H pledge. These are hands on opportunities that show you care about your community and want to help make it a better place. Community service is giving your time to others and the environment
B:I would say there are two categories of community service (1) collecting items for donation (2) going out in the community to help people, animals, or the environment.
Q: What is one highlight of community service?
A: Community service is a great way to engage with your community and give your time to improve the well-being of others and the environment.
B: Community service can also lead to career opportunities and hobbies!
Q: What is one challenge you encounter with community service?
A: During the pandemic, it has felt difficult to find community service projects to engage in. To overcome this, 4-H has taken advantage of collection focused community service projects. This includes book drives, cannot food drive, or other options that include dropping off donated items for Extension staff to turn into a local charity.
B: Some locations require training before you can work with their charity. For example, a local animal shelter requires one day training before you can wok with the animals and public. This is still doable, but does require a bigger time comment for the project.
Q: How did you start your community service path?
A: Growing up, I did a lot of community service with Girl Scouts and 4-H. I got to do may fun projects like beach clean ups, making blankets for kids without beds, book drives, soup kitchens, making cards for those serving across the sea, and so many fun and rewarding projects!
Q: Are there any tips you have for community service? If so, where is more information that can be found about these tips?
A: Find a community service project that you’re passionate about! What are your interests? What would you like to see improved in your community? For example, say you love to go to a park near your house but it has graffiti and garbage everywhere. Take initiative and clean up the garbage! Ask the city park department if you 4-H club can come repaint stuff.
B: Ask for donations to go towards your community service. Business in your county are always looking for ways to help. For example, if you are making blankets for the homeless, ask Walmart to donate a gift card or some fabric to make your blankets. It never hurts to ask!
Q: Are there any upcoming lessons or workshops focused around 4-H community service?
A: If you are interested in more community service workshops, please email me and we will see what we can set up!
