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Story in Brief

Georgia 4-H, based on a suggestion by Governor Sonny Purdue, launched a pilot urban and rural youth exchange program to increase the awareness of urban and rural lifestyles, issues and economic opportunities in youth from different areas of the state. Clayton County (metro Atlanta) and Crisp (south Georgia) County were selected for the program. The two counties cooperated to conduct one of two urban-rural exchanges. Each county was provided with $500 for hosting expenses. During both parts of the exchange, 4-H'ers participated in several educational tours. In Clayton County the educational activities included tours of the Clayton County Water Authority, Newman's Wetland Center, the Georgia State Farmer's Market, Luna's Lillies (a landscape company specializing in pond installations), and a Master Gardener's yard which has been designated as a sanctuary area by the Atlanta Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation. While in Crisp County 4-H'ers toured a fish hatchery which has a multi-state distribution. They also toured the Albany RiverQuarium, Jimmy Carter's childhood home-place as well as downtown Plains, the Ellis Pecan Company, and Lane Peach Company. An important part of the event in each county was also the opportunity for 4-H'ers to simply interact with each other and learn more about day-to-day life in both urban and rural counties. A total of 21 4-H'ers, four staff members, and two adult volunteers visited partner counties in the Clayton/Crisp exchange. About 88 percent of participants who completed evaluations reported that the program provided them with opportunities to discuss and learn about the ways that urban and rural Georgia are connected culturally, economically, agriculturally and environmentally.

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