Summary
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.
Situation
Georgia 4-H has an enrollment of 183,320. Of that number, 39% of the members live in urban areas, 40.5% in rural areas (3% on farms), and 20% of the participants live in small cities. Georgia 4-H (acting on advice from Governor Sonny Purdue) launched an urban and rural youth exchange program. Georgia 4-H led the experience because of its large student enrollment that is almost equally divided between urban and rural Georgia. Governor Purdue was interested in knowing whether or not youth from rural Georgia were aware of the lifestyles of urban youth and vice versa. He felt there was a need to involve families in an exchange experience that would increase the cooperation and networking between Georgia's urban and rural population. He also felt there was a need for rural and urban leaders to showcase their communities to the young people of the state.
Response
In order to increase awareness of the many differences and likenesses among Georgia communities, the State 4-H office made a call for proposals from counties interested in an urban and rural exchange program. Clayton County (metro Atlanta) and Crisp (south Georgia) Counties were selected for the program. The two counties cooperated to conduct one of two urban-rural exchanges. (Dougherty and Madison Counties also worked together to conduct an exchange.) Each county was provided with $500 for hosting expenses.
Clayton County 4-H'ers hosted Crisp County 4-H'ers May 31 – June 2. Clayton County 4-H'ers traveled to Crisp County July 31 – August 2. 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. They also heard educational presentations. One on the importance of container gardening from Ceasar Allen, Clayton County Master Gardener, and another on the impact urban development has on the environment from Todd Hurt who is with the Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture.
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. In addition to these educational tours, 4-H'ers heard presentations from the Crisp County Administrator as well as a Crisp County farmer. Near the conclusion of the Crisp County visit, 4-H'ers were interviewed by both the local newspaper and the local television station.
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.
Impact
A total of 21 4-H'ers, four staff members, and two adult volunteers visited partner counties in the Clayton/Crisp exchange. Many other individuals from each county did not travel but contributed to the experience for the visiting group.
Written Evaluations (for all four counties) – 88% 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. 100% reported that they were more aware of the lifestyles, issues, and economic opportunities in their partner counties as a result of the program.
Interviews – Each participant was asked to discuss what they had learned about the issues facing their partner counties as well as the lifestyles of youth living in these counties. Every participant reported an increased awareness of lifestyles in their partner counties. Every participant reported that the youth from their partner counties shared many common interests. While they did acknowledge different preferences with regard to music and television programs, they all agreed that there were more similarities than differences. All but one participant reported an increased awareness of agricultural and environmental issues facing their partner counties.
All participants reported that they enjoyed visiting their partner county and look forward to future opportunities to get together and build upon the relationships that were created as a result of this program.
State Issue
Positive Development for Individuals, Families and Communities
Details
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Year:
2006
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Geographic Scope:
Multi-County
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County:
Clayton
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Program Areas:
- 4-H Youth
- Agriculture & Natural Resources
