One of the foundations of 4-H is community service. This can take the form of a club-wide road clean up or volunteering at the fair. I believe it also includes the little things that make our world a better and brighter place.
I found a post on Pinterest from “butterfliesandpebbles” by Laura McBride that I really appreciate. I quote it in entirety as she says exactly my thoughts:
“It all matters. That someone turns out the lamp, picks up the windblown wrapper, says hello to the invalid, pays at the unattended lot, listens to the repeated tale, folds the abandoned laundry, plays the game fairly, tells the story honestly, acknowledges help, gives credit, says good night, resists temptation, wipes the counter, waits at the yellow, makes the bed, tips the maid, remembers the illness, congratulates the victor, accepts the consequences, takes a stand, steps up, offers a hand, goes first, goes last, chooses the small portion, teaches the child, tends to the dying, comforts the grieving, removes the splinter, wipes the tear, directs the lost, touches the lonely, is the whole thing.
What is most beautiful, is least acknowledged. What is worth dying for is barely noticed.”
My hope is that we are raising young people who look for things, large and small, to make better in their world, especially when no one is watching. As I watch 4-H youth during the fair reach out to encourage a little one or cover an extra shift at the food stand, my head knows that we are! When I see an experienced 4-H member smoothly step up to assist another who is a little unsure of their presentation, my heart believes in their experience and leadership.
Another quote, which is anonymous, that resonates with me is: “Never say ‘that’s not my job’. That oozes arrogance and laziness. Chip in to help with what needs to be done, even if it’s not your responsibility. Clean out the coffee pot. Take that moldy dish out of the refrigerator and put it in the trash. Do what needs to be done. Period. Even when nobody’s watching.”
When I see their hands in action to make their club, their community, their country, and their world better, I know that we are all better for having a part in their positive youth development!
Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.
Michelle Beran is the 4-H and youth development agent for the Cottonwood District, Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth and Development related questions email her at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.
