Do you need help planning a project? Would you like to start a 4-H club that focuses primarily on service? Do you wish you had a simple yet meaningful project to do at your next club meeting? How about a brochure to promote 4-H S.O.S. to 4-H'ers or volunteer leaders in your area or a survey to help evaluate your project? Could you use a service learning guide with stories of successful projects from across the state? Or maybe some tips for building youth-adult partnerships for your project?

Below are a few resources to help you with all of these!

You can also request a hard copy of any of these resources by contacting the state 4-H office at 865-974-2128 or LMantoo1@utk.edu.

Note: If you have trouble opening the .pdf files, go to www.adobe.com and download a free copy of the newest version of Acrobat Reader.

This resource grew out of the first three years of the 4-H service learning initiative. It outlines the critical elements of a service learning project and highlights successful projects ("best practices") from across the state.

Below are several hand-outs used at various 4-H S.O.S. workshops. Download the files for educational resources, worksheets, and much more!

"Helping Hands" is a set of six lesson plans designed to help Extension staff, adult volunteers, and 4-H youth leaders as they teach 4-H'ers about service learning. During the six sessions, 4-H groups experience the service learning cycle as they plan, implement, reflect on, and celebrate projects that meet genuine community needs. The first three sessions incorporate small service projects as the 4-H'ers plan a more in-depth project. The 4-H'ers are actively engaged in their main project during sessions four and five. Session six is the "reflection party" to celebrate their accomplishments. The lessons include team-building activities, reflection exercises, games, and hand-outs to strengthen the learning component of the service.

That's the first version. The second, new-and-improved version was created by Patrick Hamilton, the 2001-2002 YES (Youth Engaged in Service) Ambassador for Tennessee. He expanded the original "Helping Hands" to include new activities and more information. Check out both versions and see which one works best for your group!

"Ready, Set, Serve!" contains plans for four service learning projects that are ready to pick up, carry to a 4-H meeting, and conduct. Each plan has objectives, easy-to-follow steps, and reflection exercises. The projects are designed by holidays in certain months, but they can be used at almost any time of the year. In November, celebrate either Thanksgiving or Veterans Day with these simple yet meaningful projects. In January and February, sponsor a canned food drive to restock the food pantry after the holiday rush. In March and April, commemorate Earth Day as you recycle greeting cards to make "Love Boxes" for someone in need. Are you ready? Get set. Serve!

This tri-fold brochure gives an overview of the program and highlights a few of the opportunities for this year. Use it to promote service learning and encourage your 4-H'ers to get involved!

The Service Activity Report Form is a quick, simple way to record your service learning projects. How many youth and adults participated? What did you do? How did you reflect? This form is identical to the on-line form on our website. You can also mail or fax the paper form to the address listed on the bottom.

These surveys are designed to as the people you're helping (the beneficiaries) how they feel about the project. Directions for use are included with the forms.