Governor’s Urban/Rural Exchange Program
A Georgia 4-H Opportunity

In 2007, Georgia 4-H (acting on advice from Governor Sonny Purdue) launched a rural and urban youth exchange program. Georgia 4-H is uniquely positioned to lead this experience with a student enrollment that is almost equally divided between rural and urban Georgia. The program has been successful and we are seeking applicants for 2008.

The deadline for applications is February 15th, 2008.

Click here for Program Guidelines and Application.

The program is designed using the 4-H essential elements (generosity, independence, belonging, and mastery) of youth development as a standard for instructional and program design. The program will be conducted under the guidance and policies of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension service.

This program was former 4-H President Cody Thomas, State 4-H Leader Bo Ryles, 4-H Citizenship Coordinator Jeff Buckley and Youth Advisory Board Members Joseph Stunzi, Emily Lloyd and Abigail Lloyd.

Objectives:

• Increase the awareness of urban lifestyles, issues and economic opportunities in rural youth .
• Increase the awareness of rural lifestyles, issues and agriculture in urban youth.
• Provide a forum and incentive for rural and urban youth to exchange ideas and resources
• Involve families in an exchange experience that increases the cooperation and networking between Georgia’s urban and rural population
• Provide cultural experiences that expand young people’s vision
• Provide educational experiences that involve youth in discussing Georgia’s natural resources and environment.
• Provide opportunities for rural and urban leaders to showcase their communities to young people

We will seek applicants from rural and urban 4-H programs who will work with assigned partner counties to create an enjoyable and educational experience that will satisfy the objectives.  Youth and adults from both urban rural counties will  be involved in designing the experience and evaluating the project.
 
We anticipate the exchange experience being a two to three day experience that will focus on agriculture as well as leisure activities.  We anticipate visits with local officials in each setting.

Program Guidelines:

• At least one set and possibly two sets of two counties will be chosen to participate.
• Each county group should consist of at least 4 youth and one adult. Maximum group size may be decided upon by partner counties.
• Counties will be expected to host visiting counties for a minimum of two nights.
• The visits should be completed within by the Fall of 2007.
• Each county will be provided with $500 for expenses incurred while hosting the visiting county. (Counties will be expected to submit receipts for the expenses they incur in order to be reimbursed.)
• Once selected, counties will be expected to provide a preliminary budget.
• Counties will be expected to pay for their own transportation to and from the partner county.
• Counties will be expected to work directly with their partner county in the scheduling of the visits, housing arrangements, and travel details.
• A State 4-H Representative, Jeff Buckley, should be informed of scheduling plans, and will be available to assist as needed.
• The State 4-H Office will provide information forms for participating 4-H’ers and their families.

For additional information on this program please contact:

Jeff Buckley - Coordinator
4-H International & Citizenship
320 Hoke Smith Annex
Athens, GA 30602-4356
Office: (706)542-8735
Fax: (706) 542-4373
jbuckley@uga.edu