4-H Delivers

CAL Conference Delegates Lead a Book Drive

The Issue

One of the essential elements of effective 4-H youth development programs is mastery. Youth need to have a safe and constructive environment in order to experience success with problem solving. Once 4-H youth have achieved some measure of mastery, they often help create an environment where others can learn as well. The Alameda County Create a Leader (CAL) conference delegates embraced this notion.

Due to a variety of circumstances, young people sometimes have trouble graduating high school. Brenkwitz High School, located in Alameda County, serves as an alternative option to comprehensive high schools and is primarily for students who are considered at risk of not graduating. Students can choose to graduate from Brenkwitz with a high school diploma or return to their home school after they have recovered a sufficient number of credits to allow for graduation. 4-H members noticed that Brenkwitz lacks a library.

What has 4-H Done?

At the CAL conference, the Alameda County 4-Hers brainstormed ideas for community service projects. They decided to donate books to Brenkwitz High School. Katie, Jessica, Clay, Sarah, and Kaycee came up with a plan of action. They presented their idea at the Alameda County Leaders’ Council. They spoke with a school official and asked what books the school needed. They wrote news articles in their individual 4-H club newsletters and developed a flyer that was distributed to leaders. For a few months, they collected books at club meetings and county events. In total, 425 books were collected and donated to Brenkwitz.

The Payoff

Books are the primary instrument of knowledge. Reading can improve writing, increase vocabulary, and provide information about a specific subject. Brenkwitz lacked a central library and a reliable pool of books. The Alameda County 4-Hers helped alleviate this problem through their book drive. They donated over 400 new or slightly used books to the high school students. The students at Brenkwitz benefitted immensely. In addition, Katie, Jessica, Clay, Sara, and Kaycee learned how to identify a problem and take steps to solve it. They learned how to communicate and organize effectively.

Author: Megan Reese, State 4-H Office Assistant