Thrive Here
Improve the vitality of Missouri farms, towns, and neighborhoods so 4-Hers can see themselves as part of their community’s long-term future.
The Thrive Here action item is the boldest and longest-term of them all. It is truly aspirational. We may not get it all done, but our youth and state are worthy of the pursuit! At present, there are four community leverage points we think 4-H can help move forward:
Clover Apprentice Network
Existing apprenticeship opportunities available in the state are clustered among the more well-off economic zones. The Clover Apprentice Network will be more focused on the counties that need intentional succession planning, so they do not lose their farmers, small business owners, and other critical local jobs that are essential for a thriving community. There may also be a civic leadership aspect to this one for critical volunteer roles like commissioner, township trustee, first responder, etc.
Fairs as Bestivals
At their best, county fairs are a true community-wide showcase of hard work, talent, and creativity. 4-H will help our fairboard and civic partners to re-establish county fairs as the best festival (bestival!) in each partner county.
Seasonal 4-H Clubs
Seasonal 4-H clubs are a new approach to an old problem—older youth sometimes leave 4-H because they are either a) too busy with jobs and extracurriculars or b) lacking challenge. This new seasonal club option is compressed into one season (usually 8-12 weeks) and focuses on four main components that youth enjoy: service learning, in-person socials/recreation together, personal project development, and career path discovery, such as through local small business tours.
Thrive Towns
What features does a town (and surrounding area) need in order to keep its youth happy and attractive to young adults deciding where they will live? Obviously, jobs and housing are key factors, but there is more to it than that. Many of the “placemaking” features (e.g., civic, recreation, cultural) can be improved with good thinking and partnerships. In many communities 4-H can play an outsized role in this space. Missouri 4-H wants every county in the state to have at least one Thrive Town, and preferably two. Can we do it? Stay tuned.
- Missouri Apprentice Network—we hope to one day have the Clover Apprentice Network become the Level 2 version of this existing State of Missouri resource.
- Civic Muscle Index—a helpful tool provided by MU Extension that will assist measuring our future Thrive Town pursuits.
- Guide to Seasonal 4-H Clubs
Will be added as items are completed.