http://www.4-h.org/youth-development-programs/citizenship-youth-engagement/

I stumbled on this information about 4-H Clubs quite by accident. Before reading about the fantastic programs the organization sponsors, I thought the only thing they did was to grow food and to raise prize-winning animals!

Empowered Citizens Engaged in Community Leadership

4-H Citizenship programs empower young people to be well-informed citizens who are actively engaged in their communities and the world.
By providing them with opportunities to connect to their communities and adult leaders, youth gain a clear understanding of their role in civic affairs and are able to build their decision-making ability.
This solid foundation helps youth understand and acquire the skills that will allow them to become astute leaders for the 21st Century.
4-H'ers are leading a Revolution of Responsibility - a movement for positive change in every community in America. 4-H youth are a living breathing, culture-changing revolution for doing the right thing, breaking through obstacles and pushing our country forward by making a measurable difference right where they live. That takes uncommon commitment.

USA Todayhttp://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-06-14-boomers-volunteer_x.htm - Janet Kornblum

We "Baby boomers" grew up believing in John F. Kennedy's call to action. I remember rolling bandages and doing various other types of volunteer work just because the president asked it of us. With this idea ingrained, it was only natural that I have been a volunteer all my life thus far. I am certain I am not alone in this feeling of civic duty and responsibility. My generation of retirees won't be satisfied to stop working and do nothing. Imagine what we old fogies could do if we were organized and mobilized toward a specific end!

UMass has a strong civic engagement agenda. The Dartmouth campus has hosted a civic engagement summit for the last several years. This year's summit was dedicated to the victims of the marathon bombings and to the first responders. Past summits have tried to highlight how much can be done to improve a neighborhood's quality of life without a high price tag being associated with it. http://www1.umassd.edu/communications/articles/printversion.cfm?a_key=3305 http://www.wickedlocal.com/article/20100429/News/304298787