University of Illinois Extension
4-H School Enrichment Programs
Kane County

Leadership Development Through Community Action

Leadership Development Through Community Action is a service-learning curriculum, designed to enhance leadership and citizenship skills in students 12 to 14. Lessons build from initial modules on developing self-confidence and teamwork, to learning about all aspects of community life, to creating and implementing an action plan that meets actual community needs.

Module 1: Understand the Self - helps students identify their values, goals and decision-making skills

Module 2: Understanding Our Group - encourages group interaction and teamwork

Module 3: Getting to Know Our Community - examines group dynamics and decision-making at the community level

Module 4: Learning about Issues in Our Community - introduces students to the public decision-making process

Module 5: Developing a Plan to Address a Community Issue - gives students tools for problem solving, strategic planning and locating resources. Lessons incorporate budgeting, expository writing, language arts, research and social studies.

Module 6: Implementing the Plan - requires students to take information and skills gathered in the first five modules and apply them to a real community issue. Students will engage in conflict resolution, risk management, coalition building and overcoming obstacles in order to implement their plan.

Module 7: Evaluating Our Effort - offers students an opportunity to reflect on their work, celebrate their successes and plan for future service projects.

Illinois State Goals & Learning Standards Addressed

  • Goal #1B
  • Goal #2B
  • Goal #3A, B, C
  • Goal #4A, B
  • Goal #5A, B, C
  • Goal #8B, C
  • Goal #10A
  • Goal #11A
  • Goal #13B
  • Goal #14C, D
  • Goal #15D, E
  • Goal #17C
  • Goal #18A, B, C
  • Goal #20A, B, C
  • Goal #21A, B
  • Goal #24A, B
  • Goal #26B

Instructional Materials:

Includes a teacher's guide that introduces the concept of service learning. There are over thirty (30) lesson plans. Materials are available on a loan basis only.

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