Rockbridge 4-H: The Case of Boxerwood

I conducted an in-depth exploration of the partnership building process between Boxerwood and Rockbridge 4-H and identified specific partnership characteristics found within this collaborative relationship. Boxerwood Education Association is a nonprofit 501© organization whose mission is, “to educate and inspire people of all ages toward becoming successful and environmentally responsible stewards of the Earth,” (www.boxerwood.org). The Rockbridge county 4-H program prepares young people to step up to the challenges in their community and their world. Rockbridge youth participate in the hands-on, real world experience necessary for them to become leaders through the delivery of research-based, positive youth development programs. This topic is significant because the Boxerwood and Rockbridge 4-H partnership illustrates how a simple idea and conversation can build an alliance in achieving goals of mutual interest. In March 2011, a memorandum of understanding between Rockbridge 4-H and Boxerwood was formed. As a partner and primary representative of 4-H, I feel it is of great importance to share the Boxerwood and Rockbridge 4-H collaborative partnership process so that other community-based organizations to see the benefits of a collaborative partnership and to view the collaborative partnership as a potential solution for additional program and organizational support.