Transcript Essential Elements of 4-H

What in the world is the “BIG M?”
Mnenomic devices?
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A mnemonic device (pronounced "neh-mon-ik") is a
memory aid. Mnemonics are often verbal, something
such as a very short poem or a special word used to help
a person remember something, particularly lists. They
are based on the principle that the human mind more
easily remembers spatial, personal, surprising, sexual or
humorous or otherwise meaningful information than
arbitrary sequences.
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KPCOFGS . . . ?
The “BIG M” is not about the “M”
4-H: The American Idea
Creating Greater Opportunity for Youth
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Learning By Doing
Leading By Example
Access to 105 State Land-Grant Universities
7 Million Youth partnering with 3,500
professional educators and 640,000
volunteer leaders
Over 100 Years of Reaching Youth
Approaches to 4-H Youth Development
PREVENTION
Focus: Risks
Target: Social Norms
Goal: Fewer Problems
Focus: Skills & Knowledge
Target: Individual Learners
Goal: Competency in knowledge or skill
EDUCATION
Focus: Developmental Needs
Target: Opportunities for Youth
Goal: Maturity
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Understanding the Different Approaches
Developed by Cathann A. Kress, Ph.D.
Community, Family, Peers,
School, Work, Leisure
Contextual Influences
Competencies
EDUCATION
1. Health/Physical
2. Personal/Social
3. Cognitive/Creative
4. Vocational/Citizenship
FOCUS
Needs
YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Physiological
Safety and Structure
Belonging/Membership
Closeness/Relationships
Competency/Mastery
Cognitive Changes
6. Independence/Control
over one’s life
7. Self Worth/Contribution
8. Capacity to enjoy life
Psychosocial Changes
Biological & Physical Changes
Essential Elements of 4-H
Belonging
1. Positive Relationship with a
caring adult
2. An inclusive environment
3. A safe environment
Independence
6. Opportunity to see oneself as an
active participant in the future
7. Opportunity for self-determination
Mastery
4. Engagement in Learning
5. Opportunity for Mastery
Generosity
8. Opportunity to value and practice
service for others
All Youth will find ways to:
1) Meet their basic needs
2) Build skills and values
3) Use their skills, talents, energies and time in
ways that make them feel good and
powerful.
I pledge my heart to greater loyalty…
BELONGING
Current research emphasizes the
importance for youth to have opportunities for
long-term consistent relationships with adults
other than parents.
This research suggests that belonging may be
the single most powerful positive ingredient we
can add into the lives of youth.
I pledge my head to clearer thinking…
INDEPENDENCE
Youth need to know that they are able to
Influence people and events through
decision-making and action.
I pledge my hands to larger service…
GENEROSITY
Youth need to feel their lives have meaning and
purpose.
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By participating in 4-H community service and
citizenship activities, youth can connect to
communities and learn to give back to others.
I pledge my health to better living…
MASTERY
In order to develop self-confidence youth
need to feel and believe they are capable
and they must experience success at
solving problems and meeting challenges.
Essential Elements
of 4-H Youth Development
Elements of Vibrant Youth
Groups
Kirk A. Astroth, Director
Arizona 4-H Youth Development1
Research Question
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What accounts for the differences
between 4-H clubs within the same area,
county or state?
Vibrancy
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Pulsating with life, vigor and activity
Foster a sense of personal influence
over life's events rather than
submission to the will and whims of
others
Acceptance and respect for youth
Inner confidence
Believe in themselves and the future
Authentic
#1--Focus on Weaning,
Not Winning
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High expectations
Ownership by
young people
Autonomy and
self-determination
Being our best, not
beating the rest
#2--Firm, Yet Flexible
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Able to change how
they do things, but
not their core
purpose
Clear standards and
group norms
Consistency and
reliability
Balance between
rigidity and chaos
#3--Work Hard, Play Hard
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Sense of purpose
Fun, learning,
growth
Group outings
Community
service
Develop a positive
work ethic
#4 - Empower
Rather than Embalm
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Enable youth to lead
Develop responsibility and
decision-making skills
Provide opportunities to
critically text, explore and
discuss ideas in safe
environments
#5--Communicate and Listen
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Youth are listened to,
respected, and input
valued
Involve members in
discussions and decisions
Atmosphere is
characterized by
coaching, support
#6--Balance between Chaos
and Rigidity
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Vibrant groups as
“chaordic”—balance
between chaos and too
much order
Can adapt to changes
and move on
Like families that need
balance—not
enmeshed nor
permissive
#7—Affirm and Support
One Another
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Sense of belonging, group
cohesiveness
Defined sense of “self”
and group membership
Take pride in and
celebrate the
accomplishments of all
“Not to be the best but do
our best”
#8—Value and Practice
Service to Others
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Community service is
truly valued
Groups feel an
obligation to improve
their own community
Part of the group’s
fundamental purpose
#9--Mentoring
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Intentional about
mentoring to socialize
new members
Provide a support
structure
Indoctrinated into the
values, customs and
traditions of the club
#10—Take Time for Training
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Set aside time to train
youth for roles
Adults see their role as
helping with
development, not quick
solutions
Help youth grow into
positions of leadership
and responsibility
#11--Synergy
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All elements must
be present
The whole is
greater than the
sum of the
individual parts
The process is
more important
than the
outcomes
“Youth acquire a sense of
significance from
doing significant
things, from being
active participants in
their own education.”
--Alfie Kohn
Now it’s your turn…
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REFLECT & SHARE
 What surprised you?
 What seemed to be “common sense”?
GENERALIZE
 How would you use these ideas in your 4-H work in your
county or reservation?
 What similarities and parallels exist between vibrancy
and the essential elements?
APPLY
 How is this information useful to you?
SUMMARY
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Youth programs that involve youth as key
partners in planning, implementation and
evaluation are stronger than programs that
see youth as “clients” or “recipients”
Adult attitudes and perceptions of youth
capabilities are key in setting group climate
(stop global whining)
Adult leadership styles must vary with age
and circumstances
Eleven elements of vibrancy help add to our
knowledge of “best practices” in positive
youth development
Empowerment
“If you are here to help me, then you
are wasting your time.
But if you are here because your
liberation is bound up in mine, then
let’s begin together.”
--Lilly Walker
an Australian Aborigine
Resources
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Astroth, Kirk A. (1996). Welcome to the Club:
Education Where the Bell Never Rings.
Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Bozeman, MT:
Montana State University.
Astroth, Kirk A. (1998). "Beyond Resiliency:
Fostering Vibrancy in Youth Groups," New Designs
for Youth Development, 13(4): 5-11.
Walker, J., Dunham, T. and Snyder, E. (1998).
Clubs and Groups in the Social Education of Young
People. The Center. Minneapolis, MN: University
of Minnesota. Online at:
http://www.fourh.umn.edu/resources/center/PDF/Ce
nter-Story4.pdf