What if no youth development programs existed? If we were to develop one – using the latest research – that would assist young people to become healthy, problem-solving, constructive adults, what would it look like? It would look a lot like 4-H! Using the Essential Elements of 4-H, we create opportunities and environments that meet young people’s needs and build life skills

- 4-H offers opportunities for Belonging - young people don’t just join 4-H. . .they belong!

Youth need to know they are cared about and accepted by others. Youth also need to experience a sense of physical and emotional safety. They need to feel a sense of connection to others in the group. Current research emphasizes how important it is that youth have opportunities for long-term consistent relationships with adults other than their parents. In fact, the research suggests that a sense of belonging may be the single most powerful positive ingredient we can add into the lives of children and youth.

- 4-H offers opportunities to experience Mastery - young people master skills that are relevant.

Mastery includes the development of skills, knowledge, and attitudes followed by the competent demonstration of these skills and knowledge. In order to develop self-confidence and a sense that they matter, young people need to feel that they are capable. They must also experience success at solving problems and meeting meaningful challenges. Mastery is sometimes called “self-efficacy.” Settings that promote self-efficacy and mastery encourage youth to take risks, seek out challenges, and focus on self-improvement rather than comparing themselves to their peers.

- 4-H offers opportunities to experience Generosity - young people become active and engaged citizens.

Young people need to feel their lives have meaning and purpose. They need opportunities to connect to their communities and learn how to give back to others. As part of this process, youth gain an understanding of others’ needs and learn how to respond to these needs. Generosity may also include the development of values such as compassion and tolerance for diversity and the ability to take the perspective of others, and to approach problems as “a member of a global society,” through participation in local, and national politics.

- 4-H offers opportunities to experience Independence - young people have opportunities to choose. . .and learn to make good choices.

Youth need to know that they are able to influence people and events through decision-making and action. Independence refers to an adolescent’s growing ability to think, feel, make decisions, and act on her or his own. This continues to develop whenever someone is challenged to act with a new level of self-reliance. By gaining a sense of independence, youth develop personal responsibility and discipline.

Be a 4-H Volunteer.  YOU can make a difference. 

   
 4-H is an experiential learning youth education program for boys and girls ages 8-19. Its practical life skills education in science and technology, healthy lifestyles and citizenship can reach any kid … anywhere … any time through 4-H clubs, camps, after-school programs and events. 4-H volunteers and professionals have a great deal of latitude in determining when, where and how 4-H “learn-by-doing” activities take place.
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

With the guidance of 4-H volunteers, youth: 

 

Learn by doing

Develop leadership and life skills

Make new friends

Give back to the community

Build connections with others

Prepare, do and share 

    
More and more youth need the values, skills and guidance 4-H offers. As a 4-H volunteer, you are supported by 4-H professionals through your local Cooperative Extension Service, a branch of your state’s land-grant university. People volunteer for 4-H for many reasons. One obvious benefit is to help guide and counsel our country’s future citizens and leaders. You’ll also grow as a person, develop new leadership skills, meet new friends and have great adventures!