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| Learning
In New Communities |
Introduction
Ohio State University Extension, 4-H Youth Development
recognizes the importance of youth being actively engaged
in their communities. Ohio 4-H has a rich community
club tradition focused on leadership development, citizenship
awareness, community service, and project/activity
completion. While 4-H was developed with rural
youth as its focus, the demand to offer urban and suburban
youth positive opportunities continues to increase. The
most structured, non-formal youth educational program
in the state, 4-H Youth Development exists to develop
competent, capable, and caring citizens.
Successful youth programs effectively engage young people
in meaningful ways in their communities. Ohio 4-H
Youth Development engages youth through community service
and citizenship programs, allowing for positive interaction
between youth and adults. However, it is critical to
engage youth and educate adults on working with their
younger peers and recognize the long-term benefits to
the community. Youth gain valuable, life-long skills
as a member of an active group that is making decisions
about the future of their communities. Members
of Michigan Youth Advisory Committee’s (YAC) felt
like they were making a difference, had learned more
about the needs in their communities, had learned leadership
skills, had reflected on their values, and had networked
with other teen and adult leaders in their communities
and around the state (Council of Michigan Foundations,
1998).
Objective
To further engage and empower young people to be active citizens in their communities,
Ohio State University Extension, 4-H Youth Development will support the development
and implementation of youth led committees addressing local issues and needs. Specifically,
Ohio 4-H will:
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A.
B.
C. |
.Identify three (3) sites, balancing rural, suburban,
and urban populations, to develop youth advisory boards that empower youth
in identifying and addressing local needs. Sites: Adventure Central,
Harrison, and Van Wert
Conduct initial staff and key volunteer training, including Extension professionals
and volunteers from selected counties, focusing on positive youth/adult partnerships,
needs assessments, call for proposals, decision making, and boardsmanship.
Document impact of program through pre- and post-test of youth and adult volunteers
and focus group interviews. |
Recognizing the importance of local ownership, selected
counties will further develop local partnerships in support of the overall program
goals. Specifically, selected counties will:
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A.
B.
C.
D.
E. |
Identify and educate youth volunteers (minimum of ten)
to serve on a local board designed
to address issues facing youth in their communities.
Identify
and education youth organization and community leaders (minimum of 6) to support
the work of youth board members.
Develop
a communication pattern to market the availability of financial resources to
community youth groups and schools.
Award grants to community agencies that support youth development efforts based
on
written proposals and face-to-face interviews.
Fully participate in the evaluation of the overall project and specifics of individual
counties. |
Sustainability
The Learning In New Communities will continue the momentum within Ohio and compliment
our work with the Building Community Together initiative. Pilot sites selected
will be required to connect and involve local foundation and corporate representatives
so that strong youth/adult partnerships may be established. Established
pilot sites will continue after year one of the project by securing support dollars
through private donations and other public sources.
Ohio State University
Extension, 4-H Youth Development will continue to identify potential sites and
support the establishment of new youth advisory boards based on the knowledge
gained from
the pilot sites.
Important Project Components
Initial Education:
Sites
selected to participate in this youth philanthropy initiative will be required
to attend a one-day training to further their knowledge
on the overall project objectives. At minimum, one teen volunteer, one
Extension Professionals, and one adult volunteer
will be required to attend.
Volunteer Selection:
For
the most part, sites will have the discretion to select adults and teens to serve
on the board. The board will be set up in teams of youth and adults. For
example, one teen and one adult will co-chair the board; one teen and one adult
will co-chair the publicity sub-committee; one teen and one adult will co-chair
the recognition sub-committee. Regardless of the overall size of the board,
teens will equal or exceed adults on sub-committees. This structure will
allow adults to serve as mentors to the teens and guide them through decision-making.
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