PREPARING 4-H YOUTH TO BE TOMORROW’S LEADERS. A. Norris, UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, Seffner, FL
Extension Education
Amber Norris
4-H Youth Development Agent II
UF/IFAS
Seffner
Abstract
Situation: Youth have not had the opportunity to learn and practice communication skills at the county level in a supportive environment since before the pandemic. The life skill of communication can have a positive long-term impact on preparing youth for the work force. Mary Arnold, PH.D. states that youth can “thrive” if there is a plan and implantation of a high-quality youth development context. Methods: One way 4-H develops communication is through county councils. Youth who have a propensity for leadership can develop communication skills and learn leadership roles by holding offices. With the revitalization of the council, the agent can educate the county officers, encourage shared leadership, and peer education. The objectives of this positive youth development were to educate officer roles, provide the opportunity for youth to practice their communication skills, to inspire other youth, and to foster shared leadership. Dr. Arnold stated that challenging growth, holding youth accountable, shared power through collaboration, and exposure to leadership opportunities prepare youth for life beyond high school. Using a supportive train-the-trainer model, a series of learning experiences were designed and presented to educate the council officers regarding the best practices of an effective club officer. The officers then became the presenters at the countywide officer onboarding as an opportunity to practice their communication skills. Participants were given officer books, gained knowledge of expectations, how to conduct 4-H meetings, and how to keep accurate records. Results: The survey results proved 100% of participants gained knowledge of officer roles. It provided the council officers the opportunity to practice effective communication and allowed 36 club officers to gain knowledge of their roles to effectively lead their clubs. The leaders that were present were reminded to foster shared leadership. As a result, three of the six county officers became district officers, and one officer joined the state executive board. 4-H Conclusions: Officers learned the key elements of being a successful officer and then how to share that knowledge with their peers. Evidence was found in the survey that all officers effectively imparted knowledge to all 36 participants during the training for club level officers.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: Amber Norris
-
Norris, A. 4-H Youth Development Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 33584