Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development New Parent Orientation This is 4-H Core Competencies, Unit 1 Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service What is 4-H? Youth development component of the Cooperative Extension Service Largest youth serving organization in the world Primary purpose is education and youth development Youth Development Defined (Taken from 4-H Volunteer Development Series Fact Sheets 4H.VOL.123) Other support materials on Disk: The Habits of Remarkable 4-H Youth Development Programs – Iowa State University Extension Caring Relationships – Community Spirit The traditions of 4-H are organized around the notion of building community spirit and social capital –or connections among individuals. All youth need caring, supportive relationships in their lives and 4-H Youth Development programs create opportunities for long-term relationships. A Cooperative Venture The authority for the 4-H Youth Development program is vested in a cooperative structure between youth, interested adult volunteers, and the professional expertise of the land-grant universities and the United States Department of Agriculture. Creating opportunities for youth to develop skills and confidence for leadership and self-discipline is a cornerstone of 4-H. Taking the University to Youth in Communities 4-H Youth Development is the only youth program with direct access to technological advances in agriculture and life sciences, home economics, human development, and related areas, which result from land-grant university research. The foundation of 4-H Youth Development is in the practical application of the land-grant university knowledge by youth in their communities. Constructive Learning Experiences – Learning by Doing The 4-H Youth Development program creates opportunities for youth to develop skills, practical knowledge and wisdom through observing, doing and living through experiences. The 4-H Youth Development emphasis is on practical application of knowledge or “learning by doing” to develop skills and acquire a sense of responsibility, initiative and self-worth. Youth learn how to discover knowledge and develop themselves by personalizing experiences, raising questions and seeking answers important to themselves, their families, peers and their community. Creating Opportunities for Youth by Educating Adults 4-H Youth Development professionals create opportunities for young people to build skills, exercise leadership, form relationships with caring adults and help their communities. The 4-H Youth Development program believes that “youth development” is not something you do TO youth, but is the result of programming WITH youth and is dependent upon the family and other adults in the community. As a result, 4-H Youth Development focuses on educating adults to important youth development principles and practices to ensure that 4-H Youth Development programs create positive opportunities for young people to reach their 4-H is designed to support the positive and successful development of all youth. 4-H volunteers are essential partners in creating a positive environment by focusing on the strengths of youth and providing positive ways for youth to meet their basic needs. OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service 4-H Membership 5-19 years old Cloverbuds – non-competitive program for 5-8 year olds Traditional membership 9-19 years old 4-H Membership Policy #5 is updated annually, make sure families/volunteers have a current copy of this fact sheet. # 5 is available on the Oklahoma 4-H web page at http://4h.okstate.edu/about/docs/4hpolicy05.pdf OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service Participation The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service programs are open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. OK Cooperative Exension Service

History of 4-H 4-H was originally a means for reaching adults, through their children, with improved home and farm practices. 1999 Essential Elements 1972 Focus Broadened 1914 Clubs became part of Agriculture Service 1911 4-H Name and Clover Adopted 1902 Boys and Girls Club Established In 1901 A.B. Graham, a school principal in Ohio, began to promote vocational agriculture in rural schools in out-of-school "clubs.“ 1902 Graham formed a club of boys and girls with officers, projects, meetings, and record requirements. He sought assistance of the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station and Ohio State University. His clubs are considered the founding of 4-H. The club concept was adopted in Iowa by O.H. Benson in Wright County and Jessie Field Shambaugh in Page county. Benson and Field designed a 3-leaf clover symbol. (Head, Heart and Hands) 1911 4-H Name and Clover Adopted 1914 Clubs became part of United States Department of Agriculture 1972 Focus Broadened Program expansion and emphasis on urban programming and audiences. 1999 Essential Elements of 4-H Belonging – Caring Relationships Mastery – Constructive Learning Experiences Independence – Leadership Opportunities Generosity – Service to Community Other support materials on Disk: 4-H Historic Timeline – National 4-H Headquarters 1902 Boys & Girls Clubs Established OK Cooperative Exension Service

Essential Elements of 4-H Belonging 1. Positive Relationship with a caring adult 2. An inclusive environment A safe environment Heart Mastery 4. Engagement in Learning Opportunity for Mastery Health Independence 6. Opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future 7. Opportunity for self-determination Head Generosity Opportunity to value and practice service for others Hands In 1999, a team of evaluators from the National 4-H Impact Design Implementation Team was given the charge of determining the “critical elements in a 4-H experience.” Support Materials on Disk: 4H.VOL.122 and 123 Meeting the Needs of Youth – Iowa State University Extension Those elements revolve around four central concepts which form the Essential Elements of our program and are woven through all we do- BELONGING Positive relationships with caring adults An inclusive environment A safe environment MASTERY Engaged in learning Opportunity for Mastery INDEPENDENCE Opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future Opportunity for self-determination GENEROSITY Opportunity to value and practice service for others Belonging- Joining with friends for work, fun and fellowship Independence – Developing talents Learning to live in a changing world Choosing a way to earn a living Mastery – Producing something of value Creating better homes and communities Conserving nature’s resources Building health Generosity – Sharing responsibility for community improvement Serving as citizens in maintaining world peace Read Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer Development Series Fact Sheets 869 and 870 and Meeting the Needs of Youth prior to lesson and use as a handout with volunteers. OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service 4-H educates through… Individual Project Work Local Clubs County, District and State Activities and Events Short-Term Programs School Enrichment Afterschool Programs Read Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer Development Series Fact Sheets 4H.VOL.121 prior to lesson and use as a handout with volunteers. 4-H Afterschool: Providing Safe Learning Environments After-school programs protect young people from violence, crime, and drugs while boosting academic performance, social skills, and self-confidence. 4-H Afterschool achieves all of these results and more through a mix of hands-on academic and cultural activities, exciting discoveries, and caring adult mentors. The benefits of these proven initiatives aren’t limited to youth who participate in 4-H clubs. 4-H Afterschool also provides training and technical assistance to help other youth-serving organizations create new or strengthen existing programs in their communities. Youth in Governance: Empowering Youth for Civic Progress Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders of our organizations, communities, and country. 4-H’s civic engagement programs empower youth to address issues that are of concern to them through hands-on civic adventures that inspire powerful personal growth and positive community change. Studies have shown that 4-H youth build leadership skills that last a lifetime and remain active participants in their communities as adults. 4-H spearheads the widespread promotion of youth in governance and civic engagement that research proves increases self-esteem and academic achievement. Science and Technology: Put the Universe at Their Fingertips Our society’s growing dependence on science and technology means mastering these subjects is no longer optional—it’s a vital requirement for today’s youth. From aerospace to hydroponics to web design to livestock ultrasound, 4-H’s science and technology initiatives are among the strongest and most popular programs we offer. Youth across the country are finding 4-H to be a hands-on gateway to wonderful new worlds, careers, and capabilities. And they’re learning valuable life skills along the way. Healthy Lifestyles: Growing Into a Healthy Future Obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and drug, tobacco, and alcohol use are part of a serious, complex, and growing health concern in the United States. Interventions are needed at the individual, family, and community levels to effectively address the issue in positive ways that promote making educated choices for all young people. Through non-formal youth development programs, 4-H is making significant contributions to counter these new dangers. Professional Development: Strengthening the Heart and Soul of 4-H Outstanding professional staff and volunteers are the most precious resource of youth development. But this resource is running low. Highly qualified people are either leaving the field or avoiding it altogether. 4-H is leading the charge to turn this trend around as we recruit, train, support, and honor those who have the talents and passion for guiding and nurturing youth. OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service 4-H Project Work Gateway to the member “Learn by Doing” Tool for developing capable adults Teaches desirable habits and attitudes Learn to help one’s self, which leads to helping others The 4-H project is the gateway to the 4-H member. The child can enter our world through the gate or we can enter their world through the gate. Through project work members “Learn by Doing.” The 4-H project is a tool for helping boys and girls develop into more capable adults by teaching them how to set goals, make decisions, follow through with commitments, do evaluations and report their work. 4-H members learn desirable habits and character traits through 4-H project work. Projects focus on helping members learn to help themselves, which leads to learning to help others. Good work habits are also developed by encouraging members to have pride in doing a job well and completing the task at hand. Encouragement from volunteers, peers and family members teaches 4-H’ers that it is important to stay committed even when things don’t go as planned. The purpose of a 4-H project is to create a blue ribbon child – not a blue ribbon project. OK Cooperative Exension Service

The Purpose of 4-H Projects “Create a blue ribbon child not a blue ribbon project.” Life Skills Development Decision Making Goal Setting Planning, Implementing and Evaluating Accepting Responsibility Communicating Teamwork and Cooperation Record Keeping 4-H Project Work Develops the Following Life Skills (Background information see Volunteer Development Series 4H.VOL.111) Decision Making Projects are real life experiences that help 4-H’ers learn to make sound decisions. First the member must decide which project to select. Then the member must decide things like – where to place the garden, what vegetables to plant, what bookshelf to build, which lamp to re-wire, what menu to serve the family, or how to launder their clothes. These decisions help members feel responsible for their own actions and give them personal satisfaction. Goal Setting A goal is a simple statement of what one wants to do or learn. This statement defines a task, which may be for self-improvement, personal gratification or for the good or growth of a group or organization. Skinner states, “A goal must be written; otherwise, it is only a wish.” He goes on to say, “A goal is a projected accomplishment; an objective; an end; the purpose towards which an endeavor is directed.” Goals can be long-term or short-term. Long-term goals are the main objective or purpose that one is focused on. Short-term goals are the many smaller steps necessary to breakdown the long-term goal. Goals must be attainable. It must be something the person or people can actually do with the time and resources available. Goals only become reality when the person making or setting the goal takes action. Planning, implementing and evaluating Most 4-H projects are set up to meet the needs of boys and girls of different ages. There generally are projects planned for beginners, for intermediate, and for advanced members. Planning involves setting attainable goals, implementing is using the information learned to reach goals and evaluation will include personal assessment and the contribution from another source. The other source could include a competitive event. Responsibility In most projects 4-H members own the project. When they have ownership or a personal investment they learn to care for the property and respect the property of others. Communicating Learning to work with others is another value of the 4-H project. The work is done in or near the home where the whole family can work and be together. As members work together, they share ideas and help each other. Teamwork and Cooperation Many things in life cannot be accomplished by an individual working alone, but requires the help of others. Each person should be willing to carry his/her load. This requires cooperation. In 4-H project work, each member of a 4-H family relies on members of their team. Cooperation occurs when the family communicates needs, desires and assistance. When the family pulls together to accomplish these things they are a “TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More”. Record Keeping 4-H teaches members to put their goals on paper and to make progress toward those goals on paper. It provides opportunities for formal and informal evaluation and through that evaluation members learn how to rearrange goals or set new ones. Each of these things is done formally in what is referred to as a “4-H Record Book”. For information on how to effectively plan and set goals refer to two fact sheets in the 4-H Volunteer Development Series- 4H.VOL.109, "Planning" and 4H.VOL.110, "Goal Setting." OK Cooperative Exension Service

Goals and Objectives of the 4-H Project Develop Skills Learn by Doing Gain Knowledge Accept Responsibility Create Ownership Explore Careers Provide a Sense of Achievement and Accomplishment Create Family and Community Ties Develop Skills – the young person should be challenged to develop new or become more proficient in existing skills. 4-H project work is no different than being an athlete…you only get better with repetition, practice and seeking guidance/information and receiving feedback on how to improve. Learn by Doing – only through direct interaction with the project does the child learn. Parents and adults should only guide. Let the child make decisions. They learn from their successes and most importantly their failures. A caring adult will encourage them to process the experience – What would you different if you could do it over? What don’t you like about it? etc. Gain Knowledge – encourage the child to seek information and process the information. Learning how to learn is part of 4-H project work. Accept Responsibility – Be sure the child is taught to follow through with their goals and to complete projects. Very marketable skill with employers. Don’t do it for them, they need to learn to manage their time and resources. Create Ownership – Let the project be their project – teach them how to make choices and let them make the decision. Explore Careers – All project work should involve youth interacting with adults in a variety of related careers. Provide a Sense of Achievement and Accomplishment – Learn to complete your goals or reset/refocus goals. Completing a task and learning from it is just as important as receiving a “first place” ribbon. Create Family and Community Ties – Working together creates a sense of community and significant relationships. OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service How to Select a 4-H Project Interests, needs and capabilities of the member Opportunity for sufficient challenge and growth Family situation Availability of adequate financing Availability of equipment and space Availability of leadership for the project Helping members choose a project is one of the biggest jobs of a parent and 4-H volunteer. All members and their parents need to know what is expected in each project before enrolling in that project. This encourages the selection of projects best suited for the member and family. If possible, the member needs to make the decision with guidance from a 4-H volunteer and parent. 4-H volunteers who are actively involved in the project selection of new members and their families have a greater opportunity to teach more about the 4-H program and to have quality time to get acquainted with the family. KEY to SUCCESS - Interests, needs and capabilities of the member not the family or parent. No problems motivating young people when it is something of interest. Opportunity for sufficient challenge and growth – Is the child going to be challenged to grow and learn? Is the child going to grow from the experience because it is new? Family situation – Project should be appropriate for residence, space and resources. A child living in the city who loves horses can easily be enrolled in the horse project without physically having a horse. There are lots of things they can do while learning about horses (speeches, demonstrations, breeds, judging, physiology, etc.) Availability of adequate financing - No project is important enough that it puts a financial burden on a family. Availability of equipment and space - A child enrolled in an animal science project should have easy access to feeding, housing and working the animal to truly have an educational experience that develops life skills. Availability of leadership for the project – Does the family have access to resource people or individuals who can provide guidance? Sometimes young people tend to listen to other adults more than their own parents. OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service 4-H Project Provides An Opportunity for… Developing Subject Matter Skills Life Skills Development Participation Developing Communication Skills Keeping Records Sharing Ideas Productive Leisure Time Recognition Developing Subject Matter Skills – learning about the project and related projects. Life Skills Development – learning to learn, responsibility, decision making, etc. Participation – Being part of a group, learning to communicate and having friends is sometimes more important the finished product Developing Communication Skills – Learning to set and communicate goals, learning to communicate verbally (public speaking, interviews, reasons) and non-verbally (record keeping, reports, fair exhibits, etc.) what you did, learned and would do differently. Keeping Records – keeping records (what was invested in time and resources, what was made and for whom, setting goals, etc.) Sharing Ideas – Learning to communicate needs and feelings. Productive Leisure Time – Learning to use time wisely and productively. Learning the importance to take time to relax. Recognition – Receiving feedback from individuals the young person respects. Recognition does not just refer to prizes and ribbons. OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service Sample of 4-H Projects Health and Fitness Electric Energy Foods Science Leisure Education Animal Science Entomology Sport Fishing Change this slide to reflect project enrollment in your county or to suggest project(s) with potential or opportunities. Include projects families are not enrolling in because they don’t know what it is or can mean. OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service Parent’s Role in 4-H Project Work Aide in selecting, financing and managing Guide and support work without doing it for them Encourage follow-through and completion Give praise and encouragement Assist in gathering tools and supplies Encourage record keeping Provide support and transportation Assist organizational, project and activity leaders Become a project or activity leader Serve on committees to plan and implement club activities or project meetings Become a certified 4-H volunteer Key - Assist volunteers and parents in understanding their role and the need for their support in the child’s project work. 4-H is a family affair, not an extension of the adults childhood. There are lots of opportunities for adult involvement in leadership and programming at the club and county level. Family Role Encourage participation in 4-H programs at the local and county level and to assist in the development of the 4-H member. Support local and county 4-H program through time, talent and financial support. Work cooperatively with other families and 4-H volunteers. Participate in Parent-Volunteer Training to enhance personal knowledge of 4-H, as well as, to assist and guide your child. OK Cooperative Exension Service

History of Cooperative Extension Service 1862 Morrill Act Establishing Land-Grant Colleges Oklahoma State University 1890 Institutes – Langston University 1914 Cooperative Extension Service Established 1994 Institute As of 2005 there are no 1994 Institutes in Oklahoma who serve the Native American’s. OK Cooperative Exension Service

The Purpose for Cooperative Extension Education Research Based Information Formal and Informal Education 4-H Youth Development Home & Community Education OK Cooperative Exension Service

“Cooperative” refers to a partnership between… CES Federal State County OK Cooperative Exension Service

“Cooperative” refers to… Funding received from multiple levels: Federal – National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) State – Higher Ed. Budget County – Govt. or Sales Tax OK Cooperative Exension Service

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Who is OCES? Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Agriculture Sciences & Natural Resources Family & Consumer Sciences Rural Development 4-H Youth Development OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service 4-H Roles 4-H Member Family Certified Volunteer Volunteer Extension Educator Each role is explained in slides 45-49. OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service 4-H Member Take responsibility for setting goals, working toward the goals, keeping records and being a role model in deeds and actions. 4-H Roles OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service Family Encourage participation in 4-H programs at the local and county level and to assist in the development of the 4-H member. Support local and county 4-H program through time, talent and financial support. Work cooperatively with other families and 4-H volunteers. Participate in Parent-Volunteer Training to enhance personal knowledge of 4-H, as well as, to assist and guide your child. 4-H Roles OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service Certified Volunteer Have participated in a selection process and orientation session. Annually participate in Parent-Volunteer training, enroll and agree to accept and follow the Oklahoma 4-H Behavioral Guidelines. 4-H Roles OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service Volunteer Provide leadership to the local and county 4-H program. Leadership will include planning, developing, implementing and evaluating programs and activities. Work cooperatively with 4-H families, volunteers and Extension Educators. Participate in Parent-Volunteer Training to enhance personal knowledge of 4-H and to assist in the development of 4-H members. 4-H Roles OK Cooperative Exension Service

OK Cooperative Exension Service Extension Educator Provide leadership and direction to local and county 4-H program.  Para-professionals provide support to the Extension Educator. Provide Parent-Volunteer Training at the county, district and state levels. Training shall provide the tools and knowledge that parents and volunteers need to successfully implement, maintain and develop 4-H clubs and members.   Provide the support and training for the implementation of a volunteer led program at the local and county level.  Work cooperatively with volunteers, families and 4-H members. 4-H Roles OK Cooperative Exension Service

The “Big” Picture OK Cooperative Exension Service Local 4-H Club Parent-Volunteer Association Youth Council Program Advisory Committee 4-H Foundation Ambassadors Teen Leaders Activity Committee Event Committee Fund Raising Donor Recruitment Camp Parent-Vol. Training Annual Meeting Golf Tournament Public Speaking Share the Fun Jr. Achievement Trip County Fair Fabric and Fashions Healthy Living Fair Picnic Awards Program Horse Show Foods Fair Mall Day Awards and Recognition Project Leaders Parent-Volunteer Org. Executive Committee Public Speaking Horticulture Computer Fabric and Fashion Suggestion: Build a slide similar to this to illustrate your county leadership structure. If your county does not have a similar frame work make it a long term goal to work toward a similar model. Dog Foods Poultry Fitness County Extension Office Extension Educators District and State 4-H Program Specialists Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service OK Cooperative Exension Service

Local 4-H Club Structure Activity Leader Project Leader Organizational Leader Teen Leader Committee(s) of Members Local 4-H Club Structure Refer to Volunteer Management System Manual pg 12 and pgs 85-108. Organizational Leader – primary leadership for 4-H club. They coordinate, guide and provide leadership. Possess good communication skills. Activity Leader – primary leadership for planning and coordinating an activity through a committee of youth and adults. (Share-the-Fun, Picnic, Service Project, etc.) Project Leader – primary leadership educating and training members in a specific subject matter. Membership and Families – actively participate in club meetings, committees and activities. Share time, talents and skills with club. OK Cooperative Exension Service

Local 4-H Club Structure Organizational Leader – primary leadership for 4-H club. They coordinate, guide and provide leadership. Possess good communication skills. Activity Leader – primary leadership for planning and coordinating an activity through a committee of youth and adults. (Share-the-Fun, Picnic, Service Project, etc.) Local 4-H Club Structure OK Cooperative Exension Service

Local 4-H Club Structure Project Leader – primary leadership educating and training members in a specific subject matter. Teen Leader – assists local leadership. As skills are acquired they may serve as an activity, project or organizational leader. Local 4-H Club Structure OK Cooperative Exension Service

Local 4-H Club Structure Membership and Families – actively participate in club meetings, committees and activities. Share time, talents and skills with club. Local 4-H Club Structure OK Cooperative Exension Service

4-H Pledge I pledge My head to clearer thinking, My heart to greater loyalty, My hands to larger service, and My health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world. Excerpt from 4-H Volunteer Development Series Lit. 4-H.VOL.121 The pledge tells what 4-H is all about. 4-H has as its goal the four-fold development of youth: Head, Heart, Hands and Health. The pledge was adopted in 1927. The phrase "and my world" was added in 1973. Reciting the pledge has a prominent place in 4-H activities such as regular 4-H meetings, achievement days and 4-H activities and events. 4-H Mission 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults. 4-H Vision A world in which youth and adults learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change. The 4-H Emblem, Colors, and the four H's The original symbol of the Boys and Girls Clubs was a three leaf clover with the words Head, Heart, and Hands. Nebraska clubs used the words as part of their statement of purpose: "to educate the youth of the county, town and city to a knowledge of their dependence upon nature's resources, and to the value of the fullest development of hand, head and heart...." The 4-H emblem is federally protected under Section 18 US Code 707 and belongs to the Congress of the United States. The official emblem is green with white H's - the 4-H colors. The white symbolizes purity. The green represents nature's most common color and is emblematic of youth, life, and growth. Motto: "To Make The Best Better" The motto was adopted at about the same time as the 4-H Club Pledge. Its intent is to inspire young people to continue to learn and grow, to make their best efforts better through participating in educational experiences. "Learning By Doing" This phrase sums up the educational philosophy of the 4-H program. Young people learn best when they are involved in their learning. The intent for project work, club meetings, activities and events is to do, reflect, and apply their understanding of the experience to real life situations OK Cooperative Exension Service