1. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved by National FFA Organization. Rural Youth Development Service-Learning Summit

2. Rural Youth Development FFA Service-Learning Summit RYD Program Philosophies and Foundations Nancy Valentine, Ed.D. National Program Leader, 4-H & RYD Project Manager June 26, 2011 Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station Indianapolis, IN

3. Program History Original Funding (2002) Common Framework Developed (2005) o Service-learning o Address complex, long-term community issues o Youth & volunteer leadership development o Community powerbrokers Organization & Staff Changes

4. Current Program “Sound Bites” “Youth build strong rural communities” “Youth improve their own lives and the communities in which they live”

5. Research Bases Human Development (Ecological Model) Youth Development (Mastery, Independence, Belonging, Generosity) Community Development (Community Capital Model: Human, Social, Financial, Natural, Cultural, Civic/Political, Built)

6. Guiding Principles Youth-adult partnerships Youth valued as resources with authentic voices Culturally sensitive, inclusive Social entrepreneurship concepts Safe environments (physical & emotional) Connect formal & non-formal education Youth build positive visions as leaders & successful members of society

7. Attributes of Projects (1 of 4) Located in rural communities Sustainable beyond federal funding Intent to fund for 3-5 years Same youth for multiple years Projects located in the communities in which they live Scope, breadth, depth, intensity, & frequency Youth led with adult guidance

8. Attributes of Projects (2 of 4) Address significant, long-term, complex community issue(s), i.e. hunger, nutrition, obesity, natural resources, cultural tensions Not one-time efforts or a series of one-time efforts, i.e. road side cleanups Long term impact. What is the residual benefit to the community, e.g. income from rental property?

9. Attributes of Projects (3 of 4) Expand over multiple years Year 1—pack backpacks of nutritious food for families over weekends Year2—backpacks plus community gardens Year 3—continue years 1 & 2; add educational programs Year 4—continue years 1-3; add “gleaning” Year 5—continue years 1-4; add farmer’s markets

10. Attributes of Projects (4 of 4) Ability to report impact for: Youth Adult volunteers Community powerbrokers Program beneficiaries Communities

11. Good Program Development (1 of 3) Identify big issue and ideal outcomes first Include community powerbrokers in identifying needs State SMART outcomes, i.e. specific, measurable, attainable, realistic & timely Outcomes need to include youth, adult volunteers, community leaders, program beneficiaries and larger community

12. Good Program Development (2 of 3) Program strategies are appropriate to address stated outcomes Cost effective evaluation methods are appropriate to measure outcomes Sustainability plans are planned in the beginning Training for youth and adult volunteers provided

13. Good Program Development (3 of 3) Financial support from the grant is enough for youth to be successful Developing human and social capital is inherent for program participants; could also be a focus for beneficiaries

14. Questions???