Florida 4

Florida 4-H Program Goal: Promoting Positive Youth Development for Florida's Youth

Delivery of the 4-H Youth Development Program includes arranging for many details associated with organization of the learning environment required for positive youth development. From organization of youth in community 4-H clubs to arranging for groups in cooperation with schools (school enrichment), other agencies and organizations (special interest), home school families, individuals or the media, basic community development strategies must be designed, implemented and evaluated. Increasingly, the sustained support of families and community leaders is also identified as a critical component of the learning environment if positive youth development is to be achieved. Because of the changing needs of youth, the changing structure of their families and neighborhoods as well as the community's economy, 4-H organizational development methods need constant monitoring and adjustment.
Families need supervised out- of -school activities for youth. According to a recent poll, 71% of the voters say it is difficult for parents of find after-school programs in America; 60% indicate difficulty in their communities. The U.S. General Accounting Office estimates that in the year 2002, the current number of out-of-school time programs for school-age children will meet as little as 25% of the demand in some urban areas (National Institute of Out-of-School Time, March 2001).

The following are the youth development outcomes through participation in Florida 4-H programs:
youth develop positive relationships with adults and peers. youth are physically and emotionally safe. youth develop a sense of belonging, in an inclusive environment. youth grow and contribute as active citizens through service and leadership youth are actively engaged in their own development. youth develop skills they need to succeed for work and family life

Research studies indicate that the more internal assets and life skills/competencies youth build the more likely they are to grow up healthy, confident and responsible and less likely to become involved in risky behaviors. Active participation in 4-H helps youth develop their assets and life skills. Florida 4-H programs target these youth development life skills as outcomes for young people. Youth will be able to: Effectively communicate with others Develop and maintain positive relationships with others Process information to make effective decisions and positive choices. Lead and contribute to others (peers, family, community). Demonstrate marketable/productive skills for work and family life.
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