Youth Need Opportunities to Belong, in  Inclusive, Supportive Environments

Youth benefit from participation in extracurricular activities during out-of-school time. Recent studies indicate that youth spending time in positive youth programs, such as 4-H, are less likely to become involved in high risk behaviors, have higher school attendance and grades, better conflict management practices and better work habits. A 1999 report from Fight Crime: Invest in Kids reports that 86% of police chefs surveyed, said that expanding after school educational programs for youth would greatly reduce youth crime and violence.

An inclusive environment is one that allows a sense of belonging, encourages and supports its members and offers encouragement through positive and specific feedback. (National 4-H Impact Assessment). As demographics change, the complexion and complexity of American society, an appreciation for the strength derived from diversity is a necessity. To be competitive in the future, young people need to have a broad understanding of the world and sensitivity to different cultures. It has never been more important for a youngster to be comfortable in a multi-cultural environment

County benchmark data:-------

Community Club Objectives:

---percent increase of underserved youth will be reached through __county 4-H clubs  from 2003-2007

__clubs will be and maintained through trained volunteers for ----- youth within the county.

Classroom Enrichment Objectives:

The number of youth {reached}{completing one educational classroom program} will increase by 10%.

At least 10% of youth reached through classrooms will become engaged in out of classroom events and activities.

At least 5% of youth engaged in out of classroom activities will become engaged in community 4-H clubs.

Youth participating in camping will increase by 25%.

Youth participation in project skill-camps will increase by 50%.

• Youth  are organized into structured and supportive 4-H groups with rituals, symbols, traditions and other means to promote a sense of belonging to group, program, organization.
• Programs provide an inclusive environment where all youth feel welcome.
• Youth are provided equitable opportunities to participate in a wide variety of program experiences e.g. county, district state and national events..
• Adults and youth work together to overcome barriers to participation, i.e. transportation, cost and scheduling.
• The organization will demonstrate an ethic of access and opportunity for all youth through active outreach to increase diversity of participants.
• Staff will ensure that all youth have the opportunities and support to successfully compete in special 4-H experiences, scholarships, offices, and other competitive experiences.

Parental Survey 

Youth will value and practice an appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism.

• Diverse populations of youth and adults will be represented in all educational materials and communication media.
• Youth are provided experiences to explore diverse people, place and ideas through travel, cultural study projects

Youth  reports of Belonging, Accepting Differences and  Diversity