Meeting the Needs of Youth:

Tips for 4-H Leaders Diane Mack, NE Area 4-H Specialist

Positive Youth development

Refers to the development of the whole person, not focused on a single attribute, skill, or characteristic but rather on mastery of competencies needed for a happy and productive adulthood.

Meeting the Needs of Youth

Youth development research emphasizes the importance of meeting

Four Basic Human Needs

Basic Human Needs

►Belonging

►Mastery

►Independence

►Generosity

The Need to Belong

This represents the HEART of 4-H

The Need to Master

This represents the HEALTH of 4-H

The Need to Be Independent

This represents the HEAD of 4-H

The Need to Generous

This represents the HANDS of 4-H

The 4-H Club Environment

4-H Leaders are essential partners in creating a positive environment by focusing on the strengths of youth and providing positive ways for youth to meet their four basic needs

Caring Relationships(Belonging)

All youth need caring, supportiverelationships with adults.

4-H leaders can be a caring, supportive person.

Constructive Learning Experiences(Mastery)

4-H offers opportunities to take onnew challenges and learn newskills.

4-H leaders help members learn new skills.

Leadership Opportunities(Independence)

Creating opportunities to developconfidence and leadership skills.

4-H leaders help members make the connection between independence and responsibility.

Service to Communities(Generosity)

The 4-H Pledge focuses on theImportance of larger service.

4-H leaders help members develop a concern for others and take action to demonstrate that concern.

All Youth will find ways to:

1) Meet their basic needs

2) Build skills and values

3) Use their skills, talents, energies and time in ways that make them feel good and powerful.

All Youth need:

To know they are cared about by others (Belonging) To feel and believe they are capable and successful (Competence in Mastery) To know they are able to influence people and events (Independence) To practice helping others through their own generosity (Self Esteem) Fun and Stimulation

Meeting the Needs of Youth

How will you support the positive and successful development of youth through the 4-H club experience?

Group Discussion – On Clover:List ways we help Youth

Know they are cared about by others (Belonging - HEART) Feel and believe they are capable and successful (Competence in Mastery - HEALTH) Know they are able to influence people and events (Independence - HEAD) Practice helping others through their own generosity (Self Esteem - HANDS) Fun and Stimulation