Volunteer engagement is critical to achieving the mission of volunteer organizations (Boone et al., 2002). Fogarty et al. (2009) found that 4-H volunteers are a mediating factor in achieving positive youth development outcomes and are responsible for teaching at least 50% of the life skills youth gain from participation in the organization. For…

4-H, as a research-based positive youth development program, should be affirming and inclusive for all youths, including those who are members of LGBTQ+ communities. This article provides 4-H youth development professionals with a series of checklists for supporting LGBTQ+ participation, focusing on systemic advocacy, guidance and protocols,…

Today's Cooperative Extension organization continues to face challenges of providing relevant, quality programming in urban communities. Challenges include the ability to build capacity in Extension's urban youth educators to assess and interpret the unique, variable needs of urban clients and to communicate effectively the identified…

Pediatric physical and occupational therapists are in the unique position to provide therapeutic and health promotion interventions to children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) including those with chronic conditions (such as overweight and obesity) in a variety of settings. In this commentary, the authors share their experiences…

A three-part questionnaire requiring the prioritization of 93 program items under 13 identified program areas was administered to 207 Extension agents in counties from 30 States where 4-H Community Development (CD) programs were conducted through organized groups. The study was designed to (1) describe and analyze the 4-H/CD programs conducted by…

The national survey results present the perceptions of extension professionals viewing 4-H programs from a State level as they relate to the following survey goals: (1) to determine extent of current State 4-H programs, level of participation, methods or approaches being used, and plans for future programs for children under nine, (2) to collect…

This report is designed to help law enforcement administrators and officers understand and institute a strategy to help prevent violence through community oriented policing services carried out in collaboration with youth-serving organizations. Descriptions of programs are based on a study that involved a survey of 579 affiliates of 7 national…

To help create safe havens and positive opportunities for youth in Native American and Alaska Native communities, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) became a partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (B&GCA). This guide describes how the B&GCA proven prevention model can be adapted for use in Indian Country to…

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) is more than a leadership development organization and when used as an intracurricular activity, it can serve as a teaching tool. The FFA adds advantages to the program in areas such as supervised experience, award motivation, providing real world experience, public relations, travel, and competition. (LRA)

Identifying the voluntary activities, programs, and services that children and families use during students' out-of-school time as primary supports, this self-study guide provides a framework for developing primary support programs that allow school-aged children and adolescents to develop physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills. The…

Prepared as a coordinators' manual for program development, this document discusses the employment and occupational education of disadvantaged youth. Also discussed are related topics such as recreation and arts, availability of transportation to and from work, and drug use and abuse. Still other sections of the manual are devoted to the role of…

Describes how the course of study is a starting point for making the Future Farmers of America (FFA) an integral part of the vocational agriculture program. Example courses of study with related FFA activities are presented for a basic agriculture class and a horticulture class. (LRA)

Describes the Future Farmers of America chapter as an integral part of the agriculture teacher education program. Lists the purposes and activities of the chapter. College credit is given to students participating in the chapter through enrollment in the class entitled FFA Leadership. (LRA)