What in the world is the “BIG M?”

Mnenomic devices?

A mnemonic device (pronounced "neh-mon-ik") is a memory aid. Mnemonics are often verbal, something such as a very short poem or a special word used to help a person remember something, particularly lists. They are based on the principle that the human mind more easily remembers spatial, personal, surprising, sexual or humorous or otherwise meaningful information than arbitrary sequences.

KPCOFGS . . . ?

The “BIG M” is not about the “M”

4-H: The American Idea

Creating Greater Opportunity for Youth

Learning By Doing Leading By Example Access to 105 State Land-Grant Universities 7 Million Youth partnering with 3,500

professional educators and 640,000 volunteer leaders

Over 100 Years of Reaching Youth

Approaches to 4-H Youth Development

PREVENTION

YOUTH DEVELOPMENTEDUCATION

Focus: Risks

Focus: Skills & Knowledge Focus: Developmental Needs

Target: Social Norms

Target: Individual Learners Target: Opportunities for Youth

Goal: Fewer Problems

Goal: Competency in knowledge or skill Goal: Maturity

Understanding the Different Approaches

Biological & Physical Changes

Cognitive Changes Psychosocial Changes

Competencies 1. Health/Physical 3. Cognitive/Creative 2. Personal/Social 4. Vocational/Citizenship

Needs 1. Physiological 6. Independence/Control 2. Safety and Structure over one’s life 3. Belonging/Membership 7. Self Worth/Contribution 4. Closeness/Relationships 8. Capacity to enjoy life 5. Competency/Mastery

Contextual Influences

Community, Family, Peers, School, Work, Leisure

Developed by Cathann A. Kress, Ph.D.

EDUCATION

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

FOCUS

Essential Elements of 4-H

Belonging1. Positive Relationship with a

caring adult

2. An inclusive environment

3. A safe environment

Mastery4. Engagement in Learning

5. Opportunity for Mastery

Independence6. Opportunity to see oneself as an

active participant in the future

7. Opportunity for self-determination

Generosity8. Opportunity to value and practice service for others

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.

I pledge my heart to greater loyalty…

Current research emphasizes the

importance for youth to have opportunities for

long-term consistent relationships with adults

other than parents.

This research suggests that belonging may be

the single most powerful positive ingredient we

can add into the lives of youth.

BELONGING

I pledge my head to clearer thinking…

Youth need to know that they are able to

Influence people and events through

decision-making and action.

INDEPENDENCE

I pledge my hands to larger service…

Youth need to feel their lives have meaning and

purpose.

By participating in 4-H community service and citizenship activities, youth can connect to communities and learn to give back to others.

GENEROSITY

I pledge my health to better living…

In order to develop self-confidence youth

need to feel and believe they are capable

and they must experience success at

solving problems and meeting challenges.

MASTERY

Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development

Kirk A. Astroth, DirectorArizona 4-H Youth Development1

Elements of Vibrant Youth Groups

Research Question What accounts for the differences

between 4-H clubs within the same area, county or state?

Vibrancy

Pulsating with life, vigor and activity Foster a sense of personal influence over

life's events rather than submission to the will and whims of others

Acceptance and respect for youth Inner confidence Believe in themselves and the future Authentic

#1--Focus on Weaning, Not Winning

High expectations Ownership by

young people Autonomy and

self-determination Being our best, not

beating the rest

#2--Firm, Yet Flexible

Able to change how they do things, but not their core purpose

Clear standards and group norms

Consistency and reliability

Balance between rigidity and chaos

#3--Work Hard, Play Hard

Sense of purpose Fun, learning,

growth Group outings Community

service Develop a positive

work ethic

#4 - Empower Rather than Embalm

Enable youth to lead Develop responsibility and

decision-making skills Provide opportunities to

critically text, explore and discuss ideas in safe environments

#5--Communicate and Listen Youth are listened to,

respected, and input valued

Involve members in discussions and decisions

Atmosphere is characterized by coaching, support

#6--Balance between Chaos and Rigidity

Vibrant groups as “chaordic”—balance between chaos and too much order

Can adapt to changes and move on

Like families that need balance—not enmeshed nor permissive

#7—Affirm and Support One Another

Sense of belonging, group cohesiveness

Defined sense of “self” and group membership

Take pride in and celebrate the accomplishments of all

“Not to be the best but do our best”

#8—Value and Practice Service to Others

Community service is truly valued

Groups feel an obligation to improve their own community

Part of the group’s fundamental purpose

#9--Mentoring

Intentional about mentoring to socialize new members

Provide a support structure

Indoctrinated into the values, customs and traditions of the club

#10—Take Time for Training

Set aside time to train youth for roles

Adults see their role as helping with development, not quick solutions

Help youth grow into positions of leadership and responsibility

#11--Synergy

All elements must be present

The whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts

The process is more important than the outcomes

“Youth acquire a sense of significance from doing significant things, from being active participants in their own education.”

--Alfie Kohn

Now it’s your turn… REFLECT & SHARE

What surprised you? What seemed to be “common sense”?

GENERALIZE How would you use these ideas in your 4-H work in your

county or reservation? What similarities and parallels exist between vibrancy

and the essential elements? APPLY

How is this information useful to you?

SUMMARY Youth programs that involve youth as key partners in

planning, implementation and evaluation are stronger than programs that see youth as “clients” or “recipients”

Adult attitudes and perceptions of youth capabilities are key in setting group climate (stop global whining)

Adult leadership styles must vary with age and circumstances

Eleven elements of vibrancy help add to our knowledge of “best practices” in positive youth development

Empowerment“If you are here to help me, then you

are wasting your time.

But if you are here because your liberation is bound up in mine, then

let’s begin together.”

--Lilly Walker

an Australian Aborigine

Resources

Astroth, Kirk A. (1996). Welcome to the Club: Education Where the Bell Never Rings. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University.

Astroth, Kirk A. (1998). "Beyond Resiliency: Fostering Vibrancy in Youth Groups," New Designs for Youth Development, 13(4): 5-11.

Walker, J., Dunham, T. and Snyder, E. (1998). Clubs and Groups in the Social Education of Young People. The Center. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota. Online at: http://www.fourh.umn.edu/resources/center/PDF/Center-Story4.pdf