POSITIVE YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT:
Seniors Serving 4-H
Young people go through a lot while growing up, and those experiences need to be
positive so they can be prepared for adulthood. University of Illinois Extension and
Illinois 4-H honors emerging research in youth and adolescent development that
indicates the need for eight “critical elements” in youth development programs to ensure
positive outcomes for participants. One of the elements that needs to be provided is:
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR SELF-DETERMINATION
One way young people can practice self-determination is by making
choices based on personal likes and dislikes, interests and skills.
Encouraging youth to try new things and experiment with new projects or
subjects will strengthen their autonomy.
Here’s what you can do to help:
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Conduct a workshop on genealogy.
Lead members in team building games and activities.
Offer a workshop on Parliamentary Procedure.
Offer to help members hand out absentee ballots for
seniors, people with disabilities, or people who will be out
of town during an election.
Teach members how to create a proclamation.
Why provide opportunities for self-determination?
In order for
youth to develop a sense of self, they need opportunities for independent thinking and
responsibility. Seeing youth, as resources and involving them in decision-making and
policy setting contributes to their sense of independence and control.
Want to find out more?
Contact your local county Extension office to get
involved with 4-H today!
Authors  Christine Hill (Extension Unit Educator, Youth Development, Gallatin/Pope-Hardin/Saline Unit) 
Steve Wagoner (Extension Educator, Youth Development, Edwardsville Center) 
Eric Werge (Extension Educator, Youth Development, Chicago Center)  2005
University of Illinois  U.S. Dept. of Agriculture  Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.