A Welcoming/Inclusive Environment (Business)
P O S I I T I I V E Y O U T H
D E V E L O P M E N T : :
B r i i d g i i n g B u s i i n e s s w i i t h 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:
A W E L C O M I N G A N D I N C L U S I V E E N V I R O N M E N T
All youth want to feel they belong
—whether at home, at school, or in other groups. 4H gives young people opportunities to “fit in” and engage in activities that stress cooperation and shared goals. 4-H clubs and groups strive to help youth feel connected, accepted, and valued.
Here’s what business employees can do to help:
Cooperate with fellow employees to host a game with 4-H members where there are no losers!
Help 4-H members study different cultures through food, dance, art, music, clothing, and crafts.
Share with a 4-H club about your own culture and about cultures represented in your place of employment.
Help 4-H members in a 4-H after-school program learn about the cultures represented in their own group, their school, and their neighborhood.
Take a group of 4-H members to a cultural festival in your community —or have your business host one!
Why provide a welcoming and inclusive environment?
Belonging and membership are basic needs of youth. A welcoming and inclusive environment allows young people to feel they are connected and valued in a larger social network. When youth feel they fit in, they are more apt to contribute to the group and to engage in positive peer relationships that benefit your community too!
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.
