POSITIVE YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT:
Bridging Business with 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
TO VALUE AND PRACTICE SERVICE TO OTHERS
When young people have opportunities to practice service to others, they
start to develop a sense of how their positive actions can help others and
contribute to the larger community in which they live. They begin to feel
important—like they can make a difference to other people. 4-H offers
members opportunities to build these relationships and contribute to their
families, schools, and communities.
Here’s what business employees can do to help:
 Help a 4-H club conduct a recycling project.
 Help 4-H members secure donated items to be used in
putting together care packages for seniors.
 Open your place of employment to a 4-H group wanting to
organize and host a blood drive.
 Transport 4-H members around your neighborhood or town
to rake leaves or shovel snow for elderly people.
 Help a 4-H after-school site host a canned food drive for
local food pantries.
Why provide opportunities to value and practice service to
others? When participating in community service, youth develop a sense of
community belonging and ownership. They begin to understand their roles as
contributing citizens. They feel they are making a difference in their community, and
their community is better off too. Their developing volunteer spirit can last a lifetime!
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.