POSITIVE YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT:
High School Students: Get Service
Hours Kickin’ It 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:
A
WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
All youth want to feel they belong—whether at home, at school, or in other
groups. 4-H 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 high school students can do to help:
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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
different cultures represented in your high school.
Help 4-H members make sure their meeting place is
handicapped accessible.
Teach a 4-H group sign language.
Help chaperone a trip to a cultural or ethnic festival—or
help a 4-H group put together its own!
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.