STARTING THE TRIP
(Management Homepage)

EQUIPPING FOR
THE JOURNEY
(Management Overview)

PLOTTING
THE COURSE
(Program Development)

PUTTING IT
IN DRIVE
(Membership Units)

DRIVER'S EDUCATION
FOR VOLUNTEERS
(Volunteer Development)

DIPS, SPEED BUMPS,
AND DETOURS
(Risk Management)

TAKING THE H.O.V. LANE
(Collaboration)

EXPLORING NEW
ROAD MAPS
(Curriculum)

TAKING THE
TOLL ROAD
(Resource Development)

THE SCENIC
ROUTE
(Diversity)

USING THE
HIGH BEAMS
(Recognition)

REACHING YOUR DESTINATION
(Interpretation)

SITE MAP

Last Revision:
April 27, 2005

EQUIPPING FOR THE JOURNEY
Management Overview

Texas 4-H Vision, Mission, Values and Program Outcomes

The Texas 4-H Youth Development Program developed the Vision, Mission, Values and Program Outcomes as a part of the Texas 4-H Focus 2000-2003 Strategic Plan and continues to use these today as the foundation upon which our program rests. The 2005-2008 Strategic Plan is in development and will be posted soon.

VISION

The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program will continue to be a recognized leader in developing life skills, empowering youth and volunteers, and facilitating effective partnerships to create capable and responsible citizens.

MISSION

To prepare youth to meet the challenges of childhood, adolescence and adulthood, through a coordinated, long-term, progressive series of educational experiences that enhance life skills and develop social, emotional, physical and cognitive competencies.

VALUES

Development of positive life skills.

Diversity among youth participants, families and Extension personnel.

Use of research-based information in creative, diverse, hands-on educational environments.

Optimizing each youth’s potential through unique partnerships with other youth, families, volunteers, Texas A&M University System personnel and community stakeholders.

Supporting county Extension faculty across Texas in enhancing the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Membership in 4-H and Youth Development reflects a continuum of life-long learning in subject matter, life skills development, leadership and recognition.

Membership in 4-H and Youth Development educational outreach is inclusive and representative of all segments of the Texas youth population.

Educational outreach is enhanced by a qualified, diverse and empowered volunteer base.

The curriculum development and management system evolves with the changing needs, concerns and interests of Texas youth.

Funding for 4-H and Youth Development programming is fortified by funding sources beyond the institutional allocations.

Stakeholders are able to identify and demonstrate advocacy for the positive impact of 4-H and Youth Development educational outreach.

All county, district and state-based Extension personnel demonstrate the knowledge, skills and commitment to achieve the mission, purpose and goals of the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program.

All programmatic functions are evaluated against the mission, purpose and goals of the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program.

Philosophy of 4-H and Youth Development Programming

The basic principles driving the 4-H program are:

1. Equal dignity and status for all youth. The 4-H program is open to all youth between the ages of 9 and 19, regardless of place of residence, sex, race, ethnic background, marital status, physical limitation or socioeconomic status. 4-H provides equal opportunities and personal development for all young people. A 4-H member is treated with dignity. He or she is encouraged to set goals and evaluate his or her own progress.

2. Primary focus on youth development. The development of the individual is more important than the success in project work or level or type of recognition. The development of the total child is emphasized -- thus the four “H’s”: Head for intellectual development, Heart for loyalty and patriotism, Hands for service, and Health for better living.

3. The club or group experience. In a democracy, individual conribution to group decisions and actions are fundamental. Learning knowledge, skills and attitudes for working cooperatively in groups and clubs at an early age is basic to successful citizenship and leadership.

4. Development of family involvement. 4-H is a “family affair” in which caring adults work together to help children with physical, emotional and social needs. Members select a 4-H project with the help of parents and supporting adults, then the adults advise, counsel and assist in planning, constructing and demonstrating the project or outcome. Club members and leaders often become extended family members providing mutual support.

5. Dignity and value of work. The 4-H program recognizes and rewards both the effort and the results, helping instill constructive values and attitudes in the minds of young people.

6. Ownership. Personal pride, satisfaction and incentives for growth and development result from individual involvement.

7. Learn by doing. 4-H members participate in projects that involve “hands-on” learning experiences designed to develop life skills.

8. Child-centered approach to education. The child-centered approach encourages a child’s natural curiosity, enthusiasm, inquisitiveness, energy and willingness to do the tasks at hand. Leaders and supporting adults should:
- Consider individual needs and desires of youth.
- Listen to what youth are saying.
- Try to see things as a child sees them.
- Provide a chance for members to be involved in doing something.
- Help youth decide what is reasonable.
- Make youth feel wanted and respected.

9. Volunteer driven programming. Trained adult volunteers and youth leaders selected by peers are vital to educational programs.

10. Career preparation. All educational experiences are designed to help youth prepare for their future. Youth are assisted with lifetime goals such as:
- Investigation or selection of a career.
- Preparation for a chosen career.
- Personal adjustments to life.
- Exploring avocations.
- Exploring educational objectives

11. Emphasis on service. 4-H emphasizes volunteerism and service to others and the community. By volunteering to help others, 4-H’ers learn more about themselves and their community.

12. Recognition. Recognition acknowledges and affirms personal growth in an individual. 4-H uses recognition as one strategy to acknowledge each person’s effort and to provide positive reinforcement for continued participating in learning activities. Five methods are used by 4-H based on the 4-H Recognition Model:

1. Recognition for participation emphasizes the importance of acknowledging young people who have been involved in 4-H educational experiences.
2. Recognition for progress toward self-set goals, even the smallest of steps, further motivates youth and adults.
3. Recognition for achievement of standards of excellence means measuring personal progress against standards, so that youth can gain insight into their own efforts and abilities.
4. Recognition for peer competition subjectively identifies, in a concrete time and place, the best team or individual.
5. Recognition for cooperation may take advantage of all the skills represented in the group, as well as the process by which the group approaches the learning task/goal.

13. Diversity. 4-H creates and maintains a program where all children feel welcome and inviting opportunities are available.