Critical Elements of Positive Youth Development

Research and experience have identified the critical elements necessary in 4-H club programs in order for youth to experience positive growth and development.  In 1999, a group of 4-H professionals were tasked with identifying from the research the essential elements of a positive group experience that could be used as a foundation for assessing program quality.   Chaired by Dr. Steven Carlson of Minnesota, the group identified these elements of a high quality youth environment--

1.  A relationship with a caring adult

2.  A safe environment--physically, emotionally and pyschologically

3.  An inclusive environment to experience a sense of belonging

4.  Opportunities for mastery

5.  Engagement in learning.

6.  Opportunities for self-determination

7.  Opportunities to see oneself as an active participant in the future--sense of hope

8.  Opportunities to value and practice community service.

Since then, these elements have not only stood the test of time, but other efforts (notably Community Programs that Promote Youth Development by Eccles & Gootman, 2001) have identified nearly the same list of critical elements, with only minor variations.

These 8 elements have since been further distilled into 4 critical elements--Belonging, Independence, Generosity and Mastery--or what some call by the acronym "BIG M."  What all this suggests as the core is that every person needs to experience Purpose and Meaning in their lives to develop along a positive trajectory.

Native Americans have understood this for a much longer time.  In fact, they have articulated these same concepts in medicine wheels and other ways that are much older than these research efforts.  In Reclaiming Youth at Risk by Bendtro, Brokenleg and Van Bockern (1990), the same concepts of Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity were identified in their Native model of holistic human development.

Recently, my own education by Navajo nation Extension professionals has helped me understand the close connection between the values of 4-H and the values inherent in Navajo culture.  Together we developed a diagram to incorporate these two value systems. I have shared this model with you below.  Click on this link to view it as a Word document.