Professional Research & Knowledge Taxonomy | 4-H Youth Development Program

Equity, Access and Opportunity
Ensuring that each young person has a chance to succeed

Understand my own cultural/social identity and communication styles and how they impact relationship building
Aware of and open to youth and volunteers who are diverse
Understand differing cultural values, norms, practices and traditions and how those impact potential programming
Value and incorporate multiple perspectives without prejudging individuals
Understand the historical impact of power and privilege and develop then apply program polices to promote and support diversity
Use non-defensive language and cross-cultural communication skills to prevent/minimize conflict in a cross- cultural setting
Apply active listening techniques in accordance with cultural context
Develop and conduct community needs assessments to gain meaningful input from diverse audiences
Apply program design strategies appropriate for the intended audience(s)
Recruits, supports and retains diverse volunteers and advisory committee members
Develop meaningful, constructive relationships with local, grassroots organizations and informal community-based groups to expand outreach to diverse audiences

Youth Program Development
Creating experiences for young people

Develop an effective advisory council
Use existing data sources to identify program opportunities
Obtain citizen perspectives through community forums, focus groups, interviews, or surveys
Set program priorities
Lead a committee or design team through the process of developing a local program
Use a logic model to represent how a program operates
Utilize knowledge of youth development and the learning process to create high quality learning experiences for young people
Teach effectively using basic principles of instruction
Design effective evaluations
Utilize quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodology
Analyze and interpret evaluation data

Volunteerism
Preparing volunteers to make a real difference

Develop and apply personal and organizational philosophies of volunteerism
Apply societal changes to volunteer administration strategies
Advocate for the benefits of volunteerism through education and change management processes
Create and support a positive organizational environment through effective volunteer staffing models
Develop and conduct organizational and community needs assessments relative to volunteer engagement
Identify potential volunteer positions within the organization and develop
or utilize existing written position descriptions in a comprehensive recruitment process
Implement appropriate selection strategies to engage potential volunteers for available position(s)
Develop and conduct new volunteer orientation programs and ongoing educational programs for volunteers
Develop and conduct ongoing educational programs for volunteers based on identified needs and organizational requirements
Recognize volunteers through appropriate intrinsic and extrinsic methods or strategies
Develop and conduct impact assessment of volunteer efforts and communicate to stakeholders

Partnerships
Uniting young people and adults for stronger communities

Assess the readiness of youth and adults to work together
Create environments which foster positive youth-adult interactions
Facilitate youth involvement on 4-H boards and committees
Understand and apply various models for youth action (organizing, advocacy, leadership, governance, and service learning)
Understand and apply principles of community youth development
Establish and maintain effective professional networks
Assess readiness for community alliances
Create and manage appropriate community alliances
Develop and conduct a community analysis
Apply community development tools and processes
Facilitate workforce development through 4-H youth development

Youth Development
Understanding how young people learn and grow

Understand and apply how youth grow physically and how these changes influence youth development programming
Understand and apply how youth grow cognitively and how these changes influence youth development programming
Understand and apply how youth grow socially and emotionally and how these changes influence youth development programming
Understand and apply the intentional process that promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing support, relationships, and opportunities
Understand and apply a model that demonstrates how multiple contexts have influence over the growth and development of youth
Understand and apply the theory that all youth are affected by risk and
protective factors and how programming can maximize protective factors and minimize risk factors
Understand and create positive relationships with youth, families and community partners
Set up environments and programs to promote positive behavior while implementing strategies to deal with negative behaviors in appropriate ways
Demonstrate understanding of conflict management and resolution
Articulate and develop programs that allow youth the opportunity to practice life skills

Organizational Systems
Connecting people and priorities for the greatest impact

Understand the Cooperative Extension Service/4-H history and mission
Establish effective program governance and management structures (i.e. committees, boards, policies, etc.) in accordance with organization policy and procedures
Establish priorities and manage time, priorities, and resources effectively
Apply strategies to balance work/life issues in a healthy manner
Demonstrate effective and diverse interpersonal communication skills and strategies
Develop and manage budgets in accordance with organization/university policy and procedures
Secure and manage financial/human resources to support youth development programs in accordance with organization/university policy and procedures
Plan for and manage safe, inclusive program environments for all persons
Apply ethical standards of the profession
Apply strategies to enhance the profession through the integration of research practice
Advocate for positive youth development in all aspects and levels of work

Click Here for a complete copy of the 4-H Professional Research & Knowledge Competencies (2004)