Programming with youth during the pandemic required us to creatively think OUTSIDE the box and find solutions for how we continue to connect with youth through distance learning options.  Now that we are returning to a more “normal” programming environment… how do we capture what we have learned and continue to use what works? Samantha Lahman and Joe Rand share a program that was created as an in-person event, had to pivot due the pandemic and change to a program INSIDE a box that was delivered to the young person's home.  They share ways youth programs can utilize this "in the box ..read more

Even with the best intentions… Youth programming isn't always successful… how do you evaluate those challenges and turn a failure into success? Listen to Extension educator, Nicole Kudrle, and two youth leaders, Maggie and Ryan, who turned an unsucessful youth event into an opportunity to reflect through a process that led to a new (and successful) version of the event. Read the Blog Read the Transscript ..read more

Learn about a virtual program that was created to teach youth about American Sign Language (ASL).  Educators Mindy Grant,  Bri Fisher, Jenny Cable share how they utilized statewide partnerships and local community members to access the expertise and experience needed to guide youth learning around ASL.  Youth voice was incorporated into a safe space to ask questions in order to have opportunities for deeper learning and greater understanding of ASL and the deaf community ..read more

How can young people learn how to be better allies for their LGBTQ+ peers and ensure safe places for everyone to participate in youth programs? In this podcast, Joe Rand, Extension educator & Director of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility, Dianna Kennedy, Extension educator and two 4-H State Ambassadors, Victoria and Rachel discuss a youth-led initiative that created a program, called "Let’s talk about Gender Identity” for youth to learn how to be better allies.  Although the program was delivered to 4-H members online, ways to implement the program in other youth setti ..read more

Over the last couple years youth workers have been forced into change and moved into situations where they had to be innovators… How can those experiences be utilized to continue in the mode of being changemakers? Becky Meyer (Center for Youth Development), Nate Meyer (Program Leader, Center for AFNR, and Mary Jo Katras (Program Leader, Center for Family Development) discuss how to capture the youth program innovation we’ve experienced and utilize a model to help practice empathy, be creative and strive for elegance. Link to Extension Program Innovation Website Link to Episode 38:  Innova ..read more

Youth can be effective in designing and implementing youth programs with adult guidance!  Karen Beranek and Jan Derdowski discuss the foundational research and models supporting authentic youth/adult partnerships while sharing real stories that bring this concept to life. Read the Transcript  ..read more

Jacquie Lonning and Amber Shanahan, Extension educators discuss the purpose and application of the 4-H Leadership Tree Model to provide leadership pathways for youth.  This model broadens the definition of leadership development as a process, rather than a position, that provides an environment for youth to nurture and grow their skills. Read the Blog Read the Transcript ..read more

This podcast explores the journey to leadership through the youth perspective as we hear stories from two MN 4-H State Ambassadors.  They also discuss the important role adults played in helping them discover and develop leadership skills.   Learn ways to participate in MN 4-H Listen to the Clover Chat Podcast created by the MN 4-H State Ambassors Read the transcript ..read more

How can we intentionally create inclusive and impactful outdoor learning experiences for youth?  Nicole Pokorney and Kristina Abbas share eight key components for developing inclusive, transformative outdoor learning experiences for youth, along with a few tips from their experience for program staff wanting to implement these ideas. Participate in 4-H Choose Your Outdoor Adventure Explore 4-H Outdoor Adventure Projects Read the Transcript ..read more

You evaluate your program by gathering input from the youth participants, parents/guardians and volunteer, but so many of us youth workers say to ourselves... I work with kids - not data!  Sam Grant, Evaluation Specialist, discusses three ideas youth workers can use to present and share numbers from evaluation data in more understandable (and fun!) ways. Read the Blog Sam's Evaluation Resources Webpage Read the Transcript ..read more