POVS | Youth with Roots

4-H Public Outcomes Visual Series

Way-too-long Introduction

In his landmark book, Sinek (2009) implores leaders to ‘start with why.’ Why does 4-H exist? Do we exist to give youth something to stay busy? Keep them out of trouble? Yes, that was the 4-H approach for decades and we label that the era of 'youth development.' Over the past twenty years or so, practices improved as the science of human development evolved. 4-H is now in the era of positive youth development (PYD). In addition to keeping youth out of trouble, this new era helps youth develop lasting, beneficial outcomes.

Curiously as a publicly-funded organization, 4-H traditionally overemphasizes individual youth outcomes at the expense of public outcomes. We have compelling individual stories to tell, but find it difficult to capture a cohesive narrative when describing impact to public officials. We struggle to match theory to practice.

The 4-H program has long struggled to connect youth development theory to 4-H practice. Early theoretical models such as Experiential Learning (Pfeiffer and Jones, 1983), 5C (Lerner, 2005), and Essential Elements (Ivey and Mehlberg, 2006) were valuable contributions to the field, but together suffered from four missing elements:

research-based validity
comprehensive/holistic approach
focus too much on individual outcomes
user-friendly language

Recently, Arnold (2018) generated a significant leap forward with the 4-H Thriving Model--a comprehensive PYD model grounded in research. Though a major contribution to the field, two minor weaknesses remain:

missing a clear commitment to and definition of public outcomes
model's language remains too complex for many 4-H volunteers

Building on the strengths of these existing models, South Dakota 4-H recently commissioned the 4-H Public Outcomes Visual Series (POVS). This infographic series answers two main questions: “what are we trying to accomplish in 4-H?” and “how do we accomplish it?” The POVS uses the pleasant imagery of building a campfire to match PYD theory to practice.

This series benefits 4-H professionals and volunteers in the following circumstances:

Those serving audiences who prefer less academic language.
Those serving locations where community leaders are tired of the out-migration of local youth.
Those looking for a ready-to-go method for training new and experienced supporters about the process of ‘doing 4-H.’
Those who see the acronym PYD and struggle to articulate what this (relatively) new era really means for 4-H.

APA citation for those referencing the series:

Tanner, T.D. (2021). 4-H public outcomes visual series (POVS). Alliance for Place-based Education. www.youthwithroots.org/povs

Step #1: The Spark

I know, I know, the Intro was too many words for an infographic series! Fear not, the rest will fly. With the good foundation the Intro laid underfoot, you are now ready to consider each step. These little bits of text will break up the visuals and aid your transitions. We begin with a spark--the initial relationship or project area that compels a youth to try 4-H...

Step #2: Just Add Wood

Great, the youth is motivated and ready to go. Now what? Slow down! Don't rush them into perfection or ask them to specialize right away. Nurture that initial spark with a variety of kindling for a few years...

Step #3: The Fire Refines

The youth has enjoyed the 4-H program for a few years. Those initial sparks have grown into a well tended fire. Now it is time for something more. Does the youth need additional mentors or new project types? Perhaps they are ready to try a safe leadership opportunity? Over several years, the fire grows more refined...

Step #4: Fires Need Good Air

Caring staff and volunteers--as well as more experienced youth--help the fire grow by providing timely oxygen. Too much too soon and the fire is smothered. Too little too late and the fire goes out. Too much adult influence (i.e., carbon dioxide) and the fire is weakened.

With listening ears and occasional nudges, these relationships breathe life into the youth's 4-H experience. Though youth care about their 4-H projects and interests, it is these relationships that sustain...

Step #5: Individual Results Start to Show

After several years of burning--with natural ebbs and flows of course--the fire begins to put off heat...

Step #6: The Community Benefits

When youth reach their 'eternal flame' stage, they put off so much good heat that it has to go somewhere! Like a heat turbine fueling an electric power system, graduating youth benefit the community in several key outcome areas...

Putting it all together...

Youth begin with an initial interest. Through key, early supports that interest steadily grows. Over a period of years the interests change and depth is added. New mentors and challenges continue feeding the 4-H experience. Eventually, the well-rounded youth is an 'eternal flame' that benefits herself and her community...