Goal 3, Volunteer Development and Systems to Support Youth: Logic Model and Communications Plan

1. Rationale Volunteers frequently encounter new challenges and opportunities as they attempt to understand how to work effectively with diverse youth and adults, such as: language, philosophy, religion, income, style, status, education, age, gender, ethnic heritage, race, mental and physical abilities, and sexual orientation. Because of the complexity of the program and varying degrees of volunteer management systems in place, all volunteers may not receive sufficient orientation and training to meet their needs and to effectively guide positive youth development using the experiential learning model. As a result, some methods, procedures and policies may appear inconsistent. By educating Florida 4-H volunteers, more diverse audiences will become interested and involved in the 4-H program. Consistency in volunteer management systems across the state, district and county levels will create safer and more nurturing environments for youth to flourish while maximizing resources. Volunteers need educational opportunities to create and model positive development in youth, volunteers and communities. Diversity education is an important element in the recruitment and retention of volunteers. The awareness and understanding of diversity will enable volunteers to more adequately meet the needs and interests of all 4-H youth and adults, including: language, philosophy, religion, income, style, status, education, age, gender, ethnic heritage, race, mental and physical abilities, and sexual orientation. Key project volunteers will enhance the knowledge base of statewide, project-specific education consistent with positive youth development and the experiential learning model. 4-H will work collaboratively with other community organizations to share research-based education, strengthen the land grant network and achieve the goals of positive youth development and healthy communities. Youth/adult partnerships, helping youth become engaged in community governance will increase the visibility of 4-H in communities, which will expand collaborations and resources. Youth and adult volunteers will be engaged in leadership development within the community. These youth/adult partnerships can serve as role models and their involvement can be a catalyst for others to participate in their communities. These partnerships will strengthen a community's capacity for positive youth development. Goal 3, Volunteer Development and Systems to Support Youth: Logic Model and Communications Plan Situation Statement During 2005, over 11,218 adult volunteers and 1,259 teen volunteers (16.6% and 19.9% respectively, represented minorities) shared their time, energy and talents in support of 4-H youth development programs in Florida (ES-237, 2005). These Florida 4-H volunteers are steadfast in creating supportive environments for diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential. Numerous partnerships are being created to maximize the collaborative potential of youth and adults within the 4-H organization at the state, district, county, club and community levels. There are a variety of youth-serving organizations, and many are competing for the same pool of volunteers and financial resources. Florida 4-H programs suffer from a continual reduction of funding and other resources.Currently there are opportunities for youth to apply volunteer skills, while working with adults in community service. There is even greater opportunity to promote and support in-depth civic engagement. To celebrate that community connection, 4-H groups need a mechanism to track these learning experiences.