Discovering Wisconsin 4-H Values through the 4-H Movement

Abstract

Get excited as the Wisconsin 4-H Program presents the NEW Wisconsin 4-H Movement! This innovative program has had a huge impact on Wisconsin 4-H and continues to help define how Wisconsin 4-Hers live out, or can live out, the values of Wisconsin 4-H! This session will help you discover how your state can develop and share the values of your 4-H program! <br/><br/>The 4-H Movement helps bring together the 4-H mission and vision and describes the values and framework of the 4-H program highlighting the Essential Elements, the 4-H Thriving Model, Life skills and the 4-H Pledge. <br/><br/>Through the 4-H Movement, Wisconsin 4-H values: <br/>Being Yourself, Belonging Together, Building Connections, Discovering Skills, Exploring New Opportunities and Giving Back to Your Community.

Description

The poster session will inform participants about the WI 4-H Movement and how it has been implemented in Wisconsin. Participants will have the opportunity to see what was created in Wisconsin, how the Movement was implemented, how to access materials for future use and the results of the initiative. <br/><br/>Displayed information will include:<br/><br/>Purpose of the Wisconsin 4-H Movement: Learn why the 4-H Movement was created and the need it has addressed in Wisconsin. <br/><br/>The Development Process: Learn about each individual piece of the WI 4-H Movement, including the use of the National 4-H Color graphic standards and style guide. Discover the intentional efforts made to tie in a variety of youth development frameworks including the Essential Elements, 4-H Thriving Model, Life Skills Model and importantly the four H&#39;s (Head, Heart, Health, Hands). Review the action plan with timeline and ideas for implementation and replication on a local, and state level.<br/><br/>The”Look” of the Wisconsin 4-H Movement and Promotion Materials: Gain access to shared materials and resources with visual (real-life) examples of how these materials/resources have been used. Resources shared will include: access to editable documents, social media examples, bookmarks, giveaway examples, local examples, virtual backgrounds and more. Ready made and editable materials giving local, county, state, and even national audience members the opportunity to implement the values of the Wisconsin 4-H Movement into their work. <br/><br/>Examples of Teaching Events and Strategies will be Shared: A variety of statewide sessions have been presented to staff, volunteers and youth through virtual learning. Training session materials will be available for participants.<br/><br/>Evaluation Materials: Evaluation materials and resources will be shared to showcase the impact the movement has had with staff, youth and volunteers. <br/><br/>Future WI 4-H Movement Initiatives: Staff will share future plans for the WI 4-H Movement.

Poster Outcomes

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the WI 4-H Movement through the multiple stages of development, implementation, training sessions, marketing promotions and evaluation. Resources and materials will be available for participant use. <br/><br/>Viewers will learn:<br/><br/>The values of Wisconsin 4-H program including the development process of the 4-H Movement. <br/><br/>The meaning of the values of Wisconsin 4-H Movement and how they highlight a variety of youth development frameworks including the Essential Elements, 4-H Thriving Model, 4-H Pledge and Wisconsin 4-H Vision and Mission. <br/><br/>How the 4-H Movement has been rolled out through training sessions and activities for staff, youth and volunteers. <br/><br/>The importance of having 4-H program values and how to share those values with participants, volunteers, stakeholders and communities.<br/><br/>The resources available that can be used and replicated.

Implications For 4-H Youth Development

After promoting, presenting and sharing the Wisconsin 4-H Movement to over 750 4-H Educators, staff, 4-H members and volunteers, participants shared ways in which they intended to use the 4-H Movement in their work/clubs These included access to individualized promotional materials, promotion and outreach for new members and volunteers; and being able to share the exciting things happening in 4-H with others.<br/><br/>Through an activity 4-H members and volunteers shared examples of how they live out the WI 4-H movement:<br/><br/>Belonging Together: Club and group work for a common project; Youth voice in planning 4-H programs and events; Having welcoming activities for members <br/><br/>Building Connections: Facilitating icebreaker activities at club meetings/events; Collaborating with other community organizations<br/><br/>Being Yourself: Youth finding their voice through 4-H; Choosing what projects to explore based on individual interests<br/><br/>Exploring New Opportunities: Trying new projects; Participating in educational experiences such as camp and travel experiences; Being a club officer <br/><br/>Giving Back to Your Community: Building connections to community organizations through service learning; Youth serving in leadership roles to provide voice in planning community service activities<br/><br/>Discovering Skills: Youth finding their voice through youth leadership opportunities; Trying a new project area and continuing to learn and grow <br/><br/>4-H Staff have also appreciated and utilized the 4-H Movement materials: <br/>“We partnered with other counties to provide virtual conversations with volunteers to provide examples, showcase the tools and have the volunteers ask questions. The volunteers appreciated the materials and were excited to use them!” Fond du Lac County 4-H Program Educator<br/><br/>The 4-H Movement demonstrates how Wisconsin 4-Hers live out, or can live out, these values, providing the opportunity for members, volunteers, educators, and staff to share these values. This creates a clear picture of what 4-H gives back to youth and volunteers through positive youth development.

Presenters

Jennifer Swensen, UW Madison Division of Extension
 

Sara Walldron, UW Madison Division of Extension
 

Morgan Martinez, UW Madison Division of Extension
 

Evan Henthorne, UW Madison Division of Extension
 

Breanne Meyer, UW Madison Division of Extension