Promote peer relationships and safety in 4-H clubs
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EmailHelp youth learn the Michigan 4-H Guiding Principles in their club by exploring the first two principles.
The Michigan 4-H Guiding Principles for Positive Youth Development are standards that should be used and understood by volunteers and members within the 4-H program to build a successful 4-H experience. 4-H leaders in clubs can help youth incorporate each principle into their club and individual project work. As a group, encourage members to establish why they want the principles to be part of the club’s goal for the 4-H year.
The seven guiding principles should be reviewed at least once a year and can be posted in large print at meetings. The Michigan 4-H Youth Development Program and Michigan State University Extension have a few suggestions on how to engage youth in considering how these principles are a part of their 4-H experience:
Begin with principle one: "Youth develop positive relationships with adults and peers."
Pull out the nouns from the principle: “youth,” “relationships,” “adults” and “peers.” Discuss what these terms mean to the group. Talk with the group about positive relationships. What do positive relationships look like? What do they feel like? What behaviors are you engaging in to create a positive relationship? Brainstorm as a group or encourage youth and volunteers to create their own lists and then share to see commonalities and arrive a full list. You can then develop a chart that the group may use to show effective practice of this principle. Gold stars can be placed on the chart at the end of the meeting to show the elements of effective practices when club members and volunteers are developing positive relationships. The club could agree on a celebration when they reach a milestone. For instance, if the club earns 50 gold stars, perhaps the club earns an ice cream party.
Then move on to guiding principle two: "Youth are physically and emotionally safe."
Young people and adults learn best in an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance. Discuss the terms “honesty,” “trust” and “respect.” Role play several situations that the leaders have written and prepared beforehand to demonstrate a safe and unsafe environment. Have youth brainstorm ways to keep themselves and others safe physically and emotionally. Each 4-H’er will bring different experiences and abilities to the group. By accepting the members at their developmental stages, the leader can help make 4-H a rewarding and fun experience.
Through the first two Michigan 4-H Guiding Principles, Michigan 4-H volunteers and members will develop positive relationships and keep youth are physically and emotionally safe in our programs.
To access supportive club management tools, visit the Michigan 4-H Club Development website. For additional volunteer training content, check out the MSU Extension Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar Series webpage.
Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. To find out how to get involved as a youth participant or an adult volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office.
