The 4-H Professional Research and Knowledge Base (PRK) model identifies leadership development is an important element of youth development. Youth development is the "reason for being" of the Ohio 4-H Program. Both the Ohio 4-H mission statement (to enable youth to reach their fullest potential as capable, competent, caring, and contributing citizens), and the 4-H Pledge (which highlights the development of young people's heads, hearts, hands, and health) illustrate the fact that four-fold youth development is the central focus of Ohio 4-H.
4-H youth development includes: | Source |
|---|---|
| I. Cognitive Development including | (4-H PRK Base) |
| a. Development of the Head for clearer thinking... | (4-H Pledge) |
| b. Development of competent citizens... | (4-H Mission) |
| II. Emotional Development including | (4-H PRK Base) |
| a. Development of the Heart for greater loyalty... | (4-H Pledge) |
| b. Development of caring citizens... | (4-H Mission) |
| III. Social Development including | (4-H PRK Base) |
| a. Development of Hands for larger service... | (4-H Pledge) |
| b. Development of contributing citizens... | (4-H Mission) |
| IV Physical Development including | (4-H PRK Base) |
| a. Development of Health for better living... | (4-H Pledge) |
| b. Development of capable citizens... | (4-H Mission) |
| V. For | |
| a. The betterment of clubs, communities, the country, and the world. | (4-H Pledge) |
| b. Changing and improving our diverse society | (4-H Mission) |
| c. Strengthening family relationships, solving issues and problems, and developing life roles | (Extension Mission) |
All Ohio 4-H programs, including 4-H leadership development programs, should incorporate this four-fold development of youth as an integral part of their design and implementation. It is the responsibility of every 4-H professional and volunteer to make sure this happens in the programs for which they are responsible.
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868