Focus Team: Organizational Strategies and Learning Environments to Support Youth Programs

The goal of organizational strategies and learning environments is to support youth programs through developing a structure that effectively manages staff and volunteers.

In an increasingly complex and competitive market for resources, it is important that youth programs be organized for efficient and effective delivery of the overall program. This includes managing financial and human resources, utilizing appropriate educational materials, creating opportunities for youth experiences, and communicating effectively with youth. Additionally, effective and efficient programs leverage resources and expertise with other youth organizations to maximize outcomes and community impacts.

This focus team has been tasked with the following responsibilities:

· Developing materials that will lead to improved delivery of 4-H programs

· Ensuring that the 4-H program demonstrates diversity

· Creating evaluation tools that will demonstrate quality and excellence of programs

· Developing publications and training to provide youth and volunteers with a safe and inclusive environment

· Creating marketing materials to provide awareness of opportunities and events

· Ensuring that 4-H faculty and staff are provided with training and publications to develop the competencies to manage and deliver youth development programs

Opportunities to be part of the team include membership on the overall focus team and one of the following action teams:

4-H Club Action Team - Develop materials/publications, evaluations, and plan and implement in-service training that will lead to improved club programming

4-H in the Classroom (School Enrichment) Action Team - Develop materials/publications, evaluations, and plan and implement in-service training that will lead to improved school based programming

Marketing 4-H Action Team - Create marketing materials to provide awareness of 4-H opportunities and events

Focus Team Members

Accomplishments

· Wrote all components of the content for the Organizational Strategies Focus Area for UNIFAS and revised annually

· Annually reviewed data and wrote accomplishments for the federal report

· Developed publications and conducted in-service training in the areas of diversity, club organization, school enrichment, risk management, and strategic planning

· Lobbied for revision of RSA position requirements

· Developed marketing materials to promote Florida 4-H

· Create Essential Elements for 4-H Youth Development Professionals (0-5 years & 6+ years)

· Developed opportunities/future direction for focus team and RSA’s

· Created actions teams for clubs, 4-H in the Classroom, and marketing and developed leadership structure

· Applied for grant to develop online system for Essential Elements for 4-H Youth Development Professionals (did not receive grant)

Future Tasks

· Develop and accomplish goals for Club, 4-H in the Classroom, and Marketing Action Teams

· Develop supplemental materials for the “Essential Elements for 4-H Youth Development Professionals”

· Create an assessment method for 4-H programs within county before new agent begins employment

· Compile a list of resources (publications) every 4-H Agent should have in their office and suggested timeline for reading

· Assist RSA’s in developing a standardized check list for working with new agents

· Offer in-service training including “Evaluating the Value of Youth Programs: Simple Tools and Tips for Success” and “Communicating 4-H Program Value: Telling a Story Out of a Number”

Parking Lot Issues

· Form Action Team for 4-H Afterschool

· Create a county information book for agents

· Develop checklists for mentor support, major events, and create timelines in existing events books

· Develop online system for Essential Elements for 4-H Youth Development Professionals

· Train DED’s on 4-H program advocacy (need consistent message for CED’s and other agents)

· Tenure and promotion preparation for 4-H Agents