Source: Rachel Noble, extension specialist

4-H programs promote positive youth development. To help our young people become successful young adults, we use the essential elements of youth development: belonging, independence, generosity and mastery. Together, these elements are known by the acronym Big M. Here is a little more about each of these elements and how we use them to build character in Kentucky’s young people.

Belonging- This element lets youth know that someone cares for them, and creates a safe, inclusive environment conducive to learning. Throughout their 4-H career, young people have the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by caring, adult leaders. Many of these leaders turn into valued mentors for our youth, providing them with advice and counsel inside and outside of 4-H. These adult volunteers promote an inclusive environment by making sure that everyone is included in activities and club meetings. They teach young people how to use teamwork to solve problems and make sure everyone has a voice and their opinions are heard.

Independence- 4-H fosters an environment that allows young people to learn how to think on their own. As young people work through projects, sometimes problems arise, and they must figure out how to solve them. As they complete projects, youth have time to reflect. During this time, they use their critical thinking skills to evaluate and analyze their experience. In the process, they learn how to become independent thinkers. All of these skills equip them with the confidence they need to become decision makers and leaders in their community as adults.

Generosity- Throughout their 4-H career, young people are encouraged to think about ways to make their community a better place and then take steps in their community to implement change. As a result, many of our clubs and statewide conferences include a service learning component.  By giving back and making a positive change in their neighbors’ lives, youth come away with a sense of purpose and greater meaning to their lives.

Mastery- 4-H’ers can learn about many different things that interest them and complete many different kinds of projects. We offer a wide range of activities because we want young people to participate in things that they enjoy.  We also want youth to gain confidence and a sense of pride in a job well done and develop their own definition of what it means to be accomplished.

For more information on ways we work Big M into 4-H programming, contact the (COUNTY NAME) Extension office.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

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4-H