The Louisiana 4-H Youth Development program will be viewed in communities statewide as an invaluable and essential source of non-formal education. Salaried and volunteer staff will be recognized for their expertise in creating dynamic and interactive learning experiences, in actively organizing communities to focus and deal effectively with local youth issues, and in creating opportunities for youth to apply what they learn in the classroom by providing service in their communities.
The primary means of delivering 4-H educational programs is through school clubs and school-sponsored after-school programs. Additional delivery methods used include community and project clubs, school enrichment programming and short-term special interest groups from these clubs. The project groups meet once or twice between school club meetings to focus on project work.
Each parish has a volunteer program management system in place. Volunteers work in partnership with salaried staff to enhance the quality of the parish program. Volunteers recruit, orient, train and support other volunteers. Volunteers organize and conduct educational programs, events and activities.
Agents coordinate parish programming. They are viewed as youth development experts and advocates in their communities. School systems view 4-H as an essential partner in educating youth.
The 4-H Youth Development program is diverse, experiential and youth-focused. Competitive programs are available for youth who enjoy competition. Cooperative educational programs are available for youth who respond best to working with others. Teens in the program are encouraged to develop their leadership skills and become involved in providing service to their communities. The volunteer and community service ethic is instilled in 4-H members beginning with their first year of involvement.
Teens are both members and volunteers. They are encouraged to develop knowledge and skills to share with the younger members. High expectations are placed on members, with adult coaches encouraging and supporting them. Substantial recreational activities are planned and conducted, including exchanges with other parishes and states, educational trips and other social activities. 4-H is viewed as one of the most popular activities in schools across the state. Youth report that 4-H is challenging, interesting, demanding and, most of all, fun.