Purdue Extension Mission
We deliver practical, research-based information that transforms lives and livelihoods.
Purdue Extension Vision
We will be a leader in providing relevant, high-impact educational programs that transform the lives and livelihoods of individuals and communities in Indiana and the world.
County Extension Board
Policy established by the director of Purdue Extension, based on the Clore Act of 1911, gives local Extension boards the responsibility to guide the local Extension program.
An Extension board's primary function is to assure that the mission of Extension is met in the local community. Hence, Extension boards review local needs, evaluate program achievements, participate in the employment process of salaried staff, and seek necessary funds from county councils.
Because taxpayer appropriations and private contributions support Purdue Extension, local people have the right to participate in and benefit from the Extension Service. County Extension boards and their related advisory groups help assure the usefulness of their county's Extension program and that there is local input and local access to it.
Organization of Indiana 4-H Youth Development
The 4-H Youth Development Program in each state is organized and administered by the land-grant university. In Indiana, Purdue University, through Purdue Extension, has that responsibility.
Indiana 4-H Mission
The Indiana 4-H Youth Development mission is to provide real-life educational opportunities that develop young people who will have a positive impact in their communities and the world.
Indiana 4-H Vision
Indiana 4-H Youth Development strives to be the premier, community-based program empowering young people to reach their full potential.
The Character and Design of 4-H
Positive
youth development education is the central focus of 4-H.
Subject
matter from the land-grant university system is used to enhance 4-H Youth Development.
4-H
is a nonformal education program emphasizing experiential learning, providing youth
with hands-on learning experiences and application to real-world situations.
Youth,
parents, and families work cooperatively to encourage learning in 4-H.
4-H
utilizes a variety of delivery methods,
including community clubs, project clubs, after school programming, school
enrichment, and camps.
4-H
Youth Development Programs are designed to meet significant community needs through input
from the local citizens involved.
Approved
adult volunteers work with staff to extend the program to youth throughout the
state.
Direct
interaction of youth and adults provide positive role models.
Rewarding
educational growth opportunities are provided on an ongoing basis.
Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development
The elements included in the table below are
ones that research has shown contribute to the positive development of youth.
We strive to include each of these elements in some way in each 4-H opportunity
provided to our youth.
Belonging
- Positive Relationship
with a caring adult
- An inclusive environment
- A safe environment
|
Mastery
- Engagement in Learning
- Opportunity for Mastery
|
Independence
- Opportunity to see
oneself as an active participant in the future
- Opportunity for
self-determination
|
Generosity
- Opportunity to value and
practice service for others
|
4-H Youth Development Councils
The 4-H Youth Development Program is designed to assist in carrying out
the mission of the Extension Service. In carrying out that mission, the program
vision is always evolving, and that vision must be
shared at the local, state, and national levels. The Indiana 4-H Youth Development Program established the
following goals that will guide and create the reality of that vision.
Goals of Indiana 4-H
To
use the subject matter of Purdue University
and the land-grant system to teach young people the life skills that are necessary to function effectively in the
rapidly changing world.
To
disseminate the knowledge and expertise of the land-grant university
to willing adults who function as
teachers, leaders, and role models for young people in communities across
Indiana.
To
educate 4-H adult and youth participants
through practical, hands-on methods (experiential education).
To
be recognized as the state's highest
quality community-based, nonformal educational program for youth.
To
foster maximum youth participation in
planning, conducting, and evaluating 4-H educational programs.
To
identify priority youth development issues within the context of
Purdue Extension's efforts and to
develop educational programs consistent with the 4-H mission and goals to
address these issues.
To
significantly increase private support
to 4-H at all levels of the program.
Source: A Vision for 4-H: Purpose, Mission, and Goals, 1989
Through 4-H Programs, Youth...
Set and
achieve goals
Develop
life skills such as, leadership, responsibility & community service, public
speaking, and many others
Gain
experiences in the National 4-H Mission Areas of Science, Healthy Living, and
Citizenship
Are
involved in the planning process
Serve as
officers and committee members
Receive
recognition for efforts & accomplishments
It is by working together that 4-H Youth Development Councils, salaried
county Extension professionals, volunteers, state Extension specialists, national program leaders, and 4-H Foundations will create and accomplish a healthy, viable,
relevant, and meaningful 4-H Youth Development Program. It is important
that each of these groups accurately and
carefully assess the needs of people at the local level, use the resources and information
available from the land-grant system, and systematically design local programs
directly related to issues. The vision, consistent with the mission, will lead
to making individuals, families, and
communities better places to live and work.
Each Indiana county will have an established, functioning group such as
the 4-H Youth Development Council to advise and
support the overall 4-H Youth Development
Program. The Council will ensure that the 4-H Youth Development Program
continues to evolve in ways that meet
the current needs of the people in communities throughout Indiana.
4-H Youth Development Councils may be incorporated with the Indiana Secretary of State. 4-H Youth Development Councils may receive both public and private money to support the operating expenses of the 4-H Youth Development Program. The 4-H Youth Development Council members have the responsibiltiy of advising, planning, and implementing an educational program in their community. They have been empowered and positioned to help carry out a public trust. A recommended role description for a 4-H Youth Development Council member can be found here.