An unfortunate fact of life is that emergencies and disasters can and do occur. These events, which include earthquakes, wildfires, outbreaks of infectious disease, and more, can happen at any time and often do so with little or no warning. Not only do these events have the potential to affect every facet of life, but local emergency services can quickly become overwhelmed.

California alone has had no shortage of disasters. In 2022, the State experienced 7,490 wildfires, with 362,455 acres burned, 876 structures lost or damaged, and 9 fatalities (CalFire, 2022). Although the total amount of acres burned significantly dropped this past year, the 5-year average for acres burned rests at more than 2,300,000 (CalFire, 2022).  As 2022 drew to a close, the State was hit by the first of several atmospheric rivers, bringing severe winter storms, disastrous flooding, landslides, and mudslides.  This led President Biden to approve a major disaster declaration for California on January 14, 2023 (The White House, 2023).  At the time of press, there are two active disasters declared for the State, encompassing 43 of 58 counties (FEMA, 2023).

“Children represent a vulnerable group and are disproportionately impacted during times of disaster.”

While the impact of these tragedies can be felt by all walks of life, children represent a vulnerable group and are disproportionately impacted during times of disaster (Peek, 2008).  While there are many variables that influence the vulnerability of a particular child, as a whole “young people are less likely to understand the events affecting them, have less control and decision-making opportunities than adults, and often have less experience coping with highly stressful situations (SAMHSA, 2022).” Children are also more likely to experience trauma as a result of disaster because they are more likely to be severely injured and often lack knowledge of safety precautions (SAMHSA, 2022).

“The importance of equipping our youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters cannot be ignored.”

When confronted with such sobering information, one might be led to wonder what role, if any, might young people have when it comes to disaster preparedness and community resilience.  The answer is simple; a significant one.  With an estimated 22.4% of California's population falling under the age of 18, the importance of equipping our youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters cannot be ignored (US Census Bureau, 2022).  Development of these skills can lead to a number of benefits including increased resilience and decreased fear and anxiety (FEMA, 2023).   Furthermore, you people can become change agents and leaders within their families, schools, and communities – a time-tested approach rooted in the beginnings of 4-H and the Cooperative Extension System, when rural youth programs were used as a way to introduce new agricultural technologies to adults (UC ANR).  The method remains the same but instead of introducing agricultural technologies, today's young people can help introduce the concept of preparedness.  Prepared individuals build prepared communities, and a prepared community is a resilient community.

This begs the question of where to go from here.  Thankfully youth preparedness programs are gaining momentum and My Preparedness Initiative (MyPI) is one of them.  MyPI is a complete leadership and disaster preparedness curriculum aimed at teens aged 13-19.  Initially developed by the Mississippi State University Extension Service in 2013, MyPI has grown into a national program that reaches 27 states and 3 territories.  The program has three key components, which are outlined below. 

• Component A: Consists of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. 
• Component B: Consists of a full-featured add-on catalog, where participants can complete CPR/AED certifications, focus on specialty tracks in technology and career exploration, and participate in disaster simulations.
• Component C: Consists of the Prep+6 capstone project, where participants help develop emergency supply kits and emergency communication plans for their family and six additional families or households.

After an extended delay associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic, this innovative program is now slated for implementation in California this Summer, with an Instructor Certification and Training Workshop (ICTW) scheduled for August 2-4, 2023.  The location is still to be determined, but if you would like to know more about this program or would like to become an adult MyPI Instructor, please contact Nate Caeton at nwcaeton@ucanr.edu or complete the MyPI Interest Survey.

Youth preparedness programs like MyPI are positioned to play a vital role in developing young people while addressing the ever-pressing need for increased community resilience.  If there are no programs like this in your area, you are encouraged to help establish one.  And remember, as the leader of a youth preparedness program, you are doing much more than merely supporting local preparedness efforts.  You are cultivating the next generation of leaders – leaders who can navigate adversity, effect positive change, and contribute to their communities. 

The Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering with 4-H can be a rewarding experience that not only helps young people but also benefits the volunteers themselves. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), healthy living, leadership, and civic engagement are but some of the broad categories of hands-on learning experiences that 4-H provides under the umbrella of positive youth development.  Here are some of the benefits of volunteering with 4-H:

1. Making a Positive Impact

Volunteering with 4-H allows you to make a positive impact on young people's lives. By sharing your knowledge and skills, you can help youth develop new skills and interests. You can also serve as a role model and mentor, helping youth build confidence and self-esteem.

2. Developing New Skills

Volunteering with 4-H can help you develop new skills and knowledge. As a volunteer, you may have the opportunity to learn about new topics or gain experience in areas such as teaching, public speaking, and leadership. These skills can be valuable in your personal and professional life.

3. Building Networks

Volunteering with 4-H can help you build new networks and connections. You can meet other volunteers who share your interests and values, as well as connect with community leaders and professionals. These connections can help you build your personal and professional network.

4. Having Fun

Volunteering with 4-H can be a fun and rewarding experience. You can participate in hands-on activities, attend events and workshops, and interact with youth who are enthusiastic and eager to learn. You can also develop new friendships and enjoy the camaraderie of working with other volunteers.

5. Making a Difference in Your Community

Volunteering with 4-H allows you to make a difference in your community. By helping young people develop skills and knowledge, you can contribute to the well-being of your community and help create a brighter future for everyone.

6. Science Backs the Benefits of Volunteerism

1. According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, volunteering can enhance well-being and reduce symptoms of depression. [1]
2. A report from the Corporation for National and Community Service found that volunteering can improve job prospects and increase employability. [2]
3. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that volunteering can lead to a sense of purpose and meaning in life. [3]
4. According to a report from the National Conference on Citizenship, volunteering can promote social connectedness and increase civic engagement. [4]
5. A study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that volunteering can improve physical health and increase longevity. [5]

7. Examples of Volunteering in 4-H

1. Leader: As a leader volunteer, you can lead a 4-H project or activity in your area of expertise. This could involve teaching youth about animal husbandry, gardening, or robotics, for example. You would work with a group of youth on a regular basis, helping them develop skills and knowledge in your area of expertise. If you have a specific skill or interest, you can volunteer to lead a 4-H project. This could involve organizing a workshop or event, or providing guidance and support to youth as they work on a project. For example, if you are a skilled chef, you could lead a cooking project and teach youth how to cook their own meals.
2. Mentor: As a mentor, you can work one-on-one with youth to help them develop skills and interests. This could involve providing guidance and support as they work on a project or helping them develop leadership skills. You would work closely with a youth over a period of time, providing ongoing support and encouragement.
3. Judge or Evaluator: If you have expertise in a particular area, you can volunteer to serve as a judge or evaluator for 4-H events. This could involve judging a livestock show, evaluating a science fair project, or providing feedback on a public speaking contest. You would use your expertise to provide feedback and support to youth as they participate in 4-H events.
4. Event Volunteer: You can also volunteer to help at 4-H events. This could involve setting up and taking down equipment, helping with registration, or serving as a chaperone. You would work with other volunteers to ensure that events run smoothly, and that youth have a positive experience.

These are just a few examples of the many ways you can volunteer with 4-H. No matter what your skills or interests are, there is likely a way for you to get involved and make a difference in the lives of young people. Volunteering with 4-H can be a rewarding experience that offers many benefits. If you are interested in volunteering with 4-H, contact your local 4-H office to learn more about opportunities in your area.

Sources:

1. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2010-09305-015
2. https://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/resource-library/employment_impact_of_volunteering.pdf
3. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1359105317695852
4. https://www.ncoc.org/sites/default/files/NCOC%20Volunteering%20and%20Civic%20Life%20in%20America%20Report_0.pdf
5. https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/38/5/569/654051