- Author: Marianne Bird
My favorite part of our Sacramento 4-H volunteer orientation comes when we introduce the 4-H Thriving Model (Arnold, 2018). “Think back to when you were a child or a teenager,” we ask. “Other than your parents, was there an adult—a coach, a teacher, a neighbor—who was special? What made them so?” As participants take a moment to remember, to share with a partner then perhaps with the larger group about this individual, the conversation deepens.
“I had a teacher who nominated me for an honor. She saw something in me that I didn't see in myself.”
“Every night at bedtime my camp counselor would spend a few minutes asking questions and just listening about our day. I bonded with them and our cabin group bonded with each other.”
“My high school economics teacher pushed me in a subject area completely new to me, and it was a turning point in how I engaged in learning.”
As I listen to these stories, I can't emphasize enough how important relationships with caring adults are in youth development work. In the 4-H Thriving Model, relationships are characterized as part of the “soil”—the foundational element—critical to a young person's (and I'd argue, anyone's) growth. Nutrient-rich soil grows strong plants. Or, as the metaphor goes, positive, caring adults develop healthy, capable youth.
What are the qualities of a caring adult? To cultivate strong relationships, consider the following.
- Express Care:What things can you do to help a young person feel special and important to you? Do you know not only their name, but a bit about who they are, what they enjoy, perhaps what they find difficult? Do you celebrate their successes?
- Challenge Growth: How do you engage youth in learning? How do you encourage goal setting and practice? Do you build in time for youth to reflect not just in their project, but on their leadership, teamwork, and responsibilities?
- Provide Support: What do the youth you work with need from you? Encouragement? Check-ins? Coaching? Have you asked them how you can best support their efforts?
- Share Power: How well do you build your program with young people, not just for young people? Do they share their thoughts with you? Do they assume leadership roles? How might you listen better to incorporate their ideas into your project?
- Expand Possibilities: What can you do to help youth see and connect with a bigger future? Might you bring in speakers or plan for field trips to explore education or career possibilities? For older youth, are there doors you might open or connections you might facilitate?
There is no greater compliment than when an adult looks back and says, “You made a difference in my life.” Each one of us is in a position to be that special person. What a gift.
Arnold, M. E. (2018). From context to outcomes: A thriving model for 4-H youth development programs. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 6 (1), 141-160.
- Author: Mark E Lundy
2024 UC Davis Small Grains and Alfalfa Field Day
May 9th, 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Supported by the California Crop Improvement Association (CCIA)
REGISTER HERE (no charge for event)
Department of Plant Sciences Field Facility, UC Davis
(2400 Hutchison Dr, Davis CA 38.5390, -121.7800)
Continuing Education Units (CEUs):
3.0 CCA (1.5 Crop Management; 1 Soil & Water Management; 0.5 Nutrient Management)
1.5 CDFA INMP (1 Irrigation Management; 0.5 Nitrogen Management)
UCDavis 2024 SmallGrains Alfalfa Agenda
- Author: Denise Godbout-Avant
Water Is a Precious Resource
Earth is known as the “Blue Planet” since from space one can see it is about 71% covered with water. However, about 99% of that water is either ocean salt water or saline water. Less than 1% is freshwater and much of that freshwater is trapped in glaciers or underground where it is inaccessible. About 50% of the available freshwater stays in rivers for nature. The other half of the 1% freshwater is for human consumption.
To put all those numbers in perspective*, imagine a five-gallon bucket of water. Of that five-gallon, only ONE DROP is freshwater that is available for human use and most of that goes to agriculture to put food on our tables, which does not leave much for our homes and gardens!
California is no stranger to drought. It is a recurring feature of our Mediterranean climate but due to climate change drought is expected to happen more frequently and with longer, more extreme. Which will lead to years when we have even less available freshwater. So, we must learn to incorporate water sustainability into our everyday lives.
Learn About Water Sustainability in Our Gardens
During the month of May, the Stanislaus County UC Master Gardeners will be giving talks on Waterwise Landscaping at county libraries. Some ways to conserve water include changing from sprinklers to drip irrigation, reducing lawns, and using the right plant in the right place. Even small changes can lead to meaningful water savings. Master Gardeners will be discussing these methods, as well as how soil types determine how much water to apply, the value of mulching, how to reduce water runoff, hydrozones, and suggestions for attractive waterwise plants that grow well in our area.
With water being such a precious resource, we must make the most of every drop. We hope to see you at a local library for one of our classes. Come and learn water conservation methods you can incorporate in your garden.
*visit our YouTube Channel to watch a hands on demonstration of Denise explaining how much fresh water exists on our planet. Teachers, the video is 2 1/2 minutes long, so feel free to use in your classrooms!
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