Goal 3, Volunteer Development and Systems to Support Youth:
Logic Model and Communications Plan
Situation Statement
During 2005, over 11,218 adult volunteers and 1,259 teen volunteers (16.6% and 19.9% respectively,
represented minorities) shared their time, energy and talents in support of 4-H youth development programs
in Florida (ES-237, 2005). These Florida 4-H volunteers are steadfast in creating supportive environments
for diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential.
Numerous partnerships are being created to maximize the collaborative potential of youth and adults within
the 4-H organization at the state, district, county, club and community levels. There are a variety of youthserving organizations, and many are competing for the same pool of volunteers and financial resources.
Florida 4-H programs suffer from a continual reduction of funding and other resources.
Currently there are opportunities for youth to apply volunteer skills, while working with adults in community
service. There is even greater opportunity to promote and support in-depth civic engagement. To celebrate
that community connection, 4-H groups need a mechanism to track these learning experiences.
Target
& Primary
Audiences Audiences
Adults
Florida Residents
Families
Youth
County Government
Government and
Regulatory Agencies
Non-governmental
Organizations
Administrators of Social,
Human Resource and Income
Maintenance Programs
Topics
Key project volunteers will enhance the knowledge base of statewide, project-specific education consistent with positive youth development and the experiential
learning model. 4-H will work collaboratively with other community organizations to share research-based education, strengthen the land grant network and achieve
the goals of positive youth development and healthy communities. Youth/adult partnerships, helping youth become engaged in community governance will increase
the visibility of 4-H in communities, which will expand collaborations and resources.
Youth and adult volunteers will be engaged in leadership development within the community. These youth/adult partnerships can serve as role models and their
involvement can be a catalyst for others to participate in their communities. These partnerships will strengthen a community's capacity for positive youth
development.
& Subjects
KA 802. Human
Development
and Family WellBeing
Volunteer recruitment, development, and management
KA 805.
Community
Institutions,
Health, and
Social Services
Community and civic engagement.
Administrators of Education
Youth initiatives in non-formal science, engineering, and technology
Florida Based Nongovernmental Organizations
Sense of belonging/sense of safety
Non-Florida Based Nongovernmental Organizations
KA 806. Youth
Development
Outcomes & Indicators
Improved delivery of
Extension programs.
Youth policy.
County Faculty and Staff
UF\IFAS Faculty and
Staff
Rationale
Volunteers frequently encounter new challenges and opportunities as they attempt to understand how to work effectively with diverse youth and adults, such as:
language, philosophy, religion, income, style, status, education, age, gender, ethnic heritage, race, mental and physical abilities, and sexual orientation. Because of
the complexity of the program and varying degrees of volunteer management systems in place, all volunteers may not receive sufficient orientation and training to
meet their needs and to effectively guide positive youth development using the experiential learning model. As a result, some methods, procedures and policies may
appear inconsistent.
By educating Florida 4-H volunteers, more diverse audiences will become interested and involved in the 4-H program. Consistency in volunteer management
systems across the state, district and county levels will create safer and more nurturing environments for youth to flourish while maximizing resources. Volunteers
need educational opportunities to create and model positive development in youth, volunteers and communities. Diversity education is an important element in the
recruitment and retention of volunteers. The awareness and understanding of diversity will enable volunteers to more adequately meet the needs and interests of all
4-H youth and adults, including: language, philosophy, religion, income, style, status, education, age, gender, ethnic heritage, race, mental and physical abilities, and
sexual orientation.
Improved
procedures and
techniques to
increase
volunteerism
Leadership development and leadership opportunities for youth
State Faculty and Staff
Civic engagement (connecting youth to government and institutions)
Improved
procedures and
techniques. to
manage volunteers
The science of teaching, learning, and cognition
Technology transfer
KA 903.
Communication,
Education, and
Information
Delivery
Number of volunteers
Number of new volunteers
Number of volunteers retained
Number of volunteers selected and
screened
Literacy, communication, problem solving, and other life skills
Interaction and relationships with adults and peer groups
Number of program participants that are
satisfied with Extension’s services.
Number of volunteers identified and
recruited
Self confidence and self esteem
Administrators
Number of program participants that
indicate satisfaction with Extension’s
information
Number of volunteers oriented with
extension
Number of volunteers trained
Number of volunteers utilized
Techniques, procedures, and processes of education
Number of volunteers recognized for
accomplishments
Educational psychology and human motivation.
Number of volunteers evaluated
Curriculum design and educational instrumentation (applications of
technology and media in teaching and learning)
Communication and information systems and delivery, including
electronic networks and distance education
Improved practices
to deliver
educational
programs to youth
Number of volunteers that demonstrate
leadership/teamwork skills.
Number of volunteers using appropriate
curriculum
Number of volunteers with subject area
expertise
Impacts
Youth are physically and emotionally safe.
Youth develop and maintain positive relationships.
Youth develop a sense of belonging, in an inclusive
environment.
Youth develop personal competencies for self-reliance,
independence, and autonomy.
Youth grow and contribute as active citizens through
service and leadership.
Youth develop marketable, productive skills and
competencies for work and family life.