How can including youth voice in your evaluation practices improve your program? Listen to this podcast as Betsy shares three strategies that ensure youth have a voice in programs and she provides examples of how to utilize their input as an evaluation tool.

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Jessica and Kari have a conversation about listening to each other and finding harmony instead of intolerance.  Jessica shares her experience with utilizing storytelling as a technique to encourage youth to develop empathy and understanding.

Read Jessica's blog post at:  http://blog-youth-development-insight.extension.umn.edu/2017/11/the-power-of-storytelling-to-foster.html

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Cohorts are structured environments in which individuals experience growth and development supported and challenged by the group.   Amber defines and discusses the value of in-person, adult learning environments that take the "front yard" approach, and explains why its a beneficial model for cultivating community in professional development.

Read the Blog

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Meaningful STEM informal learning programs for youth involve balancing scientific authenticity and positive youth engagement.  Citizen science is an approach that involves scientists (professionals in the community) who engage youth in scientific research.  Becky shares research, her experience and examples of how youth can be meaningful and authentic contributors to citizen science and develop their science identities.  www.extension.umn.edu/youth

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LGBT youth living in rural areas have very few safe spaces for real interaction and self-identification. This makes their journey through sexual identification and "coming out" to family, friends and community more difficult.  In this podcast, Joe shares research on rural LGBT youth and their involvement in a GSA (Genders and Sexualities Alliance), clips from interviews he has conducted with young people, and suggestions for rural communities to provide safe spaces in their youth programs and schools.

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November 15, 2017

A follow up to episode 4 and recorded live at the NAE4-HA Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana! Becky and Karyn share five recommendations on how youth programs can increase and improve volunteer impact from work they've done with GOT-VIVA (Growing 4-H Opportunities Together: Volunteers in Vision and Action).

October 2017

It's National 4-H Week and we are celebrating in Minnesota! Listen to this podcast as 4-H'ers from Hubbard County, Minnesota share why they love 4-H and the experiences that have helped them develop leadership skills.

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August 31, 2017

What is a scientist? What do they look like? Answer: Me!  In this podcast, Anne Stevenson describes the curriculum "Be a Scientist! Materials in a Green, Clean World" that actively engages K-2nd grade children in learning about material properties, plastics, sustainability and the work of scientists and engineers. Listen to Anne describe the partnership that led to the development of this FREE curriculum and share examples of how children develop curiosity through the activities.

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Summer 2017

This podcast continues our "fair" theme from Episode 15, but this time 4-H Staff highlight YOUTH experience as it relates to their shining star moments. Listen as Katie Becker, Melissa Persing, Lisa Bauer, Kelsey Wolf and Rebecca Rasmussen share stories about youth voice, leadership, teamwork, and growth through 4-H Fair experiences.

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Summer 2017

It's summer in Minnesota and that means our 4-H program is showcasing young people in county fairs all over the state and will soon be at the Minnesota State Fair. With every great event that is rich in tradition and memories, there are always great STORIES that follow. Sometimes these events and experiences end up being unexpected and funny! Minnesota 4-H staff Becky Harrington, Courtney Johnson, Brian McNeil and Rebecca Rasmussen share their stories. 

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