Abstract
Many youth-serving organizations across the nation have made commitments to enhance their ability to better engage diverse communities with equity and inclusion at the fore. For many youth programs, there is a need to better align youth, adult leaders, and curriculum with the diverse needs and social conditions of the country. In their article, Professors Arnold and Gagnon describe the most recent iteration of a theory of change for 4-H, a national youth-serving organization that offers a variety of PYD programs. 4‑H recognizes the critical need to reach the most marginalized communities, yet the opportunity gap that exists in its programming cannot be fully addressed if an equity lens is not applied to the systematic analysis and delivery of programs. In this commentary, I critique the 4-H Thriving Model through an equity lens and, in doing so, explain the key terms and theories necessary for stakeholders to understand in order to promote equity in the youth sector.
Highlights
Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs across the nation are making commitments to enhance their ability to better engage diverse communities with equity and inclusion at the fore
To achieve the intended outcomes of PYD, programmatic efforts must be inclusive of culturally relevant pedagogy and critical experiential practices (Erbstein, 2013; Ladson-Billings, 2000; Perry et al, 2003).Youth development programs can serve as a mechanism to combat the social injustices that exist within communities (Fields & Nathaniel, 2015)
Fields et al (2018) have slightly adapted this social justice youth development framework for 4-H youth development. These principles and practices should be considered when developing youth development programs as they lead to social justice outcomes that engage youth in empowerment and problem solving
Summary
Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs across the nation are making commitments to enhance their ability to better engage diverse communities with equity and inclusion at the fore. In order for 4-H and other PYD programs to play a role in closing the opportunity The 4-H Thriving Model Through an Equity Lens gap, it will require national, state, and local stakeholders to systematically analyze and deliver programs through an equity lens. This commentary will explore (a) key terms and definitions related to equity, (b) critical theories and pedagogies that influence equity, and (c) the 4-H Thriving Model through an equity lens
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
