Abstract
Results of a study aimed at determining the factors affecting the level of inclusiveness of youth voice in the decision-making process of the 4-H youth development program are discussed in this paper. State and field level 4-H professionals identified potential factors which affect youth voice in the decision-making process. The information gathered was utilized to identify the degree to which youth voice was incorporated in the decision-making process, to better understand how to suit youth’s needs, identify promising practices, and diagnose barriers towards fostering youth voice within the 4-H youth development program. This feature article presents the findings of the study, and discusses potential ramifications and remedies.
Highlights
Findings from a study aimed at determining the factors affecting the level of inclusiveness of youth voice in the decision-making process in the 4-H youth development program are presented in this article
The objective was to determine the perceptions of State 4-H Program Leaders, State 4-H Youth Development Specialists, and 4-H Youth Agents/Educators throughout the United States regarding their views on the factors affecting youth voice in the decision-making process
Both youths’ and adults’ awareness of the 4-H program’s policies, the level in which the organization accepts youth involvement in the decision-making process, and youth having too many scheduling conflicts were considered as barriers impacting youth voice by 4-H youth development professionals
Summary
Findings from a study aimed at determining the factors affecting the level of inclusiveness of youth voice in the decision-making process in the 4-H youth development program are presented in this article. Research implies that youth voice serves as a catalyst for change in schools, including helping to improve teaching, the curriculum, and adult youth relationships (Fielding, 2001; Mitra, 2003; Rudduck & Flutter, 2000). Youth voice concerns considering the opinions and ideas of youth, with respect to what they have to say. It involves taking risks and working together to accomplish the mission of the organization being served (Fletcher, 2002). When organizations practice youth voice, they give ample opportunities for youth to experience the adult roles for which they are preparing to assume. The general goal of engaging and empowering youth should be to teach them to define and express their concerns, and to design, discuss and put into action solutions to those concerns (Pittman & Wright, 1991)
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