OSU Extension Service
Phone: 503-360-6060
Email: maureen.hosty@oregonstate.edu
Q: What are the main forms of innovative programming found in 4-H?
A: I find that the most innovative programs are those that reach new audiences and use new tools for reaching those audiences. As an example, many Oregon youth have never heard of 4-H. How do we engage these youth?
Q: What is one highlight of innovative programming?
A: I am so inspired by the youth we work with who have NEVER heard of 4-H. Once we explain the model of 4-H they are all in and love it. It doesn’t have to be a traditional 4-H club. They can do an eight-week project on a specific topic such as robotics or a camp leadership project. They then work with a caring adult leader and next present what they learned….that is 4-H! The delivery model (clubs, after school, camps, in-school enrichment) all use the same 4-H model. Our 4-H Camp leadership model or 4-H Teen Teacher Corps model are two excellent examples of innovative programs.
Q: What is one challenge you encounter with innovative programming?
A: It is difficult for traditional 4-H club members who showcase their skills at the 4-H county fair to understand and support innovative 4-H programming and vice versa. How can we bring both groups together to make a wider impact.
Q: How did you start with your innovative programming path?
A: We just need to ask our local youth, including the youth we are not serving, what their needs and interests are. The youth in our communities will lead us. We need their voice and action.
Q: Are there tips you have for innovative programming? If so, where is more information that can be found about these tips?
A: Let’s reach out to other 4-H groups across the nation and learn from them. We should also reach out to local organizations and agencies to see how we can collaborate. Finally, and perhaps most important, we need to assess the youth we are NOT serving and find out what are the barriers. Then we need to work with those un-served populations to develop a collaborative program that meets their needs.
Q: Are there any upcoming lessons or workshops focused around 4-H innovative programming?
A: If you are interested in more communication workshops, please email me and we will see what we can set up!
