Youth need a sense of belonging in inclusive supportive environments

Youth need a sense of belonging in inclusive supportive environments.
Youth benefit from participation in extracurricular activities during out-of-school. Recent studies indicate that youth spending time in positive youth programs, such as 4-H, are less likely to become involved in high risk behaviors, have higher school attendance and grades, better conflict management practices and better work habits. A 1999 report from Fight Crime: Invest in Kids reports that 86% of police chefs surveyed, said that expanding after school educational programs for youth would greatly reduce youth crime and violence.
An inclusive environment is one that allows a sense of belonging, encourages and supports its members and offers encouragement through positive and specific feedback. (National 4-H Impact Assessment). As demographics change, the complexion and complexity of American society, an appreciation for the strength derived from diversity is a necessity. To be competitive in the future, young people need to have a broad understanding of the world and sensitivity to different cultures. It has never been more important for a youngster to be comfortable in a multi-cultural environment

An Opportunity to Belong and Inclusive Environments for Youth

Rationale

Goal:	Youth develop a sense of belonging , in an inclusive environment.	Best Practices & Indicators
	Sub-goals:
	Youth value and practice an appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism.
	Youth respect their own uniqueness and the uniqueness of others.
	Youth form connections with older generations.
	Youth see themselves as part of a global community–beyond ethnic, religious, racial, state and national boundaries.


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