When young people learn how to use their voices for leadership, they can change the world. That was the message of the "Youth Voice in Action!" 4-H Summit Sept. 20 at Upper Iowa University. During the day-long event, 75 youth from 11 northeast Iowa schools developed action plans for change in their community.
The youth also heard from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists on a variety of workshop topics. Participating youth were from schools in Allamakee, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Clayton, Chickasaw, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties.
"Learning to work with others based on leadership style was one part of the overall process for developing a community action plan," said Angie Dougherty, 4-H youth program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
To determine their leadership style, youth took a short survey to determine if they were more like a buffalo, eagle, mouse or beaver. Then, grouped by their leadership style, they reviewed their strengths and shared pointers others should know about working with them. Afterward, the youth reported they felt confident in being able to treat others fairly and equally when they are in charge of a group.
As a school team, youth used a "5 Whys" activity to define an issue in their school or community, Dougherty continued. Some topics identified included how to better welcome new students to their school, increase classroom involvement and increase youth service projects and community involvement. Led by a caring adult from their school, youth began writing the first steps toward solving the issue.
To better equip youth with the tools needed to address community issues, five ISU Extension and Outreach specialists and county staff led workshops related to animal science, financial literacy, communication, arts and mindfulness. Lori Dietezenbach, K-12 outreach coordinator for Buchanan County, walked youth through a practical financial literacy activity to learn the importance of budgeting and how their education and profession will align with their spending. Youth reported an increased awareness of wants vs. needs when it comes to money.
2022 youth in action summit - artIn another workshop, Nicole Reynolds-Thimmesch, Bremer County youth coordinator, walked youth through a mindfulness activity to stress the importance of focusing on mental health. One student commented, "This activity helped me see how I can calm my anxiety during stressful times."
Youth now will use their voice and leadership to implement their community action plan by the end of the current school year. An ISU Extension and Outreach county staff member will follow up with their schools about additional youth leadership opportunities.
This event was made possible with funding from Iowa 4-H Foundation and ISU Extension and Outreach county offices, and facilities support from Upper Iowa University.
"The annual 'Youth Voice in Action!' summit has helped grow young leaders in our local communities, connected ISU Extension and Outreach to schools for further learning, and opened the door for youth to discover how powerful their voices in action can really be!" Dougherty said.
For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, please contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h.
"ISU Extension and Outreach can bring youth opportunities for all ages to a classroom and community near you!" Dougherty said.
Categories: Iowa, Education, General