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SPIN Volunteer Quick Guide to PYD

ID

4H-663NP

Authors as Published

Jeremy Johnson, Associate Specialist for Volunteer Development for Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

 4-H is built on a foundation of Positive Youth Development (PYD).

Positive youth development helps young people become competent, confident, connected, caring people of character.

4-H helps young people develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility. Through 4-H, they gain confidence and skills. 4-H prepares them for their future.

That kind of impact doesn’t happen by chance. 4-H volunteers and programs work to provide elements of Positive Youth Development called BIG M. Young people need; 

  • Belonging
  • Independence
  • Generosity
  • Mastery

Young people want to feel like they belong. To develop a sense of Belonging, they need a safe emotional and physical environment. And they need a positive relationship with a caring adult. That’s where you come in as a SPIN volunteer.

Independence allows young people to dream of a bright future and have the confidence that they can make that happen. 

A spirit of Generosity allows youth to serve others and make their community a better place to live.

Mastery is especially important for SPIN clubs. Young people join SPIN clubs because they want to learn about a topic and develop new skills. SPIN volunteers help young people achieve Mastery.

BIG M is an important part of 4-H. It’s an important part of the work you will do as a SPIN volunteer.


Adapted with permission from University of Illinois Cooperative Extension
*18 U.S.C. 707

Produced by Communications and Marketing, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, 2016


Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law

Publication Date

September 1, 2022

Cover of SPIN Volunteer Quick Guide to PYD

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