Regional 4-H PYD Champion Network – 4-H PLWG Standing Committee on Positive Youth Development

About the Regional 4-H PYD Network

The Regional 4-H PYD Champion Network consists of two 4-H professionals from Land-Grant Universities (LGUs) across the five Extension Regions. Champions are chosen through a competitive application process for a three year term. Champions work together in their Extension regions under the leadership of a national facilitator to advance the understanding and use of the 4-H Thriving Model as the theory of positive youth development in 4-H. Regional networks focus primarily on capacity building efforts for 4-H professionals and volunteers, with a special focus on promoting a consistent, correct, and complete understanding of positive youth development in their state and region.

Regional 4-H PYD Champion Network Aim

The overall aim of the Regional 4-H PYD Network is to ensure consistency in understanding and describing the way that 4-H impacts the positive development of youth. This will be accomplished through PYD capacity building with 4-H professionals and volunteers, leading to improved PYD programming, and stronger and clearer program impact. Ultimately the aim of the regional 4-H PYD Champion network is to secure the position of 4-H the leader in positive youth development programming.

Regional 4-H PYD Champion Network Goals

Build an accurate and consistent translation of the science of youth development into 4-H practice based on the 4-H Thriving Model, the science of learning and development and best practices identified in youth development literature.
Increase 4-H professional and volunteer capacity for designing and implementing high quality 4-H programs that promote youth thriving.
Work collaboratively within Extension regions to identify PYD capacity strengths and needs.
Develop materials and resources to facilitate PYD capacity building with 4-H professionals and volunteers

Position Requirements

4-H professional status
Desire to support a consistent model of PYD across the 4-H system
Experience in leading professional capacity building efforts
Commitment to a three-year term
Commitment to active participation and leadership in regional network activities, including monthly virtual gatherings and at least one sub-group effort
Available dedicated time for participation (approximately 5-10 hours/month)
Confidence in teaching and leading
Support from State 4-H Program leader and immediate supervisor
Travel support to attend one in-person session annually (pending additional funding, typically in conjunction with the NAE4-HYDP Conference)

Application Dates

Applications are accepted from 4-H professionals affiliated with a LGU 4-H program. Applications are only accepted from LGUs who do not currently have two (2) champions. Application for network membership is open twice yearly: