How do We Know Youth are Thriving?
4-H relationships are about trust, mutual warmth, and respect. 4-H adults are safe and they are here to help. When youth and adults do 4-H work together and everyone grows from the experience, it is a developmental relationship. Thriving occurs when youth are growing from their associations, and using all they gain to add value to the world around them. Thriving relies on youth actively pursuing their sparks, supported by their environments (such as a 4-H program) and in developmental relationships that encourage this pursuit. Indicators that youth are on a thriving orientation include:
- An openness to challenge & discovery: They enjoy a challenge, and like to explore new things!
- A growth mindset: They embrace new experiences as a growth opportunity and welcome challenges.
- A hopeful purpose: They have a sense of purpose in life, and optimism for future.
- A pro-social orientation: They are respectful, honest, responsible, caring, and value helping others.
- Transcendent Awareness: They strive to connect with something bigger than themselves.
- Positive emotionality: They are generally positive and optimistic, and can manage their emotions.
- Intentional self-regulation: They set goals and create effective strategies to achieve them.
- Goal Setting and Management: They set goals and persevere, making adjustments when necessary to achieve those goals.
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