Developing a PYD Approach to Youth Emotional Wellness
2:30pm ET (1:30 CT; 12:30pm MT; 11:30am PT)
1) Co-creating the Safe Space: Supporting Indigenous Thriving Through Cultural Humility and Identity Inclusion
Presenters: Joshua Farella, Assistant Agent, 4-H Youth Development, University of Arizona, Flagstaff Arizona; Juan Arias, Assistant Agent, FRTEP, University of Arizona, San Carlos Apache Tribe; Susan Sekaquaptewa, Assistant Agent, FRTEP, University of Arizona, Hopi Tribe
Understanding the lived experience of youth is foundational in creating programming that effectively promotes mental health. Effective PYD directly relates to the creation of a safe, relevant space that combats the long-term negative impacts of adverse childhood experiences, and promotes pro-social behavior and life skills. Tribal communities in the U.S. seek to provide programs that appropriately serve their populations and create positive long-term outcomes for individuals and communities. In this presentation we focus on practical inclusion of Indigenous identity as a pathway to address youth mental health needs. Co-creation of a truly safe space – one welcoming of culture and individuality – is a core part of programs that positively impact youths mental well-being. In this session, we review the Peoplehood Model and present our Peoplehood Assessment Toolkit – tools that enable practitioners to better understand, serve, and improve the well-being of cultures and identities within their service are
2) Supporting Young People’s Mental Wellness
Presenters: Michelle Krehbiel, Michelle Garwood, Brandy VanDeWalle, Kerry Elsen
The COVID-19 global pandemic gave youth development professionals the opportunity to share their expertise about PYD and mental wellness with the general population through a variety of media outlets. A series of mental wellness articles were written by 4-H Youth Development professionals to help family members, 4-H volunteers, and other caring adults to support youth during these challenging times. Article content was based on Lerner’s 5 Cs of PYD. The articles were then adapted for social media posts to extend the reach of the youth mental wellness information. Additionally, the articles were published on a 4-H Youth Development website.
3) Supporting Youth Mental Well-Being Through Mindfulness & Inclusive Positive Youth Development Practices
Presenters: Tiffany Berkenes, Iowa 4-H Career Pathways Academy & Mental Well-Being Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Research shows significant increases in rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among youth with marginalized populations disproportionately at risk. Youth are also calling on America to talk more openly and honestly about mental health issues. Through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens, this workshop will raise awareness of mental health challenges young people face and provide an introduction to mindfulness practices, skills, and tools to support mental well-being. Workshop participants will also learn about specific positive youth development practices and partnerships Iowa 4-H has implemented to educate staff and youth through professional development, resources, and youth and family mindfulness programming.
4) Thriving in Mental Wellness through Growth Mindset, Grit, Resilience, and Post-traumatic Growth
Presenters: Sarah Hensley, University of Florida; Candi Dierenfield, University of Florida; Stacey Ellison, University of Florida
The effect of the pandemic alongside issues of mental health and increasing prevalence of ACE’s show increased need for professionals who will utilize the science of PYD through intentionally promoting growth mindset, resilience, grit, and PTG. Session presenters will provide a robust presentation on ACE’s alongside the science of PYD. Practical implications for professionals across the field in how growth mindset, resilience, grit, and PTG all enhance mental wellbeing and ultimately developmental outcomes. This session is for the professional who desires to promote the thriving of youth through intentional efforts to enhance growth mindset, grit, resilience, and post traumatic growth.
5) Best practices to support positive mental health/inclusion of LGBTQ+ youth
Presenters: Liliana Vega, University of California; Dani Castillo-Dávalos, Oregon State University; Anna EldenBrady, Michigan State University; Maru Gonzalez, North Carolina State University; Nancy Moores, University of Florida; Joseph Rand, University of Minnesota; Alison White, Washington State University; David Widdison, Utah State University
This workshop will highlight the core elements for creating Positive Youth Developmental (PYD) Outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth. Creating a sense of belonging is at the core of PYD theoretical frameworks. Yet we know LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk for negative mental health outcomes due to the lack of having a sense of belonging. PYD programs can play a critical role in helping youth address mental health challenges by creating inclusive and welcoming environments. Workshop will highlight best practices for supporting positive mental health for LGBTQ+ youth by creating welcoming and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth leading to PYD outcomes