Tools of the Trade

Integrating Underutilized Black Volunteers in 4-H Youth Development Programs

Authors

• • Maurice Smith
  • National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• • Shannon Wiley
  • North Carolina A&T State University

Abstract

4-H Youth Development prides itself on providing essential resources to reach underserved minority populations. 4-H provides programming and professional development for volunteers to include diverse hands-on training, and cultural competency workshops. This article provides best practices for the inclusion of African American volunteers in 4-H programming efforts that could help extension educators better understand the need to include minority volunteer roles and responsibilities. These strategies include strengthening diverse volunteer make-up, increasing participation and trust among African American youth, and engaging volunteers working in educational organizations that could provide real world experiences for youth.

Keywords: African American, 4-H Youth Development, volunteers, Underserved Communities

How to Cite: Smith, M. & Wiley, S. (2021) “Integrating Underutilized Black Volunteers in 4-H Youth Development Programs”, [TEST] Journal of Extension. 59(3). doi: https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.59.03.04