Pre-Conference Proceedings

The Frameworks and Foundations of Youth Development Outreach

Cathann A. Kress, Director/Youth Development, National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES/USDA

Two major foundations of youth outreach are the research bases, that of the land grant university which provides the content, and the youth development field, which determines what environments best support youth--or the context. This session explored the foundations of youth outreach, the multiple frameworks used in youth development, and designing programs with the potential for the greatest impact. Participants learned to better understand the two foundations and research bases we draw upon for our work; how the different frameworks and concepts utilized in youth development fit together and complement one another; and how to intentionally design programs and determine priorities which will enhance impact.

• Presentation

Community Building Approaches to Working with Children, Youth, and Families

Susan Jakes, Autumn Guin, & Andrew Behnke, North Carolina State University
Boyd Rossing, University of Wisconsin
Daniel Perkins, Pennsylvania State University
Barbara Brown, Clemson University

For professionals wanting to learn to create programs and enhance program impact by building strong communities, this preconference will explore strategies for implementing community-based approaches, discuss challenges of building community programs, demonstrate a model for understanding the ecological context of community members, and present creative solutions for those working in communities to form collaborative relationships with all community members.

• Presentation
• Program Worksheet
• Handout

Keeping Our Kids Safe: Preventing School Violence through Building Resilient Communities

Maureen Toomey, University of Idaho
Kerri Ashurt and Ken Jones, University of Kentucky
Karen DeBord and Susan Jakes, North Carolina State University

Participants will examine important issues regarding Extension's role in tackling the issues of school violence and keeping kids safe. Discussions and dialogue will focus on prevention strategies for school violence, keeping kids safe in schools, initiating preparedness planning and responding when crises occur in our communities' schools.

• Website

Developing and Managing a Youth-Centered, Non-Formal Computer Lab Program

Bill Pabst, University of Missouri–Columbia
Barbara Chamberlin, New Mexico State University
Vishal Singh, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

This session will present a low-cost model for non-formal after-school computer labs. Participants will explore software, web sites, computer-based devices, and strategies to create a program attractive to youth that also adds educational value to computer games, creativity software, and computer-based devices. While primarily focused on upper-elementary and middle-school youth, much of the information is applicable to older and younger youth. This preconference will help managers and teachers create a supervised environment that supports informal learning with computer games and tools.

• Website