March 9, 2000
A Web site created by 4-H Youth Development Programs in North Dakota, Missouri and Kansas has much to offer adult volunteers who work with youth. The site helps volunteers by providing free information and interactive training about serving young people.
The Youth Volunteers site is composed mainly of five lessons: how kids develop, learning through experience, kids as resources, managing groups of kids, and working with parents and other adults. At the start of each lesson, a quiz is provided for volunteers to assess their knowledge on each particular subject before proceeding onto a wide range of activities to increase their skills. Reflection questions are also provided throughout the lessons for volunteers to apply what they are learning to everyday life experiences.
The site not only offers a wide range of information and advice, but it also provides an online discussion program so volunteers can talk about problems and ideas with others across the country. It provides an excellent source of practical tips for volunteers, said Carmel Miller, Grant County extension agent, who helped design the site.
According to Miller, North Dakota has taken steps to promote the use of this site within the state. "We have offered classes for Extension agents so they, in turn, can offer classes in their counties for individuals to familiarize themselves with the site," Miller said.
The Youth Volunteers site can be found at http://DLDC-COURSES.ext.missouri.edu/umc/4h-Volunteers .
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Source:
Carmel Miller (701) 622-3470
Editor: Becky Koch (701) 231-7875
Writer: Beth Payne