Creating Inclusive Youth Programs for LGBTQ+ Communities

It is vital for youth to experience inclusive programming that is welcoming. Extension has a responsibility and an obligation to provide youth with programs and spaces that are inclusive of all sexes, gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations. This article provides an overview of appropriate terminology, as well as steps for creating inclusive Extension spaces and programs for youth who identify as members of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) communities. With a focus on urban Extension audiences, this article uses accessible language, self-reflective prompts, and supporting visual aids to share lessons learned from ongoing inclusivity trainings with Extension personnel across the nation, as well as from research activities and inclusive programming

So You Want to Do Post-Intentional Phenomenological Research?

In this article, phenomenology, both in its philosophical and methodological variants, is introduced in the form of a fictional dialogue between a student justifying her interest in using a post-intentional phenomenological approach in her dissertation to her major professor. The dialogue tackles founding philosophers, notably Husserl, Heidegger, and Merleau-Ponty; contemporary researchers, including A. Giorgi, B. Giorgi, van Manen, and Vagle; several phenomenological concepts, such as intentionality, bracketing, and bridling; and provides examples of three distinct approaches to phenomenological research

Incorporating Cultural Competence & Youth Program Volunteers: A Literature Review

The increasing diversity of youth in the United States necessitates a shift in the ways that youth services and programming are designed and implemented. This article examines existing scholarship on developing the cultural competency of volunteers in youth development programs in an effort to improve 4-H YDP protocol. Drawing from a diverse, interdisciplinary range of peer-reviewed, academic articles, this literature review plots out recent pedagogical trends, theoretical concepts, and empirical studies dealing with the cultural competence of service workers and mentors interacting with youth. Based on a synthesis of the findings, this paper presents guiding principles for increasing cultural competence of youth program design through both training and organizational changes

Guidelines for Safe Canning of Acid Foods in a Steam Canner

Steam canning, or atmospheric steam canning, can be a safe as well as energy efficient method for home preservation of most high-acid foods. This leaflet explains the differences between steam canners and boiling water canners and explains how to use a steam canner safely

Safety of Carrageenan

Carrageenan, a naturally occurring gum derived from red seaweed, is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in food products such as chocolate milk, infant formula, and pie filling. In 2016, because pesticide residues had been discovered in some carrageenan imported from the Philippines, a citizen group that advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture voted to remove carrageenan from a list of foods labeled “USDA Organic.” The controversy surrounding carrageenan is not due to ill health effects caused by carrageenan itself. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has evaluated carrageenan as “generally recognized as safe.

Engaging Teens and Adults in Mindfulness: The University of California 4-H Mindfulness Retreat

The University of California (UC) 4-H Mindfulness Retreat was developed on the basis of current research of positive youth outcomes associated with mindfulness. Curricula, resources, and programming were developed to introduce participants to mindfulness to improve overall health. The UC 4-H Mindfulness Retreat provides training and opportunities to teens and adults in the areas of mindfulness, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, relationship building, community connection, and advocacy. We present outcomes, successes, and lessons learned related to developing and executing a statewide mindfulness retreat for youths and adults

Incorporating Cultural Competence & Youth Program Volunteers: A Literature Review

The increasing diversity of youth in the United States necessitates a shift in the ways that youth services and programming are designed and implemented. This article examines existing scholarship on developing the cultural competency of volunteers in youth development programs in an effort to improve 4-H YDP protocol. Drawing from a diverse, interdisciplinary range of peer-reviewed, academic articles, this literature review plots out recent pedagogical trends, theoretical concepts, and empirical studies dealing with the cultural competence of service workers and mentors interacting with youth. Based on a synthesis of the findings, this paper presents guiding principles for increasing cultural competence of youth program design through both training and organizational changes

4-H Mindfulness Project Annotated Bibliography

The 4-H Healthy Living Initiative is focused on providing learning opportunities that address physical, social, and emotional health; the 4-H Mindfulness Project focuses on increasing youths’ ability to lead a healthy lifestyle and develop the skills needed to be a health advocate in their communities. This annotated bibliography of English children’s literature was developed as a resource for 4-H project leaders and families. These books can support primary members’ understanding and practice of mindfulness

Making the Best Better for Youths: Cultivating LGBTQ+ Inclusion in 4-H

4-H, as a research-based positive youth development program, should be affirming and inclusive for all youths, including those who are members of LGBTQ+ communities. This article provides 4-H youth development professionals with a series of checklists for supporting LGBTQ+ participation, focusing on systemic advocacy, guidance and protocols, programming, and professional development and dispositions. Using these checklists, 4-H professionals can identify areas of strength and growth for themselves and their programs. Further, they can enable youth thriving, increase protective factors, and reduce risk factors by cultivating inclusive and affirming 4-H spaces

University of California 4-H Latino Initiative: Experiences of Bicultural and Bilingual Staff

We report data from the first year of an initiative to engage Latino youth and families in the 4-H Youth Development Program, managed by the University of California. Through qualitative questionnaires and focus group interviews, we analyzed experiences of 6 new bilingual and bicultural program staff, hired specifically to implement youth development programming to reach Latino youth. Staff reported a steep learning curve, with competing demands to build relationships, engage youth, and show results. Lessons learned may help shape activities that other youth development programs may consider in similar efforts