Adult Volunteer Leader
Self-Improvement Series
Welcome to the University of Minnesota Extension Service, Mississippi Corridor Cluster, Adult Volunteer Leader Self-Improvement Series. This is a self-improvement independent study series especially designed for adult volunteers that work with youth. There are five parts to the series:
Take your time to go through the lesson, writing down any special question or problems you have. Plan to ask and discuss those questions with other volunteers, more experienced leaders or contact the Mississippi Corridor Cluster county extension office nearest you. We appreciate your comments. They help us determine future efforts for providing training.
Introduction
All young people have needs, interests, desires, values, strengths, and weaknesses which affect their behavior. Understanding their basic needs, their developmental characteristics at different ages, and the current conflicts and pressures which confront them will enable you to make a positive difference in their lives.
Objectives
- Identify the different developmental characteristics of youth.
- Become aware of the concerns and challenges confronting young people today.
- Understand the types of relationships adults need to have with youth.
Why Are You Involved?
Since you have volunteered as a youth group leader, you must enjoy working with youth. Each adult likes working with youth for different reasons.
List reasons why you enjoy working with youth.
Each adult also prefers a specific age group with which to work. Which is your favorite age group?
Why?
Current Conflicts and Pressures on Youth
The environment that surrounds youth cannot be forgotten when we are trying to understand youth. We are a fast-moving society. Besides having to adjust to changes within themselves, today's youth must also adapt to the changing world around them. Our nation's youth are facing turbulent times as there are many signs of their confusion, cynicism and apathy. Today's youth are caught in many conflicts and cross currents and they are affected by many pressures around them. The following conflicts and pressures are listed in 4-H Century III (a national plan for 4-H in the next century):
- Conflicts in lifestyles as they affect the individual and the family.
- Drugs and alcohol.
- Growing rates of delinquency and anti-social behavior.
- Growing incidence of crime.
- Ignorance, apathy and/or distrust of the economic and political systems.
- Rising expectations for equity among women, minority groups and low-income groups.
- More leisure time options.
- More opportunities for youth to work outside the home.
- Lack of opportunities for youth to engage in activities important to others' welfare.
- More options for youth as consumers.
List other conflicts and pressures you see youth facing in your county and community.
What is one of the greatest pressures that affect the members of your youth group? Why?
How can we prepare our youth to face these forces?
What is one thing you can do?
Factors That Influence Youth Behavior
If we are to understand youth, we must understand their behavior. Several factors influence behavior as listed below:
- Behavior depends on both the person and the environment.
- An individual's behavior is influenced by his/her needs.
- An individual behaves in a way that makes sense to him/her.
- An individual's behavior is influenced by past experience.
- An individual's self-concept influences his/her behavior.
- All behavior is the result of motivation.
- All behavior arises from the interaction of various physical, mental, social, and emotional factors.
One of the biggest influences on youth behavior is their peer group. Peers play several roles in a youth's life:
- Helping to form social behavior.
- Being part of a group.
- Being a positive influence.
- Being a negative influence.
- Being corrective agents (keeping everyone conforming to the expectations of the group).
Children who are usually accepted by their peers have the following characteristics:
- Outgoing
- Cooperative
- Dependable
- Socially adaptable
- Emotionally stable
Children who are generally rejected by their peer group have the following characteristics:
- Arrogant
- Apathetic
- Egocentric
- Physical or mental disability
- Shy
- Withdrawn
- Different clothing
When you consider your members' relationships with their peers, you should realize that their ability to interact with their friends is influenced by their experiences at home. The child who is accepted by his/her family and who knows how to interact with his/her brothers and sisters can usually find his/her place in a peer group without sacrificing his/her values. Our goal is to turn peer influence.
So What?
Being aware of all these things is the first step to being an effective youth group leader. Remember that what youth really need is a caring adult. Research shows that if young people have a significant adult in their life, that one factor can help the young person grow to be a successful contributing adult.
Youth need to see adults make mistakes, admit those mistakes and correct them. Youth need to see adults accept praise and compliments as well as constructive comments. Watch and you will see youth copy the action of adults.
Therefore, "so what" becomes critical. Are you leery of being a youth group leader? Don't be. Youth learn from you as a community member and from all parts of your life.
Topic 1: Understanding Youth
to return to the beginning of this series.
to go to Topic 2: Supporting the Family.
Strengthen Your Group Through Planning
Understanding Recognition and Awards
Projects: The Gateway to Boys and Girls