Thriving Forward

IntroductionWe all have feelings. And they matter. Feelings help us learn about ourselves and others. Despite their benefit, many of us have a hard time identifying feelings. In his book, Permission To Feel, Dr. Marc Brackett encourages us to lean in to our feelings. By doing so, we can lead more healthy and…

Introduction Partnerships between 4-H and expanded learning sites are a great way to provide high quality programming to youth. When 4-H partners with expanded learning programs (e.g. schools, Boys and Girls clubs, YMCAs), youth who may not otherwise participate in 4-H are able to have high quality…

Introduction to Mental Health Stigma According to the Centers for Disease Control, the prevalence of any mental illness (AMI) for U.S. people in 2022 was 23.1% of the U.S. adult population. Using data collected from 2001-2004, the prevalence of any mental disorder for U.S. adolescents (ages 13-18) was…

Introduction Supporting the mental and emotional wellbeing of youth is a priority of the 4-H positive youth development program. In fact, each of the four Hs (Head, Heart, Hands, and Health) relate to mental wellbeing. Our head is the place where we think, have emotions, and make decisions. Our heart is…

Introduction 4-H partnerships with expanded learning programs can help transform the lives of thousands of young people. These partnerships teach youth new skills and interests (Rudd and Brower, 2013), building generations that are ready for their futures. By extending 4-H opportunities beyond…