The Nebraska 4-H Career Portfolio documents the growth of the 4-H’er
through each of the Four H’s as follows:
Source: Targeting Life Skills Model, Pat Hendricks, Iowa State University.
8/19/2005
Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.
4-H’ers gain skills and attitudes they can use for the rest of their
lives. These include leadership, communication, character building, decision
making, self-confidence and more. 4-H provides a number of competitive
avenues for members, among the several types of learning experiences available
to members. The program focus remains on the initial learning component
and completion of the project. However, many young people grow through
the more intense evaluation of accomplishment which competition provides.
It is with learning goals in mind that we encourage those entering the
4-H recognition and incentives process(es). Documenting past activity through
record keeping is an important skill used many different ways and times.
Business people use it to determine costs for manufacturing. Accountants
need it to determine profit or loss. Consumers use record keeping when
shopping. Livestock producers keep records on their stock, for production,
pedigrees, or management.
Provide proper documentation of all phases (steps), costs (numbers), output (their part) in reports of production.
An important part of the entire 4-H program is developing strong character traits. Character is built upon many qualities including; caring, citizenship, responsibility, respect, fairness and trustworthiness. They are important components of the 4-H program. There are several ways to apply character to the Nebraska 4-H Career Portfolio process. Members need to observe the following principles of character as they document their accomplishments:
Citizenship is a responsibility we all possess, regardless of personal background. All of us can improve our club, community, country, and world to make them a better place. Promoting good citizenship is commended and valued as relevant information in the Nebraska 4-H Career Portfolio.8/19/2005Caring and Citizenship are intertwined through community service by 4-H’ers. Many activities in nursing homes or hospitals, with certain groups of people, or for the good of the environment can be reported in the community service section of the Nebraska 4-H Career Portfolio.
Responsibility is a he/she is responsible by doing what they said they would do and always doing their best. In the portfolio, responsibility means carrying through on the goals that were set, and then reporting both success and shortcomings as a result of learning experiences through 4-H work.
Respect for those who review the portfolio, through a book that is complete, and assembled in the manner directed by the guidelines. Respect for deadlines, rules and guidelines shows respect for one’s self as well as all volunteers and participants, other club members and the program in general.
Fairness is important in all settings, especially those involving competition. Some may mistakenly become focused on the external prize in competition, instead of the internal learning and personal growth of the experience. This can even cause someone to feel a need to exaggerate facts or include irrelevant information in materials submitted for review. Goals consistent with 4-H ideals focus on realistic achievement.
Trustworthiness is exemplified through the signatures provided. All who sign are declaring their trust in the 4-H’er, and confirming that the information provided is a true and accurate sharing of the 4-H’er’s accomplishments. They are all stating that the Nebraska 4-H Career Portfolio reflects the progress, growth, satisfaction (and sometimes frustration or disappointment) of the 4-H’er. The members acknowledge their trustworthiness with their signature, providing an important final step to the project!
Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.