Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Developing Cultural Competence Among 4-H Leaders, Breanna L. Lewis Wade, Devin Boggs Riley, Jacquelyn D. Wiersma-Mosley, Betsy Garrison

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Access, equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential elements of 4-H’s goals related to positive youth development and organizational sustainability. The 4-H organization has impacted over 6 million youth worldwide and continues to grow every day. At the county, state, and national level, 4-H programs have grown more diverse, making it essential that 4-H programs encourage and highlight cultural similarities and differences through education. However, training in cultural competence for 4-H leaders is lacking, which is the bridge to connecting diversity and inclusion. Cultural competency is an awareness of one’s own cultural identity and the ability to interact effectively and appropriately …