But more than their enthusiasm is needed. National 4-H Council, along with its partners, has developed a series of programs and curricula designed to help youth at all developmental levels acquire these skills. Successful environmental stewardship programs require a broad view and the ability to fuse a range of diverse and deeply held values. Only the depth of understanding and the breadth of perspective offered by a wide range of organizations and groups can provide these and foster the leadership skills needed by young people as they deal with environmental issues and concerns. Whether at the local level, as we strengthen the network of youth practicing environmental stewardship, or at the national level, as we develop and disseminate curriculum, fostering partnerships will be pivotal to the Environmental Stewardship program.
Evaluation is also a next step.
Built into each component of the Environmental Stewardship program, evaluation research will result in increased knowledge and increased accountability. Continuing program and curriculum development are also next steps. Current national partners are working with 4-H staff, volunteers, and other environmental stewardship partners to disseminate curricula and support program implementation. Youth and youth leaders are being introduced to the new curricula and programs at Environmental Stewardship workshops. These workshops, with increasingly youth-led design and focus, support efforts to involve young people as partners in addressing environmental issues and concerns.