Other methods for encouraging youth voice on a statewide level include having a state teen group, have youth provide feedback for state events, recognizing youth for their contributions on the state level and providing opportunities for teens to meet each other. Some respondents indicated that statewide youth voice could be accomplished through pizza, extreme adventure travel, youth voice in staff hiring, meetings around the state and district youth representation. It was also suggested that the Youth Development Statewide Program Committee focus on teen involvement in statewide programs. The use of e-mail and other forms of technology should be maximized in gaining teen voice in program decisions. Web sites should also be created with youth that encourage teens to be involved in decision making and participation related to programming.
Recognition programs can be an important cost or benefit to teen involvement in programming.
This advisory group must also model what it expects from state, district and county 4-H teen programming in order to be taken seriously. This would best be done through e-mail. The results and implications of this survey should be shared with all CCE Statewide Program Committees as they contemplate their role in carrying out the 4-H Youth Development Strategic Plan. The four youth development workgroups should also consider this report in their efforts. A larger role for youth in state teen programming is critical and consistent with the 4-H Youth Development Strategic Plan.