It’s easy to get frustrated with the continued uncertainty and social isolation that comes with the COVID pandemic.  As 4-H leaders and volunteers, we are all anxious to be able to resume our usual 4-H activities, to reconnect with the youth and to share our love of the 4-H life.  Even with the possibility of carefully planned, small-group gatherings, we are all feeling the strain of the lack of social contact.

A key part of being a 4-H leader and volunteer is the desire to reach out to young people and help them become better.  The Search Institute has provided a helpful checklist with ideas on how we can help build these developmental relationships during the COVID-10 crisis.  You can download this checklist (pdf, 2 pages) from their website.  They also have a handy Developmental Relationships Framework (pdf, 1 page).