Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this programming a part of 4-H? How is this a part of the bigger picture?
55 million kids face a widening opportunity gap in America. As our country engages in what the coming months will hold for youth in and out of school, nothing should hold them back. Not Now. Not Ever. We believe in the power of young people to address inequities in their communities right now. Learn more at https://4-h.org/opportunity4all/ For further resources, both in existence and soon to be released, visit https://4-h.org/about/equity-and-inclusion/
Why does this apply to me?
It's hard to learn something new and it takes practice. Learning while doing to build our skills is a part of 4-H and Positive Youth Development. While a particular conversation topic might not feel directly connected to you, the skills needed to have a new or difficult conversation apply to everyone! (And building your skills while learning about a current topic will help you support someone else and lead when you might least expect it.)
What does Current Conversations provide?
We provide: content resources that you can adapt, the process used to develop agendas and support tools, and opportunities to continue to brainstorm projects in which we can work together with groups.
Is this only for 4-H?
NO. Current Conversations, and the resources found here, are open to anyone wanting to engage in the conversation.
Why should I participate?
All of the youth conversations on our variety of topics have shown that even an hour in conversations answers questions, increases our confidence to connect with our communities and provides next steps to continue finding ways to build our knowledge and comfort to have conversations with those who do and those who don't, share our current perspectives.
How do I ask 'dumb' questions? There is no such thing as a 'dumb' question. You do not need to 'study' before attending a session. We ask all participants to bring their questions with them and develop new questions to guide them to next steps or learning while in the conversation. During the conversation there is also opportunity to ask questions anonymously through private chat or annotate. You can also email the team before or after conversations with your questions, if that is the most comfortable.
How did the team get started?
Current Conversations began as a creative solution to the cancellation of 4-H International programming. It initially took on a workshop format in which staff participants piloted the opportunity to explore terms like stigma, xenophobia, and racist nativism. The initial group laid a foundation about how to approach difficult topics with our audience, specifically how to welcome participants into the space, sharing our experiences, but dispelling assumptions of expertise, and focusing on the shared purpose of the conversation. Read more here https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/news/2020/09/22/current-conversations-is-listening/
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