A new set of leadership skills is required for Extension administrators for the 21st century. Past models and theories are reviewed and discussed. The old "power" model of leadership is no longer relevant. A relatively new model called "Servant Leadership" is reviewed and explained. Seven key practices of servant leadership are outlined, and the…

A Montana survey of 2,500 students' use of out-of-school time found that only 17% reported no involvement in out-of-school activities. 4-H participants were less likely to shoplift, steal, smoke cigarettes, ride with a drunk driver, or damage property. They were more likely to develop self-confidence and social competence, demonstrate leadership,…

Pre/posttest scores of 30 participants in H. Stephen Glenn's Developing Capable People (DCP) program offered by Montana Extension showed that DCP effectively increased the use of positive behaviors and decreased negative behaviors in adults interacting with youth. These changes were sustained over 18 months after program completion. (SK)

Observations and interviews were conducted of three 4-H clubs led by adults scoring high in autonomy on Deci's leadership orientation scale and two clubs led by those scoring high in control. Leadership style affected youth satisfaction and life skill development but not self-esteem. The best clubs were balanced between autonomy and control. (SK)

The concept of a new family coordinator (someone to orient new families to the local 4-H programs and serve as a contact person for them) is examined. The training of this coordinator, the "New Family Handbook," and benefits of this new system are discussed. (CT)

Extension's primary role is to educate. The demands of the future require that extension agents enhance their abilities as professional educators, enhance their status as professional experts at the local level, and become more visible as faculty in the land-grant university system. (SK)

Puts the label "at risk" in perspective as it relates to youth. Points out that today's adolescents have lower rates of suicide, unwed pregnancy, drug abuse, smoking, and drunk driving than young and middle-aged adults. Suggests that extension youth education moves toward a condition-focused, resiliency model that recognizes the vitality and…

Four types of linkages for extension education are outlined: (1) communication (information and resource exchange); (2) cooperative participation in a project; (3) coalition (more formal organization around a set of issues); and (4) collaboration (finalized long-term commitment to resource sharing and program development). (SK)