By Jessica Pierson Russo Working for an institution (4-H) that has been around for more than 100 years, I come across many traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation. Traditions can be a blessing! But they can also be a curse. I could fund all of Extension if I had a nickel for every time I've heard, “but we’ve always done it this way!” Done right, traditions serve a greater purpose. Done wrong, the traditions become the master, taking over better judgement and practices. Youth programming itself can become a kind of tradition—for good or bad. The question is, are our programs and approaches serving youth and families? Or are we putting youth and families in the position of serving some long-held tradition that may no longer serve their interests? Participating in traditions can have a profoundly positive effect on a person’s sense of belonging . They can bring a sense of predictability to a space, can help people feel a connection to the past. Stud...
Our youth development educators bridge research and practice. In this blog, they offer their views on what's happening in the field of youth development, with an eye to evidence-based research written by themselves and others in our field. We welcome your comments.