NH 4-H Launches a Virtual Community of Practice for Positive Youth Development
Supporting teenagers through their formative years is both a privilege and a challenge. Positive Youth Development (PYD) offers a powerful framework to guide this journey. PYD is a holistic approach to learning and working alongside a young person. It emphasizes building strong relationships, nurturing academic and life skills, and fostering safe, trustworthy spaces (https://www.aecf.org/topics/positive-youth-development, 2025). The adolescent years, that last over a decade, can be a tumultuous time when both young people and adults are pushing against past norms and creating future patterns of behavior and success.
To deepen your understanding and practice of PYD, NH 4-H is launching a virtual Community of Practice (CoP) designed for adults who care for or work closely with teens. A CoP is more than a discussion group—it’s a dynamic space for collaborative learning, knowledge sharing, and exploration of perspectives. Some CoPs evolve into Systems of Influence, driving broader change, while others focus on weaving tacit knowledge or refining shared practices (Community of Practice - Complex Systems Frameworks Collection - Simon Fraser University, 2025). Whether you're a Knowledge Weaver who values experiential wisdom or a Collaborative Learner eager to test new ideas, this community offers a place to connect, reflect, and grow alongside others who share your commitment to young people.
The first meeting of this virtual CoP takes place on November 6, 2025, and is hosted by UNH Extension’s 4-H program. It’s an open invitation to educators, mentors, caregivers, and youth advocates to explore how we can better support teens through intentional, informed practice. For more details and to register, visit UNH Extension’s event page. Let’s build a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive—and let’s do it together.
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