Youth Organizations
Participation Rates Remain Low
Why is it important?
Youth-serving organizations such as 4-H, scouting, and FFA enable young people to develop as individuals and contribute to society.6 These organizations build the civic capacity of future generations in the region. The presence of youth organizations provides benefits for causes such as the natural environment and fosters entrepreneurship among participants.
How are we doing?
There is a significant lack of active youth organizations throughout much of the Sierra Nevada. No organizations were identified in the North, five were identified in the North Central and South Central, and only one in the East Sierra. The Center for Economic Development surveyed organizations for average daily or weekly participation. Participation ranged from a high of 40 children per 1,000 in the North Central Sierra, fell to 31 in the East Sierra, and only 13 in the South Central Sierra.
6 "A Tool to Assess the Worth of a Youth Organization." Journal of Extension. http://www.joe.org/joe/2000june/rb3.html
