BANGOR – On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Maine 4-H held two Centennial Conversations on Youth Development. One conversation took place at the Marriott Sable Oaks in Portland, the other on the campus of Eastern Maine Technical College in Bangor.

The purpose of the conversations was to ask youth and adults in Maine the question, “What do youth need to be successful in their lives?”

Eighty-six youth and adults participated in the conversations. Of Maine’s 16 counties, 14 were represented.

Some important themes arose in the conversations. Youth identified needs across the state, and their top concerns included: career and college exploration; parents and adult role models; community youth centers and safe places; and life skills development (including financial management, parenting training, public speaking, and other skills that prepare youth for the transition to adult life.

Members of both groups said they believed that youth need to begin learning about college and career options early – in middle school – and need opportunities for job-shadowing or interning, meeting with college students, learning about alternatives to college, and developing skills such as creating resumes.

Other needs that were agreed upon include: fostering global citizenship; opportunities for youth leadership; and providing expanded mentoring programs.

4-H is celebrating its centennial this year as one of the nation’s longest-serving youth development organizations.

The State Centennial Conversations are part of a larger, national conversation taking place across the country.

Each state is conducting conversations at the county and state level to gather responses about youth needs. Six youth delegates from Maine will be taking recommendations to a National Conversation to be held Feb. 27-March 3 in Washington. They are:

. Skye Dillon, Exeter.

. Samantha Cousins, Mars Hill.

. Chris Grady, Augusta.

. Kayleigh Roy, South Portland.

. Briana Gutfinski, Gardiner.

. Devin Prock, Waldoboro.

Recommendations from the state conversations will become part of a national report on youth needs to be presented to President Bush and Congress.

These recommendations will have an impact on programs and policy nationally and at the local level.

Another aspect of National 4-H’s Centennial Celebration is the “Power of Youth Pledge Campaign.” 4-H invites everyone to join other youth and adults who are pledging hours of combined community service and leadership hours.

It is not necessary to be affiliated with 4-H to make a pledge. To make a pledge, go to www.4hcentennial.org, and click on “Power of Youth.”

4-H is one of the nation’s most diverse organizations, and includes people from all economic, racial, social, political and geographic categories.

There are no barriers to participation by any young person. Young people are given the opportunity to engage in activities that hold their personal interest, while being guided by adult volunteers. Local 4-H agents are youth development professionals who provide direction and program leadership in each county as part of the nationwide cooperative extension program.

Originally focused on agricultural projects, 4-H has followed the needs and interests of young people into urban and suburban communities.

Like other leading modern organizations, 4-H draws its strength from its youth participants by sharing decision-making responsibilities at levels ranging from local clubs to national programs.

To find out more about 4-H in Maine, contact the state 4-H office at (877) 444-8623.