In the five cs model of positive youth development, what does character mean?

Youth who display the five C’s are less likely to behave negatively and more likely to be developmentally on target. This series explores how you can help young people strengthen their C’s.

Positive youth development builds on Lerner’s 5 C’s. The five Cs are competence, confidence, connection, caring/compassion and character. The sixth C, contribution, is attained when a person has more fully realized the five C’s. This series by Michigan State University Extension will look at each C and ways adults can encourage the development of these assets.

Competence is defined as having a positive view of one’s actions in areas like social, academic, cognitive, health and vocation. Social competence refers to interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution. Cognitive competence refers to cognitive abilities such as decision making. Academic competency refers to school performance, which can include grades, behavior and attendance. Nutrition, fitness and rest make up health competency. Vocational competence involves work habits and career exploration. Adults cannot give young people competency, but we can provide opportunities for young people to build competency.

How can we help a young person build competence? First, we should allow youth to take on tasks where they can practice skills and succeed. It is important to break down larger tasks into smaller pieces. Help them learn to make decisions by considering the various possible outcomes. After a young person makes a decision, help them reflect on the decision and process due to the choice that was made. Young people need information to gain competency in areas like health. Role model positive health choices, but also explain why you make certain choices. For instance, instead of having a soda together, consider making smoothies and talk about the health benefits of different fruits, vegetables and other ingredients that you use. Consider doing something active together rather than a sedentary activity. Young people learn about careers by gaining exposure to different job possibilities. Allow a young person to shadow you at work or introduce young people to friends in different career fields.  

By helping a young person gain competence you contribute to positive youth development and help prepare a young person for success. The next article in this series will focus on the second C, confidence.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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August 29, 2018

August 29, 2018

Over the summer at ICAN, we spent a lot of time analyzing the program curriculum we are offering our youth members. We have to keep a careful balance in what we offer – having enticing activities that will attract youth to attend ICAN (and keep them coming once they do), and our evidence-based prevention programs that will teach youth life skills to break the culture of poverty that so many of them are living in. It can be very challenging to address such a wide variety of needs, without trying to be too many things to too many people – we must address their academic needs, we need to stay current with STEAM activities and we want to offer exciting recreational activities too. Recently, we took the extra step to define our youth activities into 5 program categories, helping to provide further clarity around what we offer and how that fits into our mission to provide free, comprehensive programs that empower youth to be productive, self-confident and responsible members of the community.

Our 5 categories closely follow the “5 C’s of Positive Youth Development Model,” which is a nationally-recognized youth engagement model that focuses not on “fixing” behavior problems, but building and nurturing all a child’s beliefs, behaviors, knowledge, attributes and skills. The result should be a healthy and successful childhood – leading to a healthy and successful adulthood. These categories are not only critical to organizations like ICAN, who are working with at-risk youth, but are a benefit to all parents who are trying hard to raise emotionally balanced and well-rounded kids.

The 5 C’s of Positive Youth Development (according to the NE Department of Health & Human Services) include:

Connection

A feeling of safety, structure, and belonging; positive bonds with people and social institutions.

Confidence

A sense of self-worth and mastery; having a belief in one’s capacity to succeed.

Character

Taking responsibility; a sense of independence and individuality; connection to principles and values.

Competence

The ability to act effectively at school, in social situations, and at work.

Contribution

Active participation and leadership in a variety of settings; making a difference.

Positive Youth Development (PYD) is the entire system of support (school, home, community) that builds upon the strengths of youth and recognizes the risky behavior they may exhibit. PYD involves youth as active agents – adults and youth work in partnership. Civic involvement is a big component of PYD and works best when every element of the community in involved (school, home, community).

ICAN has incorporated the 5 C’s of Youth Development and PYD in a number of ways.

• We have adopted a behavior management system designed to focus on the positive attributes in youth’s behavior.
• We offer a structured play model that encourages youth to practice real life skills through play.
• We offer hands-on learning that provides unique experiences and reinforces skill building.
• We emphasize staff and volunteers being strong role models for youth.
• Youth participate in community service projects – they not only participate in the activity, they help come up with what they are going to do and plan the components as well.
• Finally, youth have an opportunity each Friday to choose a recreational activity they would like to participate in. These activities range from soccer to karate, to “Girls Circle” which fosters self-esteem and helps girls maintain authentic connections with their peers.

If you are interested in learning more about positive youth development, visit engage.youth.gov for opportunities, support and tools for success.

Shelby Pedersen
CEO, ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth

Resources:
The 5 C’s of Youth Development
Key Principles of Positive Youth Development

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