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4-H involves youth in government It’s one thing to sit in school and listen to instructors deliver lessons on how the federal and state governments were founded and function in modern times. It’s quite another thing to actually see government in action. Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development gives teens several opportunities to experience the governing of the United States and Iowa first hand. “I was amazed to learn that they were actually voting on a bill,” said high school junior Sydni Williams, as she described her visit to Washington D.C. as part of a 4-H program called Citizenship Washington Focus. Williams also has participated in the annual 4-H Day at the Iowa Legislature. “I got to meet two of our local legislators, and we also got a chance to debate an issue,” she said. To students like Williams, 4-H has provided valuable opportunities and experiences that have helped her build the confidence needed to work in leadership roles. “I’m my junior class president, a student representative for the Storm Lake Community Education Board and a member of the Northwest Area Youth 4-H Council,” Williams said. “I would not have the organizational skills I have today without 4-H. It helped me get out of my box and out of my comfort zone.” Lee Schoof, a senior at South
O’Brien High School in Paullina,
shared William’s sentiment about 4-H and the 4-H legislative day. “Legislative
day builds a chain between youth and adults. It gives 4-H’ers
the opportunity to speak with our legislators and share ideas.” |
The Extension Connection is a quarterly publication of Iowa State University Extension. Laura Sternweis, editor, lsternwe@iastate.edu Nondiscrimination statement and information disclosures Last update:April 2005
* Plant-based resources build Iowa's bioeconomy * Extension increases effort to help Iowans slim down * Learning at Lakeside Laboratory goes year-round * Producers get answers to soybean rust questions * Business assistance keeps work and profits flowing into Iowa * Tax school delivers ISU teaching in communities * Support program helps military families cope * Caregivers empowered when communities offer 'Tools' program |
Laura
Kuennen, a member of the Iowa 4-H State Council, meets with her legislator,
Rep. Linda Upmeyer, House District 12, during 4-H Day at the Legislature.