Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
4/4/00
Contacts:
Shirley A. Stakey, 4-H Program Specialist, (515) 294-1531,
x1stakey@exnet.iastate.edu
Tracy Petersen, Extension Communication Specialist, (515)
294-5672, tracyp@iastate.edu
Poweshiek County Youth Engaged in Creation of National Program
AMES, Iowa -- A Searsboro, Iowa youth was selected to participate on the National Health, Wellness, and Safety Design Team that met at the National 4-H Council Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Md.
Lauren Hughes, daughter of Russell and Sheri Hughes, was one of 25 4-H'ers named to the team. Her selection was based on her essay explaining health issues she perceived as a concern for youth in her community as well as her ideas to address these concerns.
"A lot of times you can walk away from meetings wondering if anything will ever get done," said Hughes. "I left there with a feeling that real action was going to be taken and that we made a difference."
Traditionally, youth have not been engaged in programs to promote their well being or had opportunities to voice concerns dealing with health policy development. "We feel that youth must be full partners in the development and implementation of health programs relative to youth and their families," said Britt Miller, National 4-H Council Project Director.
Team members focused on one of the following topics: substance abuse, violence, safety, and work/family life. After understanding the issues surrounding their topic, members helped develop strategies that can be used as they work with youth and adults in their own communities.
Hughes has served on the state 4-H council, the 1996 National 4-H congress and the 1997 4-H congress design team during her nine years as a 4-H member in Poweshiek County. She is a senior at Iowa State University majoring in Zoology/Pre-medicine.
lmc
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.