Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
3/12/02
Contacts:
Brenda Allen, 4-H Youth Development, (515) 294-1567, bsallen@iastate.edu
Tracy S. Petersen, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)
294-9915
Iowa Representatives Attend National Youth Development Conversation
AMES, Iowa -- Nineteen delegates representing Iowa 4-H Youth Development attended the National 4-H Centennial Conversation on Youth Development Feb. 28 to March 2 in Washington, D.C. The statewide delegation was comprised of 4-H members, adult volunteers, and members of the state 4-H staff.
The delegates were selected from among the 280 Iowans who participated in the state conversation in Ames in January. The state conversation outlined a youth development initiative for Iowa.
Delegates at the national conversation created an action plan centered on five youth development themes: power of youth; access, equity, and opportunity; extraordinary places to live and learn; effective organizational systems; and exceptional people, innovative practices.
The national policy for youth development will be presented to President Bush and Congress, according to Brenda Allen, Iowa 4-H youth specialist and a delegate to the national conversation.
"In Iowa, our two main goals are to present priorities created at the state conversation to the governor and state legislature and to create a combined list of youth resources and programs so organizations know what's available," Allen said.
In addition, the delegates heard from a variety of speakers, including Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman, Olympic gold medalist Rulon Gardner and WNBA player Jackie Stiles.
"The conversations were sponsored by 4-H as a part of our gift back to the nation, and as a way to recognize the Iowa 4-H centennial anniversary," Allen said.
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