CWF: Citizenship Washington Focus

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a 4-H leadership and civic engagement program for high school youth (completed grades 9-12 at the time of the trip). Each summer teens gather at the National 4-H Conference Center to learn what it means to be a strong leader in their community, country, and world. 

Objectives for the program are: 

  • Strengthen communication, leadership, and other citizenship skills on a national level
  • Understand the importance of civic and social responsibilities as they relate to the development of better citizens and leaders
  • Exchange ideas, practice respect, and form friendships with other youth from diverse backgrounds
  • Experience hands-on learning using the historical backdrop of our nation’s capital city, Washington, D.C.

These objectives are met through pre-trip education, speakers, workshops, daily excursions to view national sites, a day at the Capitol with elected officials, and a delegate designed and implemented action plan.

Citizenship Washington Focus brings together 4-H members from across the country. Read more from the national CWF website. 

2021 Virtual Experience

Informational Flyer

Open to 9-12th grade 4-H members. Sessions will take place once a week, for 5 weeks, beginning Sunday, June 20, 2021. Each week will explore new topics in these areas:

  • Week 1: June 20 - 6-9 PM ET – Empathy, Active Listening & Civil Discourse
  • Week 2: June 27 - 6-9 PM ET – Exploring National Topics
  • Week 3: June 5 - 6-9 PM ET – A Local Focus
  • Week 4: July 11 - 6-9 PM ET – Change Making Strategies
  • Week 5: July 18 - 6-9 PM ET– Action Plan Symposium ​​​​​​​
     
  • Delegates will take part in workshops and simulations with the group and work with their delegations or workshop groups throughout the week offline on various activities and projects.
  • Workshops will have elements of current CWF curriculum, as well as possible additions from the CWF:PI program.
  • Registration fee will be under $250 per youth and is open to current 9-12th grade 4-H members.
  • Registration is now open in 4HOnline through the events tab. Deadline to register is June 1st.
  • Registration will be limited to 30 Iowa delegates.

Youth Registration

Registration is NOW OPEN in 4HOnline through the events tab. Deadline to register is June 11. ​​​​​​​

How to Register in 4HOnline:

  • Login to your 4hOnline account (https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in)
  • From the Member List Screen, click on the “Events” list on the left-hand side.
  • Select “YOUR EVENT THAT YOU ARE ATTENDING” and then the family member attending.
  • Follow the prompts to complete. You will receive an email confirming you have submitted your registration.
  • ​​​​​​​Youth are encouraged to apply for financial assistance through the Iowa 4-H Foundation.​​​​​​​ Financial Aid Application--due May 1-June 15