eM2778 - 4-H Youth Development Program - Washington State ...

WSU ExtEnSion 4-h Know your governMent conFerence 2010
Lobbying
for Change
By Betsy Fradd, WSU Extension 4-H
it’s a civics experience that transforms high school
students into young adult activists. the 2010 wsu
extension 4-h Know your government conference challenged
teens to pick bills currently under consideration
in the legislature and take a stand. the “lobbying for
change” mandate found youth arguing both sides
of controversial bills including human trafficking, the
death penalty, and firearms safety.
rayla, 16, spoke in favor of gun safety classes in
schools. “i was surprised to learn that anyone could
speak about a bill before the legislature,” said the
clarkston resident. “now, if there’s an issue that could
affect me, i would definitely stand up and speak about
it—in my community and at the state level.”
over 250 teens came from around the state for the
four-day event in olympia. they lobbied bills in mock
committee hearings in both the house and senate.
votes were taken, amendments passed, and in the end
11 out of the original 35 bills were approved.
naturally fed beef standards labeling was an issue
important to 18-year old Jeremy of tacoma.
“the conference gives me an inside look at how our
legislature works. it allows us all to voice our opinions
and creates the best solution for the largest amount
of people.”
teens heard from experienced lobbyists about
working with decision-makers and the myriad of methods
used to exert influence. at the annual legislative
Breakfast lieutenant governor Brad owen defined
2
an effective lobbyist as a person who has “respect,
knowledge, persistence, and determination.”
capitol tours, meetings with legislators, and visits
to state buildings were also part of the Know your
government experience. youth learned first-hand how
lobbyists can impact legislation.
“our youth delegates discover how critical thinking,
communication, and decision making are part of
the lobbying process,” said Jan Klein, wsu extension
4-h state teen leadership coordinator. “their actions
and involvement strengthen their skills as responsible,
contributing citizens.”
uPcoMing 4-h conFerences
4-H Know Your Government
Conference 2011
Politics and the Media
February 19–22, 2011, olympia
the Know your government (Kyg) conference serves
to strengthen the connection between youth and our
political and social networks through education, experience,
application, and inspiration. this connection will
motivate delegates to be participants in democracy.
this year’s focus will be on how the media and politics
intertwine to inform the public on issues and solutions.
youth will produce a media piece and learn how to
initiate positive action in their communities.
4-H Summer Teen Conference
June 26–28, 2011, wsu Pullman
reach your full leadership potential, have fun, and
experience college life at the summer teen conference
in Pullman. this three-day program features action-filled
activities, educational workshops, national speakers,
college and career information, and recreation. live
in dorms on the washington state university campus,
learn about college life, and meet others from across
the state to network and share new experiences.