4-H’ers from across Pennsylvania took over seats in the state legislature during the 44th annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Capital Days, an annual citizenship awareness event that was held April 13-15 at the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers. Four teens from Clearfield County were in attendance at this event. Clearfield County 4-H members in attendance were Yvonne Bush of DuBois, Megan Junod of Mahaffey, and Katie McAndrew of Brockway. Both Yvonne and Katie are members of the Town & County 4-H Horse and Pony Club and Megan is a member of the Harmony 4-H Club. Also attending was Abby Dressler of Rockton, who is currently serving on the Pennsylvania State 4-H Council. I also accompanied the youth to Harrisburg and conducted a key note presentation on What Not to Wear, which highlighted dress code guidelines for youth when attending state 4-H events.
The goal of the two-day program is to introduce 4-H’ers to Pennsylvania government through a series of hands-on, interactive experiences, says Phil Hoy, youth program management coordinator in Penn State's department of agricultural and extension education. “Participants will learn how laws are passed by participating in a mock legislative session. They are grouped into the majority and minority parties to discuss their party’s stand on the issues, and then come together as full house and vote on three bills that include issues such as nutrition labeling, dog laws, and environmental issues.”
Other activities included being welcomed by Representative Scott Conklin, closing remarks from former acting governor Mark Singel, and being introduced to approximately 14 participating agencies and organizations to see how these agencies fit within state government structure. They will also participated in workshops on Pennsylvania’s legislative process, meet and talk with other state government officials, and learn the importance of the private citizen's vote.
“This event introduces youth to an experience that they typically would not be exposed to in a traditional classroom setting. Our planning committee is made up of returning teen, volunteers, and extension educators. The Pennsylvania 4-H State Council served as master of ceremonies as well as conducting the mock legislative sessions. This helps us to illustrate the importance of the 4-H experience in leadership and citizen development,” says Hoy.
"4-H Capital Days is one of several opportunities for Pennsylvania’s youth to learn to be engaged with their communities,” states Christy Bartley, state 4-H program leader. “4-H members learn about local, state, and national governments through several opportunities during the program year.” 4-H partnered with Representative Scott Conklin to plan and implement this year’s event.
Picturered above from left to right is Mr. Paul Wambach, who attended on behalf of Camille “Bud" George, Megan Junod, Yvonne Bush, and Katie McAndrew. Missing from photo is Abby Dressler.
The goal of the two-day program is to introduce 4-H’ers to Pennsylvania government through a series of hands-on, interactive experiences, says Phil Hoy, youth program management coordinator in Penn State's department of agricultural and extension education. “Participants will learn how laws are passed by participating in a mock legislative session. They are grouped into the majority and minority parties to discuss their party’s stand on the issues, and then come together as full house and vote on three bills that include issues such as nutrition labeling, dog laws, and environmental issues.”
Other activities included being welcomed by Representative Scott Conklin, closing remarks from former acting governor Mark Singel, and being introduced to approximately 14 participating agencies and organizations to see how these agencies fit within state government structure. They will also participated in workshops on Pennsylvania’s legislative process, meet and talk with other state government officials, and learn the importance of the private citizen's vote.
“This event introduces youth to an experience that they typically would not be exposed to in a traditional classroom setting. Our planning committee is made up of returning teen, volunteers, and extension educators. The Pennsylvania 4-H State Council served as master of ceremonies as well as conducting the mock legislative sessions. This helps us to illustrate the importance of the 4-H experience in leadership and citizen development,” says Hoy.
"4-H Capital Days is one of several opportunities for Pennsylvania’s youth to learn to be engaged with their communities,” states Christy Bartley, state 4-H program leader. “4-H members learn about local, state, and national governments through several opportunities during the program year.” 4-H partnered with Representative Scott Conklin to plan and implement this year’s event.
Picturered above from left to right is Mr. Paul Wambach, who attended on behalf of Camille “Bud" George, Megan Junod, Yvonne Bush, and Katie McAndrew. Missing from photo is Abby Dressler.
1 comment:
can you please post a list of senators and which way each one voted on the Pa smoking ban - 246?
thank you,
dawn naret'
dawnnaret@gmail.com
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