The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

More than 300 Washington state youth and adults participated in this year’s WSU Extension 4-H Know Your Government Conference in Olympia. Teens from around the state took on the roles of attorneys, jurors, witnesses and reporters in mock trials February 14-17.

The conference began 30 years ago as an opportunity for teens to learn about the legislative process. Today, the hands-on educational conference reaches high school students throughout the state who learn leadership, citizenship and life skill development. The teens discovered how decision-making, critical thinking and public speaking skills can affect the proceedings. They came away knowing their lives can be changed depending on how someone argued a case or presented evidence.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires active citizenship to be effective,” said Linda Kirk Fox, associate vice president and dean of WSU Extension, at a legislative breakfast where teens were joined by their representatives and senators to discuss issues of local importance.

Local teens participating in the Conference were Rosemary and Reuben Patterson and Eric Chandler. Rosemary gave a presentation at the February 4-H Council meeting about what the teens did while in Olympia. She said that she recommends the conference to all teens and it was a “cool” experience.

The 4-H youth educational program is the only youth development program that has the access and support of higher education through faculty and specialist support. As a result, outcomes are long lasting and have deep impact on the health and well-being of all youth and families.

A recent study by Tufts University showed that youth participating in 4-H are 41 percent more likely to contribute to themselves, their families and their communities, compared to youth in other activities (28 percent) or no activities at all (17 percent).

As reported by 4-H volunteers, those involved in 4-H stay in school, are committed to their communities and exhibit pro-social behaviors that keep them out of trouble.

For more information about 4-H and all WSU Extension program contact the local county office in Cathlamet.