To view an audio news story version of this release, go to:
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/news/slides/citizenship/index.html.

TOPEKA, Kan. – Building skills in public speaking is commonly identified as a benefit of participating in 4-H programs. So, it’s no real surprise that 4-H members visiting Kansas’ capital this month weren’t shy about offering ideas to solve issues facing the state’s lawmakers.

A mock legislative session allowed the 4-H members to debate the issues and consider current legislation. It was a new feature for Kansas’ 4-H Citizenship in Action – a two-day youth conference that nearly doubled in participation this year, said Anthony Seiler, who, along with fellow Sedgwick County 4-H member Michelle Hill, co-chaired the Kansas 4-H Youth Council’s planning committee for the event.

“The conference offers an inside look at state government and encourages citizenship, leadership and service,” Seiler said. “Recent elections sparked an increasing interest in politics, and students are paying more attention, particularly to issues that will impact them.”

Seiler suggested the idea of adding the mock legislative session to the conference.

While creating this new opportunity, the planning committee identified the following as current high-interest issues for youth: 1) loss of state revenue and the subsequent budget crunch; 2) energy, including development of coal-fired plants; and 3) proposed changes in drivers’ license age requirements.

Teens from the planning team then researched the issues to prepare study sheets for discussion and debate prior to the mock legislative session, said Ryan Yenni, a McPherson County 4-H member who volunteered to research the state’s budget.

“It would seem like we have a lot of money, but it’s not enough,” said Yenni, who worked with state Rep. Clark Shultz from the 73rd District to do the homework. He put together a one-page handout on both appropriations and potential budgetary considerations.  

Thinking about millions and billions of dollars isn’t something to take lightly, Yenni said. Spending decisions require not only homework but also a vision of what the spending outcome will be.

Prior to the mock legislative session, discussion groups provided assorted ideas on the budget, ranging from a “Why can’t we print more money?” to a shift in the school week to four days with extended hours that would save on utilities and other costs, plus allow students a day to work.

The 4-H members participating in the discussions were not without passion. Ashley Fitzsimmons from Pratt County, for example, proved to be an engaged, articulate spokesperson for education and its ability to empower citizens to lead productive lives and contribute to their communities.

(Later, she also stepped up to the podium and spoke freely during the mock session in the House Chamber of the statehouse.)

While many of those in the discussion favored across-the-board budget cuts, most gained knowledge about budget categories and the difficult choices required in cutting funds for essential services to the state’s citizens and communities.       

Most also favored developing energy that would allow the state to meet its own needs and, perhaps, make up some of its budgetary deficit by selling energy to neighboring states.

Changes in drivers’ license age requirements and restrictions prompted wide-ranging discussion, as Seiler had expected: “Many, if not most of us know a young driver who was killed during our high school years.”

Yet, for many young people, the current license structure provides much-needed transportation to school and work. The 4-H members seemed more willing to review and update restrictions than to raise the qualifying age.

The 4-H Youth Council planning committee had worked with legislators to gain permission to hold the mock session in the newly refurbished House Chamber at the capitol, Seiler said.

Before that session began, Kansas Rep. Joshua Svaty from the 108th District introduced the conference goers to the elements within the chamber. He offered his perspectives on the historic building and on opportunities to learn more about state government and get involved in the governing process. Rep. Svaty is a former 4-H member and among the youngest representatives currently in the House.

The Kansas 4-H members attending the conference also had sessions that focused on tips for meeting new people and interacting with legislators and government leaders. They learned about etiquette, the political process and even ballroom dancing. In addition, they had opportunities to meet 4-H members from elsewhere in the state who share an interest in leadership, citizenship and service.

More information about 4-H Citizenship in Action and other 4-H youth development programs, projects and special events is available at county and district K-State Research and Extension offices, on the state Extension Web sites www.oznet.ksu.edu, and at the Kansas 4-H sit www.Kansas4-H.org.

 

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by: Nancy Peterson
nancyp@ksu.edu
K-State Research & Extension News

Justin Wiebers, 4-H Events Coordinator, is at 785-532-5800 or jwiebers@ksu.edu.