Know Your Government 2009
Teens Become Judges, Lawyers, and Jurors at WSU 4-H Conference in Olympia
2/24/09
Ferry County 4-H had a delegation of 9 4-H members, 2 leader chaperones, and our local 4-H Agent represent our County at the annual 4-H KYG (Know Your Government) Teen Conference in Olympia February 14-17, 2009. They joined nearly 300 youth and adults from around the state to learn how the judicial process works. Teen participants took on the roles of attorneys, jurors, witnesses, and reporters in mock trials.
Washington Supreme Court Justice Richard Sanders addressed delegates on Saturday. On Monday, mock trials began with opening statements and prosecution at the Thurston County Courthouse from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The defense and closing statements take place from 1:30 – 3:30. Eight judges from Thurston and Kitsap counties oversaw the mock trials. Local attorneys mentored teens who acted as lawyers and witnesses. Officers of the Washington State Patrol at the Red Lion Hotel gave workshops covering forensics and handwriting analysis to the delegates from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Lawmakers at the Legislative Breakfast joined the teens at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Washington State University President Dr. Elson Floyd was the keynote speaker at the Olympia Red Lion Hotel.
The 4-H Know Your Government Conference is a hands-on educational opportunity for youth ages 14 -18. Over 75,000 youth participate in 4-H programs statewide in areas in areas including science, leadership, service learning, the arts, and technology. The teens had an opportunity to meet with Senator Bob Morton and Representative Joel Kretz to discuss local issues that are important to them.
Funding for this program is through the teens and their clubs, through their 4-H Enhancement Fund, Microsoft Corp., and Ferry County Community Mobilization.
More information about teen leadership programs or KYG.
2/6/09
Saturday, February 14th will see 11 4-H’ers, 2 4-H Volunteers & the 4-H Agent hitting the road to Olympia to represent Ferry County at the statewide 4-H KYG (Know Your Government Conference). They have been preparing for the conference by attending four pre-conference meetings. During these meetings they have been learning “hands on” about the judicial system including having Mike Sandona, Ferry County Prosecutor, as a guest speaker and trainer.
One of the highlights of this conference is the Legislative Breakfast that will take place on Tuesday morning. This provides teens the opportunity to sit down and discuss issues important to our area with Senator and Representatives. The Statewide KYG 4-H Conference teaches teens how state government works as each year there is a different theme. This year, they will all have roles to prepare for in “mock trials” to be held with actual sitting judges.
Funding for this program to allow this large of representation of Ferry County is through the Ferry County Community Mobilization 4-H Healthy Alternatives for Youth Project, Kinross Gold Corp., 4-H Enhancement fund, Microsoft Corporation, and WSU Ferry County Extension. To learn more about teen leadership opportunities through the 4-H program contact the WSU Ferry County Extension 4-H office at 509-775-5235 or stop by our office located in the basement of the Courthouse at 350 E. Delaware Ave. Republic, WA. 4-H is a WSU Extension program, which is available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
