Three attend 2000 4-H Forum in Jefferson City recently

The 2000 4-H Youth Forum was held June 27-29 at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. There were 140 4-H youth participating in this event. Attending from Daviess County were 4-H members Brook Carder, Wilson Tolen and chaperone Sherri Carder.

The workshops provide 4-Hers a chance to learn about the Missouri legislative and judicial processes. In the Legislative Tract members learn to introduce, debate and decide legislation through mock committee hearings and proceedings on the floor of the Missouri House of representatives. State Representatives are available to help with this process.

The Judicial Tract debates and hears court cases of interest to youth in a mock session of the Missouri Supreme Court. Members of the Missouri Bar Association provides assistance with this tract.

The media portion of the workshop involves meeting and working with media staff who represent print, radio, and television enterprises. The 4-Hers then go out and report on the activities of state government through the use of print, video and radio.

Sherri Carder helped with the Video track. Brook and Wilson participated in the radio track. They got tips from KRCG-TV reporter Mike Roberts and Michael Downey and David Owen of KJLU Radio Station. Brook was fortunate enough to get to interview Lt. Governor Roger Wilson in his office at the State Capitol. She also interviewed Andy Wilkinson of Gallatin who is on staff in the Lt. Governors office.

Brook also led the pledge to the American Flag before the opening session in the Capital Rotunda. Book and Wilson toured the Capitol and The Governors Mansion. While they were at the Capitol a bill was being signed for appropriation for the Disabled.

The 4-Hers also put items in a time capsule to be opened 30 years from now. Other activities included a picnic, swimming, dancing, and a story teller, who told of the Lewis and Clark adventure.

Missouri’s 4-H programs reach about 150,000 youth annually. Some 15,000 volunteer leaders work with the 4-H programs. 4-H is the youth and volunteer education program of University Outreach and Extension, University of Missouri and Lincoln University.

The 4-H Clubs are open to all persons. Every child and family has an equal opportunity to participate in 4-H. 4-H Clubs help young people learn to be better citizens. The 4-H Motto is “To Make the Best Better” and the 4-H slogan is “Learn to Do By Doing.”

If you have any questions about 4-H or becoming a 4-H member contact the Daviess County Extension Office at 660-663-3232 located in the courthouse in Gallatin.