4-H focuses on Washington

PETERSBURG - Two of Petersburg 4-H Teen Leaders, Breanna Vinson and Kandace Kimber, were part of the Virginia State University Delegation that learned about government processes in the vibrant, living classroom of the nation's capital as part of Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), an intensive 4-H civic engagement program for high-school youth held at the National

4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, MD from Sunday, June 17 thru Saturday, June 23, 2012.

"What an experience this was for our teens," stated Petersburg's 4-H Agent, Sharon F. Mallory, who served as a chaperone. "There was so much for the teens and adults to do and learn. We visited basically all of the monuments and memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Cathedral, and the Shakespeare Theatre of George Washington University. We were able to visit and speak with Senator Jim Webb and Congressman Randy Forbes on that Wednesday, which was designated as Capitol Hill Day. We also sat in both the House of Representative and United States Senate Galleries to witness first-hand the political process of the House and Senate. The educational pieces on healthy living, communication, government, open-mindedness, talent and responsibility were established as committee, in which each committee had to come up with an action plan to develop steps to carry back to their communities."

For more than 50 years, National 4-H Youth Conference Center has invited 4-H members from across the country to travel to Washington, DC and participate in civic workshops, committees, and field trips before returning home to make positive changes in their own communities. CWF not only strengthens young people's understanding of the government's civic process, but it also boosts their leadership skills, communication skills, and overall confidence.

"CWF is a great opportunity for young people to come together, talk about the problems they see in their communities, and identify solutions to make their communities stronger," said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., National 4-H Council President and CEO. "The experiences these young people gain during CWF gives them the proper tools and confidence to become successful, articulate leaders in the future."

If you would like more information about this or any other opportunity that the Petersburg 4-H has to offer, please contact Sharon F. Mallory, Extension Agent, specializing in 4-H Youth Development with the Virginia Cooperative Extension-Petersburg Office, at 804-733-1880 or email smallory@vt.edu. You may also visit us on the web at http://offices.ext.vt.edu/petersburg/.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Petersburg Extension Office at 804-733-1880 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. (*TDD number (800) 828-1120)

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status; an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments.