For the Reporter

Five King County 4-H members from Kent/Covington, Enumclaw, Federal Way and Issaquah joined more than 200 teens from throughout the state for the WSU 4-H Know Your Government (KYG) Conference over Presidents’ Day weekend.

The annual conference connects youth with our political and governmental process by rotating the focus on the legislative, executive and judicial branches and the influence of media. This year’s legislative topic was Lobbying for Change: How a Bill Becomes a Law.

Prior to the conference, the teens worked in county delegations to learn how a bill becomes a law, create a bill related to an issue of their choice, and prepare a case for enacting their bill. The King County 4-H members chose House Bill 1830 related to penalties for harming dog guides, service animals, and on-duty search and rescue dogs.

During the conference, the bills were brought together where the teen delegates became lobbyists to pass their county bill via mock Senate and House sessions. Although their bill did not pass, they gained appreciation for work required to turn an idea into a law while having great fun and making new friends from across the state.

The conference was packed with fun and educational events. Between county caucuses, lobbyist meetings, and committee hearings, the youth delegates and adult volunteers found time to clean up Decauter Woods Park, as a community service project. They also enjoyed several social activities including a scavenger hunt, fun challenges and a choice of dance, movie, or games. Check out more conference photographs on the Washington State 4-H Facebook page.

The 4-H Youth Development Program engages youth in interest-driven learning through hands-on projects (e.g., computer and robotics technology, visual and performance arts, plant and animal science, etc.).

Visit http://4h.wsu.edu/ or call 206-205-3100 or 206-205-3154 for more information about 4-H opportunities and the 2015 KYG conference, which will examine politics and the media.