Citizenship Education for 4-H Youth
The 4-H program values a “learn-by-doing approach to help youth gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens.” In support of this mission, citizenship education is one of three core components of the Florida 4-H Program which offers excellent opportunities for youth to learn first-hand how to be active citizens.
4-H Day at the Capitol
4-H Day at the Capitol is a fun and effective means of introducing 4-H members to state government. In 2018, more than 850 youth gathered in Tallahassee to visit with local representatives and senators and share how the 4-H program has impacted them. Additional citizenship education activities included capitol tours, museum visits and observing lawmakers at work during house and senate sessions. The 2019 4-H Day at the Capitol is scheduled for April 4th and Orange County 4-H members are eagerly anticipating meeting elected officials and learning first-hand about Florida government.
Florida 4-H Legislature
One of the premier leadership and citizenship opportunities available to teens in Florida is 4-H Legislature. Participants ages 13 and older spend a week at the state capitol role-playing positions in the legislative and executive branches in order to experience the “real-world” process of a bill becoming a law. Youth may also take on the role of lobbyist or reporter to better understand outside influences on the process. The entire event is planned by teens including the slate of bills to be considered each year. Florida 4-H Legislature takes place during the last week of June in 2019.
Get Involved
One of the most effective ways to encourage active citizenship is to give youth confidence through first-hand experiences. The 4-H program has been providing these experiences to youth since 1902 and still supports that mission today. For more information about getting involved in Orange County visit http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/orange/4-H-Youth-Development/ or email us at Orange4H@ifas.ufl.edu.
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