By RACHEL PIENTA
Special to The Sun
A delegation of 4-H youth and chaperones traveled to Tallahassee to learn about the legislative process on Tuesday, February 6.
Youth were greeted at the State Capitol by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Wilton Simpson. 4-H members Bonnie Christal, Jenniffer Masters, Vanessa Elderkin, Caden Gruebel, Jace Perez, Helena Skipper, Ryder Tapp, Gentry Turner, Lakelyn Turner, Mason Turner, Cory Wilson, Ellianna Wilson participated in the annual 4-H Day at the Capitol with 1,000 4-H delegates from around the state.
The day’s itinerary included tours of the House and Senate Chambers. In the House of Representatives’ Chamber, youth were greeted by State Rep. Allison Tant, who spoke briefly about the impact of 4-H across the state.
In the Senate Chambers, 4-H youth were led through a mock legislative exercise and were able to use the voting machines to cast a vote on the Senate Chamber floor.
The delegation members were able to experience the view from the 22nd floor of the Capitol Building and toured the Old Capitol Museum.
4-H Day at the Capitol is one of several programs that teach youth about active citizenship and the legislative process. Youth ages 13 to 18 are invited to participate in the statewide virtual 4-H club “Leap into Legislature” this spring, starting February 26.
The virtual club will prepare 4-H members for the Florida 4-H Legislature experience, a one-week summer camp where high school age youth are immersed in learning about government. The virtual club will guide youth through learning about citizenship, the three branches of government, how a bill becomes a law, civil discourse, understanding self and others, and other related life skills including communication.
Not a 4-H member yet? 4-H agent Dr. Rachel Pienta says, “There is still time to have a great 4-H experience this spring. Membership is only $20 and opens the door to many robust 4-H experiences.”
High school age 4-H members are eligible to participate in 4-H Legislature this summer. The Florida 4-H Legislature program provides an opportunity for teen 4-H members to have a “learn by doing” experience in state government each summer.
During this event, 4-H’ers will serve as Florida 4-H senators, representatives, lobbyists, media correspondents, Lt. Governor, or Governor in a “mock” style experience. 4-H participants will get to experience what it takes for laws to be considered and passed or vetoed in a model legislative session at the Florida State Capitol. The program is a one-week residential “camp” in Tallahassee. The purpose of Florida 4-H Legislature is to provide an experience that prepares 4-H members for leadership in the American democratic process. Each participant learns, practices, and defends the theory and process of representing citizens and making public policy. Wakulla 4-H has limited scholarships available to help 4-H members participate in this program. Youth must be enrolled in 4-H to apply for a scholarship.
For more information, reach out to the Wakulla Extension office at 850-926-3931 or contact Dr. Pienta at r.pienta@ufl.edu.
