District 4-H Members Participate in Citizenship in Action

by Daphne Manning, 4-H Program Coordinator, Mankato Office

Citizenship in Action(CIA) is an opportunity for Kansas youth to learn about how the state legislative process works, how their voice and participation in decision-making can make a difference in their communities, and for legislators to see the positive impacts of 4-H. This year’s CIA was held in Topeka at the Kansas State Capitol on February 16 and 17. The three delegates from Post Rock District who attended were Emily Cox, Jared Long, and Sidney Odle. 

L to R:  Emily Cox, Mankato; Jared Long and Sidney Odle, Beloit.

 
Upon arrival at the Capitol Plaza Hotel, they were assigned to either the Senate or House committees. An hour was spent in legislative writing sessions to prepare bills to be discussed, debated, and voted on in the Senate and House chambers later that evening at the state capitol building. The legislation under discussion was: a bill to have the elderly tested for safer driving, a bill to require drug testing to receive welfare benefits, a bill to require a doctor’s approval to return to athletic activities following ALL injuries, and a bill to access a fine to owners/farmers if their livestock get out of their confined area.

The 4-H youth were also encouraged to invite their respective legislators to the banquet on Sunday evening, or to meet with them at the capitol building on Monday to discuss their involvement with 4-H and their role with the state government. Emily, Jared and Sidney each met with their respective House members, and the three met with their area Senator. The two days were an excellent learning quest, and one they will not soon forget.