Maine 4-H Delegation Attends Citizenship Washington Focus
Contact: Mary Dinsmore, Pine Tree State 4_H Foundation,
Phone 207-581-3327, Fax 207-581-1387, mdinsmore@umext.maine.edu
ORONO, Me. –During the week of July 9-15, 20 Maine youth delegates attended the National 4-H Program Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), in Washington D.C. The motto of the program, “Better Citizens Today, Better Leaders Tomorrow”was reflected in the CWF itinerary, which included visits to memorials, educational tours, leadership workshops, and motivational speakers.
CWF provides many young people with their first trip to the nation’s capitol, so National 4-H provides each group with a guide to lead them through the city. The guides are college students and most are former 4-H’ers; they undertake extensive training to become licensed tour guides so they can educate the visiting groups. The 20Maine delegates, their guide and three chaperones participated in a busy week of activities. Most days featured activities from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.
The Maine delegation visited places such as Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Ford’s Theatre, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial and the Washington Monument. They also took a night tour of the city, viewing the Roosevelt Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial.
On Wednesday, young people from every attending state flooded Capitol Hill to meet their senators and representatives. The Maine delegation was able to speak with each of their Sen. Olympia Snowe, Sen. Susan Collins and with U.S. Rep. Tom Allen “It was an honor to meet with a group of young people who take such an active interest in government, citizenship, and public service,” Allen said. “Students like these are the leaders of tomorrow”
Two interns in Allen’s office gave the Maine delegation a tour of Capitol Hill, including an opportunity to watch Congress in session.
The delegates say that thoroughly enjoyed meeting and speaking with the political leaders, and sentiments were mutual.
“I was pleased to meet with such a wonderful group of young people and to hear them tell me about their experiences in 4-H,” Collins said. “It is clear that 4-H is helping these students develop into our leaders of tomorrow by teaching them priceless life-long skills centered around teamwork, citizenship, and the benefits of community service.”
In addition to touring Capitol Hill and meeting with elected officials, the delegation also participated in a mock government activity. At the start of the week, every delegate signed up to participate on a committee in subject areas including communications, government, citizenship, and youth in governance. Delegates participated in mock senate sessions, created and debated bills, and even planned a presidential election. Individual candidates determined their stance on a variety of issues and then defended their opinions before all CWF participants. At the end of the week, delegates voted for their favorite candidate. All this activity was reported on by the communications committee.
Behn Brooks, a delegate from Standish, said, “It [CWF] was a great experience both educationally and socially, enriching me in more ways than one.” CWF teaches young people to appreciate their role as U.S. citizens, better understand their government, and learn to be leaders in their communities, Brooks says.
A full list of the participants and their hometowns:
Emily Ambrose – Morrill
Krista Bailey – Wiscasset
Abigail Baker – Union
Erica Barrows – Union
Seth Bell – Waterford
Chlorissa Blood – East Dixfield
Behn Brooks – Standish
Tyler Brooks – Standish
Michaela Davis – Gray
Morgan Gavett – Bridgton
Holli Googins – Gray
Hattie Gushee-Kimball – Fryeburg
Marjorie Hardy – Farmington
Alyssa Kenney – Gray
Patrick Lindsey – Winthrop
Norman Miller – Richmond
Vincent Nelson – Thorndike
Samantha Paradis – Frenchville
Morgan Turner – Jay
Arlene McCrary – Linneus
The Maine 4-H program grew out of early 20th-century boys and girls clubs, which were folded into University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s work in 1914. Since that date, 4-H has continued to set the standard in youth development, helping Maine’s young people acquire the knowledge, life skills, leadership abilities, and attitudes necessary for lifetime success. Young people can become involved in 4-H through school enrichment programs, 4-H camps, and county UMaine Extension offices. Visit the Cooperative Extension website for more information.
4-H is University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s youth development program. The Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization that provides financial and organizational support to 4-H clubs throughout Maine.