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Texas teens gather at Capitol for State 4-H CongressTexas The Texas 4-H Congress convenes at the State Capitol in mid-July, bringing together some 283 young delegates from across the state. Participants will learn about state government by acting like elected state leaders, legislators, lobbyists and news reporters. "This is our premiere leadership program in 4-H," said Dr. Toby Lepley, who coordinates the Congress July 13 to 16. "The kids get involved in role-playing situations that call upon their skills as speakers, debaters, negotiators and collaborators. They get a good sense of what the legislative process involves, and for some it's a life-changing experience." Lepley said 20 to 30 delegates from each Congress typically seek additional experiences in a legislative setting, such as serving in internships, becoming full-time aides to senators or representatives, or working to influence legislation as lobbyists. At the Capitol, the 4-H delegates debate in the House and Senate chambers the legislation that they've drafted themselves. Bills that are passed are sent to the 4-H Congress governor, who this year is Loni Woolley of Johnson County. Those bills that she signs will eventually be presented to Gov. Rick Perry, to give him an idea about what these young people see as important issues affecting the state, Lepley said. "From time to time, we will see a 4-H Congress proposal receive serious consideration by our state leaders," Lepley said, recalling, for example, that a 4-H measure to enhance the use of wildflowers along the sides of state highways led to actual legislation that made it happen. Texas 4-H, which is the youth development program of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, has held the Congress on alternating years for 4-H members ages 15 to 18 since 1980. The Congress has been supported by four major donors: Blue Bell Creameries, the R.S.M.I.S. Foundation, the Ed Rachel Foundation and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Texas 4-H this year marks its 100th anniversary; each year it engages more than 640,000 young people in an array of pursuits aimed at learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. For more information, check the 4-H Congress Web site at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/events/txcongress/index.html.
Date: 7/14/08
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