PUYALLUP, Wash. – Nearly 300 Washington state teens from 27 counties will learn how the election process works at the annual 4-H Know Your Government Conference in Olympia, Feb. 16-19.
Participants will explore different political parties, the nomination process and develop resolutions to produce a party platform. At the conclusion, a Know Your Government Governor will be elected from a field of 20 nominees.
A variety of speakers will offer the perspectives on elections.
Anitra Beruti, a political consultant and a former 4-H member, will talk about taking an active role in citizen democracy at 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16.
Dave Ross, KIRO radio host and commentator, will discuss his bid for the U.S. Senate at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17.
Amanda Vert from the Secretary of State’s Office will speak on the importance of youth involvement in elections at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18.
The teens will be joined by lawmakers at a Legislative Breakfast at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19.
All events will take place at the Red Lion Hotel.
The 4-H Know Your Government Conference is a hands-on educational opportunity for youth ages 14-18. Over 80,000 youth participate in 4-H programs statewide in areas in areas including leadership, service learning, the arts, science and technology.
View the conference agenda here: https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/4/2010/03/conference-agenda-highlights.doc.
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(Note to media: Participants will becoming from the following counties: Asotin, Benton, Clallam, Clark, Ferry, Franklin, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Kittatas, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, Walla Walla, Whatcom, and Yakima.)