USU Extension 4-H Members to Participate in Mock Legislature

By Shelby Ruud | April 14, 2016

4-H Mock LegislatureUtah State University Extension 4-H youth will learn first-hand about the lawmaking process in a mock legislative session at the Utah State Capitol building on April 19.

The 4-H members will present and debate real bills from the 2016 legislative session on the House floor of the Utah State Capitol. Youth practice the entire legislative process by studying bills prior to the event, presenting or sponsoring the bills, presenting the bills in committee and passing or rejecting the bills on the House floor.

“By participating in Mock Legislature, youth get a hands-on experience that helps them understand the legislative process and shows them it’s really not that scary,” said Crag Dart, USU Extension 4-H ambassador advisor. “It helps them realize they can be involved in government and it’s actually fun.” 

Dart said youth also gain valuable life skills such as public speaking, debating, conflict resolution, negotiating, critical thinking and disagreeing in a civil manner.

State Representative Paul Ray of Davis County, along with members of the Office of Legislative Research, sponsor the event and will join other Utah senators and representatives in observing the proceedings.

The citizenship mission of the 4-H program empowers young people to be well informed and actively engaged in their communities and the world.

For more information about USU Extension 4-H youth programs, visit utah4h.org.

 

Writer: Shelby Ruud Shelby.ruud@usu.edu
Contact: Craig Dart craig.dart@usu.edu